Subject: RE: Question for Rich Zink/Polishing Question
Author: Chuck Sherman
Date: Feb 2, 2005, 1:28 PM
Post ID: 1718322448
Guys -
I've restored quite a few cars and bikes in my day. The BEST polishing
stuff I've EVER used is Wenol. There is a chemical in the polishing
compound which breaks down oxidization as it polishes; it works
amazingly well. Stuff runs about 12 bucks a tube; it's available on a
wenol website and on ebay. Well worth it.
I've used Wenol with 4 aught (0000) steel wool and have achieved the
'chrome look' on good alloy bits. If they're rough - you're gonna have
to wet-sand them smooth first.
The finish is dependent on the quality of the alloy to start with. Some
aluminum alloys do not polish well; this is dependent on the metal - not
the condition of the surface. Only elbow grease will reveal this, but
the darker the oxidization on the piece, the lower the final polish
quality - in my experience.
Zink, Rich, ITD wrote:
Actually I'm the second owner of my '71 Ambo. The PO claims to have had the valve and timing belt covers chromed before he took delivery. So I would say for 30 year old chrome it's holding up pretty well. No discoloration, but there are a few pits here and there. But they fit the 'patina' of the rest of the bike. If I had to do it again I would just polish them. Just Wet sand the covers down to at least 600 (starting at 220 or so) grit paper using lots of water. You really need a motor, as in a bench grinder, instead of the drill. And 2 buffs, one for red and one for white compounds. Go to eastwood.com for lots of buffing stuff. If you're cheap, they have the oxidation removed and just want a trick to get them to pretty nice. My best trick is 0000 (or finer) steel wool and the Mother's cream you have. Just polish them with that and buff with a clean cloth when done. I even use the steel wool to clean after at times. I keep my rims shiny this way. Works good on pitted chrome also but go gentle. Rich -----Original Message----- From: Keith Ruff [mailto:klru-@comcast.net] Sent: Wednesday, February 02, 2005 12:14 PM To: Loopfram-@topica.com Subject: Question for Rich Zink/Polishing Question Your free subscription is supported by today's sponsor: ------------------------------------------------------------------- Click here and get your free* stock car racing gift. http://click.topica.com/caac8uab1dfltbNF23Ya/PermissionData ------------------------------------------------------------------- Hey Rich, How are those chrome valve covers holding up? I am on the fence with buying a set of those and a set of chrome intake manifolds but wasn't sure if they would discolor like the exhaust header pipes. All, What is the best way to polish the valve covers/gen belt cover? I have been using some expensive "Mothers" cream stuff with a buffing wheel that attaches to my drill - works ok but doen't get the aluminum shining like "chrome". Keith Ruff 70 Cafe Racer Ambo Manahawkin, NJ Zink, Rich, ITD wrote:
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