Aluminum rehab

[Incubus]

This is a question that has always bedeviled me and I've never found an easy solution. The aluminum of the engine sidecovers on my project XS11 has developed that black spotty cancer aluminum tends to get when exposed to the weather for a long time. I know I clean them up by sanding and then fine sanding them, as I've done in the past. But every time I jump into the sanding I wonder if anyone has ever found an easier way. Does anybody know of something magic I can use to restore the finish of the aluminum with a minimum of sweat and post-rubbing aching muscles.

I fondly remember my mispent youth when I could use my muscles without them aching the next day. I wasted my young when I was young. I could do so much better with it today.....

Patrick

[TomKat]

Polish once to high sheen, then clear cote!! Well, never tried it, but if it doesn't work, you can always sand it off.... Just an idea.

[webbcraft2150]

3/4 hp. bench grinder with a polishing wheel. Dewalt 18v. cordless w/polish wheel.

[Incubus]

Cleatcoat doesn't work well on an engine case, TomKat. I out it on my Honda CB750 and it turned yellow. It doesn't take heat well. From my understanding, it always does that. I've never found clearcoat engine paint, although I'm sure it exists.....

[jetmechmarty]

keeping aluminum shiney

For those of you who are fans of POR 15, there is GLISTEN PC

I put it on my XS650 fork legs a few years ago and it is still crystal clear. I ride the bike more often than I do anything else and it seems to stand up just fine. I was dissatisfied with the brush on method. In my opinion, you must spray it on.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Patrick,

They make Aluminum Jelly, like Naval Jelly for iron, but for use with aluminum. I used it on the passenger peg brackets, worked okay, but I had a ton of corrosion on my wheels, ended up using that synthetic 3M sanding/grinding disc for removing rust and such, and then used polish! Good Luck.
T.C.

[81xsproject]

Webcraft has got it right, power, power, power!! But, if you can afford it spend the cash for the actual bench buffer. They are a lot like a grinder, but have longer shafts so that you can get at the buffing wheels from almost any angle. After your mirror finish is achieved, wax it and touch it up every once and a while.

[mro]

Had forgot about this product. If same as I've used several years back should make cleaning up aluminum a lot faster. Should be available from professional janitorial stores also.

http://www.walbernize.com/alumbrite.html

Going to get some and try it out.........


mro

[79XS11F]

Sand with fine wet / dry sand paper followed by polishing compounds. Go to this site and follow directions and if in the budget BUY their products. I have completely recovered the alum on my bike with this process. It works MAGIC on blacken corroded alum.

http://www.englishcustompolishing.com/index.html


Rob

[Parr8hed]

saw a product call zoopseal once that is supposed to work like a clear coat but for aluminum. people used it on wheels and things. i have never tried, but have been curious. threre is alway chrome plating....

[Yamaniac]

Originally posted by Parr8hed
saw a product call zoopseal once that is supposed to work like a clear coat but for aluminum. people used it on wheels and things. i have never tried, but have been curious. threre is alway chrome plating....

Eastwood sells the Zoopseal. Has anybody had any experience with it??

[HobbyMan]

you can get higher temp laquers and enamels that will work. Just search around for different products. I recomend polishing it and then putting a few coats of laquer. THen find something to make it fuel proof. Once its laquered, it is easier to keep clean. Aluminum oxidizes really easily. I have never had a problem with heat.

[Shuriken]

I've been interested in the buffing method, but I'm not sure if I can justify the $300 for the gear. What's the best deal on a buffer, wheels, and compound?

Ben

[Shuriken]

Would this buffer work well enough for XS11 polishing?

Or would this buffer be better?

Seems like the harbor freight buffer would work OK and is a lot less expensive. Anybody have experience with these or bench buffers?

Ben

[planedick]

Easier way...

Try S100. I used it to clean up some oil on my engine and when I rinsed it off I discovered that the other discolerations were gone and the "new aluminum" look was restored. You can find it at most MC places like Cycle Gear.