cleaning aluminum

[drooker56]

I just saw Tinmans fork tubes and they look incredible! What do you use to clean your tubes like this. Also is there any easy way to clean and polish the engine?

Thanks!

[dbeardslee]

The lower part of the fork tubes have some kind of coating on them that yellows over time. If you want them really shiny, the coating has to come off. When I had my tubes out I got it off with progressively finer grades of sandpaper, but there's probably a better way. A buffer and jeweler's rouge would probably do a better job. I didn't recoat mine afterwards, but it would probably be a good idea. I don't think there is an 'easy' way to clean and polish an engine - many hours and lots of elbow grease. My $.02

[crazy steve]

[QUOTE=dbeardslee;203384 ....but there's probably a better way. A buffer and jeweler's rouge would probably do a better job..... [/QUOTE]

Actually, sandpaper or a scotchbrite pad works the best the remove any old clearcoat. Buffing doesn't do it, as that tends to heat up the old coating and smear it around. I personally prefer the pads as they don't remove as much metal as the sandpaper or leave as many gouges.

'78E original owner

[Giggity]

I just used the wire wheel on my bench grinder to remove the coating.

[skids]

Damage from a wire wheel can be difficult to sand out. 'Course I probably used something way harder than aluminum (lesson learned years ago).

I just used the wire wheel on my bench grinder to remove the coating.

[tarzan]

I use jasco paint stripper to remove that coating.Brush it on wait ten minutes or so and then I agitate it a little to make sure its broke loose.Then just rinse it off.Brings you right to the surface.

[digitalsam]

I don't know if it is technically possible, but... Having a video tutorial section on the site would be really helpful. Probably a huge space hog and a techincal nightmare as well. my two cents.

Why is it "a penny for your thoughts?" but everyone has to "put their two cents in". Someone is making a penny. - Steven Wright

[ossjughead]

All the aluminum on them has a clear coat on it that goes yellow i use a paint stripper to get it off then i use a air sander with fine wheel to get all the rough stuff out then go to a 400 sand paper then 600 and after that i use jewlers rouge and a buffing wheel on the bench grinder or hand held grinder.

You must have a good powered bench grinder so it wont stall it out when doing it. you will see the spots you missed as you polish it up and just go back over it with the 600 till as smooth as you can get it.

Jim

[MrOzz]

What type of stripper do you all use? Ive been using Aircraft stripper. Seems to work very well. Great on getting the clear coat off. Also worked very well in getting the paint off my tank.

[b.walker5]

Here's what I use...





All homemade of course, but I did this for a living once (in a former life)

The motor is a standard 1/4hp with speed control from 600rpm to 1450. (max speed on our single phase 50hz ac system) The black wheel on the left is for a 60 grit linishing belt. The trick with alloy is slow speed to keep the heat down. If you attempt to polish at too high a speed you will burr the surface and make life miserable for yourself trying to get it out. Stainless is the opposite with high speed being best. The best thing I've found for breaking through clear coat is elbow grease with a stainless or brass pot scrub with some cream chrome polish for lubricant. I use Autoglaz but I dont know if it's available in the states.

[MrOzz]

b.walker5,

Thats one crazy set up. I like it. Might try that myself.

[b.walker5]

b.walker5,

Thats one crazy set up. I like it. Might try that myself.

If your serious, i think I could dig up a simple drawing of the spindle I put together when I built the thing a few years back. It's only a basic drawing but it's got a few measurments and combined with the photo you should be able to put something together.

PM me an email address if you want it and i'll see what i can find.

[XJ Rob]

I found the easiest way to remove the yellowing clear coat was "gasket remover" in a spray can. Cover everything you don't want stripped and spray it on. Wait a few minutes and use "fine" steel wool and wipe it off. Wash it down with soap and water and then I used "Mothers" polish. I was very happy with the results.