Polishing Bilstien Shocks

[Boreen]

I had aquired some Bilstien 5125 shocks and a dual hoop for my truck recently. Used but everything works and looks pretty new. The shock bodies tho arent even close to show quality or new looking (just looks wise).
What can i do to clean these up? Can i run a wire wheel on them safely to remove any stains, surface corrosion (from the salt) and etc?
I was also wondering how to polish up the bodies? Can i wire wheel them, polish them with any metal polish than just spray some clear coat on them to protect them? I want the shiny look to them once spring hits.
For now they can stay the way they look because to do all this right, i will need to repaint the hoop, and majority or the rest of my suspension.

Also while im at it. How would i go about painting my regular Zone Nitro shocks that are in the back end? they are getting a little rough. Can i just do a normal sand and paint for them?

Thanks alot.

[rms]

I thought that the Bilstein shock body was aluminum, but they're steel with a zinc plating.
So, the wire brush might be a little too much. Maybe some rubbing or polishing compound by hand or with a small buffer.
And a little clear coat after that.

Are you going to remove the yellow emblems at the bottom?

[Boreen]

Here is what they currently look like:

(yes i know the trucks dirty and i could use a new inner fender)

Here is what i'd like they to look like if possible:

(yes i know those are fox and chrome plated, but i'd like them similer if i can)

I'd perfer to just peel all the stickers off being they are peeling anyhow.

[rms]

The good thing about chrome is that it doesn't oxidize, you just wipe it down.

Aluminum, zinc and even stainless will get dull with oxidation.
If you can buff them up & clear coat, they may look great.

Also, they went to a synthetic bushing on the bottom mount- if you have any problems with the rubber ones.

If so, call Lisa at Bilstein Warranty in San Diego.
Her phone number is (858) 386-5951 or she can be reached at Lisa Ciacci@thyssenkrupp.com

She sent me a set on my 5100's.

[Boreen]

Bump.
Anyone else got any ideas for these shocks to make em look good again?

Thanks for the tip on the bushings. Do i gotta be the original purchaser for me to get those bushings tho?

[Bransjeep]

I brought mine back to life with that fine polishing grade steel wool. Those might need a step up or two. Just wrap the shock body in your hand and twist it. Try and go with the grain as best you can. Should turn out much better


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[rms]

Boreen - Bilstein will only want to know the model number on the shock (don't buff it off yet)
and your mailing address.

[Boreen]

I didnt even think of the steel wool idea. That would be the best idea i think.

[Varty Yo]

Hey you got them installed! How yah liking them? The bushing should be fine for a long time in 100k i only replaced them twice.

[Varty Yo]

You put them in upside down!