if you want a really shiny surface then something like brasso and steel wool works well but if you want something a little more durable then i normally use the wire brush that you put in a drill and polish it that way. i do this to the alternators that i recondition and they always come out like new and stay reasonably good for up to 2 years under the bonnet. the finish isn't exactly shiny but more a brushed look, but shows the raw color of the casting. the wheels are only $4 from bunnings and last ages. also useful for stripping paint and cleaning plugs.
regards jay
