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Thread: Noob question about Polishing

  1. 08-13-2010, 05:55 PM #1
    oldtoys72
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    Question Noob question about Polishing

    ok so here is the deal, I have to trikes that I want to do fround up makeovers on. I want as much "bling bling" as they say as possible. Im wondering what all it takes and what tools are required to polish and how to do it. I figure with as much as I want to do it will be cheaper for me just to buy the tools and learn how to do it. What do you guys think? I know your gear heads out there can help me out with this!

    Thanks in advance,

    Oldtoys72
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  2. 08-13-2010, 05:58 PM #2
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    Mr_RPM
    Mr_RPM is offline Power User Roostin Away
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    many many different grits of sand paper progressively getting finer, and a buffer. thats how we learned to polish alot of metals in jewelry class. oh and some polishing wax or polishing clay on the buffer.
    as for aluminum and steel im not as sure.
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  3. 08-13-2010, 06:11 PM #3
    oldtoys72
    oldtoys72 is offline Just Too Addicted Arm chair racerJust too addicted
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    Well that doesn't seem all that hard! Anybody else wanna weigh in?
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  4. 08-13-2010, 06:41 PM #4
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    obijuan
    obijuan is offline At The Back Of The Pack Arm chair racerFirst time rider
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    sandpaper in a circular motion up to 2000, getting progressively finer. a good metal polish butter like "met-all" or "five star" and a buffer just makes quick work of it. otherwise use a towel and elbow grease.
    i wouldnt clearcoat polish, because its polished and nothing will stick to it. maintain the rig and it will stay clean and shiny. powder will stick because its so hard but after a while and one good chip, it can peel off in flakes.
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  5. 08-13-2010, 06:59 PM #5
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    Thorpe
    Thorpe is offline Power User Lord of the trike
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    Talk to Greg King (gkingpolishing) here on the boards... For the amount of work it is, and the expense of buying all the stuff, I send my stuff to greg... He does awesome work! My BR fork lowers are mirrors now!
    No trikes. Too old, too crippled. Unless I find one I can't live without!
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  6. 08-13-2010, 07:27 PM #6
    oldtoys72
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    it sounds like something the average joe can do himself with a little bit of work so why is everyone sending their stuff out?
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  7. 08-13-2010, 07:36 PM #7
    Pintowagon77
    Pintowagon77 is offline First Time Rider Arm chair racerNew to the board
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    People are lazy... I did a fooler head with sand paper from 70 grit to 220 then bought a $40 pack of sand paper at a autobody shop- bout 2in thick ranged 380 to 1600. and did what i could. Then i had a can of Airstream motorhome- cuz they are aluminum- and a couple different buffer wheels. the stuff i have done that way are decent looking. No for show bikes but quick. I could do a water pumper head in half the time than a fooler and it only took 10hrs by hand sanding mind you.
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  8. 08-13-2010, 07:41 PM #8
    oldtoys72
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    Would it be possible to use a dremel for inbetween the fins on the fooler head?
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  9. 08-13-2010, 07:46 PM #9
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    obijuan
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    looks crappy IMO.
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  10. 08-13-2010, 08:19 PM #10
    jeswinehart
    jeswinehart is offline P3 Member ( RIP 8/15/2018 ) The day begins with 3WW
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    bling polishing my way

    Hey Mike, this is a idea I am trying out on my front forks.
    They are basically in good/great shape except for the area between the triple trees (pitted/rusty). I finally located the alu one and a half inch material I been looking for at a local scrap yard and just got done cutting and beveling them to how I want them to fit up.
    Tomorrow i will sand blast them at work and then use good ole #7 rubbing compound (2.75 a can) and a buffing wheel to bring to a very high luster/polish.
    Do NOT where anything close to good clothing when buffing (apron recommended along with eye protection) but I think you will be happy with the results/cost. I know I have been using this method and follow up with Mothers polish from time to time (that stuff is expensive but go a long ways).
    Pictures in a day or two on my project.
    And yes, Glings polishing produces some of the brightest buffing/polishing I have EVER seen.
    john
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  11. 08-13-2010, 08:26 PM #11
    oldtoys72
    oldtoys72 is offline Just Too Addicted Arm chair racerJust too addicted
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    Do Żou have any pics of the stuff you have done?
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  12. 08-13-2010, 08:42 PM #12
    oldtoys72
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    sorry, when i replied it was from my phone and the pics you posted didnt show up on there! How about stuff with paint on it?
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  13. 08-13-2010, 08:52 PM #13
    jeswinehart
    jeswinehart is offline P3 Member ( RIP 8/15/2018 ) The day begins with 3WW
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    Nope, nothing on file. Removing paint might be a whole new posting. I prefer sand blasting metal parts and on painted plastic oven cleaner (wear gloves unless you do not need your finger prints for a while )
    I will have some pics for you in a day or two,,,

    john
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  14. 08-13-2010, 09:13 PM #14
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    obijuan
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    painted aluminum, thin coat of aircraft stripper. takes anything off in no time. then wash it and prep like normal.
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  15. 08-13-2010, 10:58 PM #15
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    Grizzlypeg
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    You can do it yourself, but its a dirty job and a lot of work. Industrial buffers are too expensive for the average guy, and they have the horsepower to make the job a lot faster. Wear a mask and ideally have an exhaust system set up to minimize the crap in the air.
    84 200x
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