RE: Polishing the Reservoirs and Switches

[JamesC]

In the Tech Section, 98VS1400 states that

The best"stripper" I've ever used has been "airplane" brand you can get it at Walmart

I searched the Walmart site for "airplane stripper", and all I could find was a one gallon jug of Rust-oleum "Aircraft Remover". Is this what he was referring to? I am really impressed with the "after" pictures and was wondering if anyone else has done this. Would a dremmel tool be the best way to go and what kind of bit would you use with it? Thanks.

[enforcer]

I suspect that would work. It's really just for removing the clear coat that peels off with time.

Here's another brand.

http://www.eastwood.com/klean-strip-air ... mover.html

The real magic to the finish is using finer and finer grit sandpaper to polish the MCs to a mirror finish, then a good metal polish. Works on the factory fork lowers as well.

[JamesC]

Thank you, Enforcer. I love the exchange of information on this site.

[JamesC]

Well, I was able to remove some of the peeling clear coat just by sanding by hand with a piece of sandpaper soaked in Aluminum Polish spray. It worked, but is very time consuming. I can see where the stripper will come in handy, I'll have to go out and get some.

[JamesC]

Wow, thanks guys. That "Airplane Remover" really did the trick. It took the clear coat off in 10 minutes. It's dark now, but tomorrow I will start with a 600 sandpaper, and hopefully finish up with a 2000. Once I get it shining like I want to, do I then apply a clear coat over it? Or just leave it and maintain it with my spray bottle of Aluminum Polish on a regular basis? Thanks for the tips!

[JamesC]

Enforcer wrote

Works on the factory fork lowers as well.

Is there clear coat on the lower forks? Or where you just referring to using a finer and finer sandpaper to polish them up?

[enforcer]

Enforcer wrote

Works on the factory fork lowers as well.

Is there clear coat on the lower forks? Or where you just referring to using a finer and finer sandpaper to polish them up?

Yes, there is clear coat there as well. After the clear coat is removed, then use finer and finer grit sandpaper to polish. Then, finish with a good metal polish and coat of wax to keep shiny. Start with 220 and gradually work up to 1500.

Here's some info on how it's done. Seems the V Star guys use the same method.

http://www.650ccnd.com/mods/Polishedlowerforks.pdf

[scootermcq]

I use a buffing wheel on an angle grinder for things like fork tubes and on a dremel for the perches. I sand down to about 800 grit and then use the wheels. I start with a black or brown compound and then white diamond. You can go finer than WD, but I do not find there is really any benefit. Gords aluminium polish is the best to finish and do upkeep but it is a little pricey.

Here is some stuff I did...

You can see I started this crank case cover, but it give you the idea of what I started with:



After:



Here are some forks, one done.. one not:



This is the adapter I use on the angle grinder

http://www.caswellplating.com/buffing-p ... shaft.html

You can get all the supplies at caswell and the products are really very good.

[JamesC]

Thanks, guys. So far I am very pleased with the results. I guess I should show some before and after shots, so here they are:





And I'm not finished yet. This was done with 600 sandpaper, now I will step it down to 2000. I'm not sure if I got an answer to the question of whether I should clear coat them or not?

[enforcer]

Thanks, guys. So far I am very pleased with the results. I guess I should show some before and after shots, so here they are:





And I'm not finished yet. This was done with 600 sandpaper, now I will step it down to 2000. I'm not sure if I got an answer to the question of whether I should clear coat them or not?

You can clear them again if you like. But the same thing will happen again in time. A good polish and wax are all that's needed too keep them looking good.

[JamesC]

I think I will take your advise, Enforcer. I am always cleaning and polishing my bike; so I will forego the clear coat. Today I used the 2000 grit sandpaper, but it still left just a wee bit of scratching. I buffed them with Mother's Aluminum and Mag Polish, the white stuff; and that gave it a pretty darn good shine. Next job: the forks. I do not look forward to those. Anyway, great tech tip. Thank you, all of you.

[scootermcq]

I agree that I would not clear coat them (especially since the brake fluid eats it) and simply polish them. Since you are doing that, I would suggest gord's which seals the aluminium and just seems to get a better shine each time you use it.

http://www.gordsaluminumpolish.com/

[enforcer]

If you happen to give up on polishing, use either a 2 part clear or have them powder coated. That's going to give you the best finish.

[JamesC]

If you happen to give up on polishing, use either a 2 part clear or have them powder coated. That's going to give you the best finish.

I think I spend as much time on cleaning and maintaining my bike as I do riding it, so I don't think that will be a problem...LOL.

[enforcer]

If you happen to give up on polishing, use either a 2 part clear or have them powder coated. That's going to give you the best finish.

I think I spend as much time on cleaning and maintaining my bike as I do riding it, so I don't think that will be a problem...LOL.

I'm the same way, minus the cleaning. Gets a good wash, polish and wax at the beginning of the season and the same when I put her away. Nothing but maintenance in between.

[Leckbass]

Great job guys, looking real good! I think thats going to be my next winter project