I used scotchbrite pads to give it a brushed look. I started with a medium grit pad (burgandy color) and finished with fine pad (grey). I did it by hand and went with the grain.
Alot of hand rubbing got most of the major tooling marks out. Then I cleaned it with mothers aluminum polish. I eventually plan on clearing over the aluminum. Its not a major pain to to clean it with the Mother's polish though.
Jayweb....anytime you want to. You may get the fever again though.