Alternator Cleaning?

[cwestra]

My engine should look like new when I am finished painting all the parts, but what is the best way to get the alternator to look like new again?  I don't want it to stick out like a sore thumb when I have everything together.

[Topcat]

My engine should look like new when I am finished painting all the parts, but what is the best way to get the alternator to look like new again?  I don't want it to stick out like a sore thumb when I have everything together.

I took mine apart and wire brushed the outer casings with wire brushes that are about the size of large tooth brushes. I bought the 3 brush kit from HF.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40439

Once apart, you can paint the inner portion with a glyptal paint. Or match a krylon similiar color to it. Comes out looking brand new again this way. Painting the outer case doesn't look authentic and it gets inside if you do it while its together. Youcan buy the pulley remover from Harbor Freight as well. Alternators aren't hard to take apart and put back together.