OK, so I've only seen one other Mini with the works strut bar besides mine (yeah, I don't get out much ) and it also had corrosion on it. Appears to start at the ends and creep inwards.. Anyone else have this problem?

 

I had some over the entire length used Mother's metal polish and it cleaned it up like new.

 

Thanks, I'll give that a whirl, but I'm wondering if there is a more permanent fix also. I "believe" there is a clear powdercoat available now, I am going to look into it.. Shame it doesn't come protected already...

 

you are mounting a piece of aluminum on steel in a wet, salty environment. it's not a matter of it it will corrode, but when. bimetallic corrosion for sure

 

I went out today and looked at mine. It was a bit dull so I used Mothers Billet Polish and with a bit of effort, brought the bar back to new. That said I see no corrosion on mine anywhere.

Rich

 

Err, wet salty? If that was the case, all the rest of the aluminum would corrode on the car, and there is tons of it.. But no, only the strut brace is corroding worse than any aluminum on my boats... Sorry, I have no closeup, I'll get one in the next couple days...

 

Well, new strut bar in hand, I'm looking in the engine compartment and I just can't stand the idea of it corroding also.. So, off to the platers I go.. We are going to try a nickel finish to preserve the look, with clear over that.. Pics eventually I hope

 

I took my Tenso R rear lower tie bar (also aluminum) and polished it to a mirror finish ... Then sprayed it with clear ...It's been under my car for 8 years and STILL looks new
Also where the steel "bolts" go into the bar and nuts I wiped them down with neverseize to prevent any bimetal corrosion

 

I debated on the clear, but was concerned with it yellowing in the engine compartment. We'll see how the nickel plating works out, if the logo is still prominent I am going to be quite pleases. I plan to order in a new strut bar also to set aside for down the road when "stock" is required again...