[rick conrath]

I have had some luck in the past by going with an aluminum wheel cleaner such as eagle one for cast wheels (non clear coated) The mild acid in the cleaner will even things out, although it will not be shiny. The cleaner should brighten things up. I have done this on aluminum wheels prior to clearcoating. I guess you could also get out the metal polish, but that is alot of work. How about powder coating if you insist on doing the prep? Bolt the case back together and have a long talk with your favorite powder coater.