| Both sides previous revisionPrevious revision | |
| techtalk:ref:svcproc45 [2024/01/22 21:45] – hippysmack | techtalk:ref:svcproc45 [2024/01/23 01:14] (current) – hippysmack |
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| ====== Smoothing out scratches and pits ====== | ====== Smoothing out scratches and pits ====== |
| If the piece has never been polished, then you should start with a course grade of abrasive and sand through the different stages progressing to a finer and finer grade as you go. ((piniongear of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?p=2779433)) \\ | If the piece has never been polished, then you should start with a course grade of abrasive and sand through the different stages progressing to a finer and finer grade as you go. ((piniongear of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/101191-polishing-aluminum/page3#post2104990)) \\ |
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| Turn the piece and let each successive grade of abrasive cross the previous by 90°. \\ | Turn the piece and let each successive grade of abrasive cross the previous by 90°. \\ |
| **Sand blasting or bead blasting** will work on carbon or stainless steel to remove rust and first layers. \\ | **Sand blasting or bead blasting** will work on carbon or stainless steel to remove rust and first layers. \\ |
| However, blasting aluminum will make lots of pits and change the appearance of the casting. \\ | However, blasting aluminum will make lots of pits and change the appearance of the casting. \\ |
| It will also take longer to get all the media out of the crevices and any tiny place in a part. ((Wooley of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=925547&page=2)) \\ | It will also take longer to get all the media out of the crevices and any tiny place in a part. ((Wooley of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/104558-aluminum-polishing-new-method-for-badly-oxidized-parts/page2?t=925547&page=2)) \\ |
| ===== Buffing / polishing wheels ===== | ===== Buffing / polishing wheels ===== |
| See more on [[techtalk:ref:tools156#wheels_pads|Wheels and Pads]] in the Sportsterpedia. \\ | See more on [[techtalk:ref:tools156#wheels_pads|Wheels and Pads]] in the Sportsterpedia. \\ |
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| ====== Polishing Technique ====== | ====== Polishing Technique ====== |
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| **There are two basic buffing motions**: ((https://www.caswellplating.com/buffman.htm#)) | **There are two basic buffing motions**: ((https://www.caswellplating.com/buffman.htm#)) |
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| ===== Swirls ===== | ===== Swirls ===== |
| | * Circular swirls cannot be generated if you use straight line movement (as in sanding wood along the grain) instead of circles or ovals. ((Graywolf of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/194649-metal-polishing/page2?t=2070932&page=2)) |
| * Circular swirls cannot be generated if you use straight line movement (as in sanding wood along the grain) instead of circles or ovals. ((Graywolf of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2070932&page=2)) | |
| * Wheel or pad choice, technique, amount and type of compound, choice of machines and speeds, working material and etc. will all play a part in the finish (including swirls). | * Wheel or pad choice, technique, amount and type of compound, choice of machines and speeds, working material and etc. will all play a part in the finish (including swirls). |
| * Try running the wheel / pad at slower speeds if it is still leaving swirls. | * Try running the wheel / pad at slower speeds if it is still leaving swirls. |
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| ====== Buffing to the final finish ====== | ====== Buffing to the final finish ====== |
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| Keep the wheel moving, periodically wipe off the wax smudge and look at the progress. \\ | Keep the wheel moving, periodically wipe off the wax smudge and look at the progress. \\ |
| Spending too much time in one spot can discolor the area. \\ | Spending too much time in one spot can discolor the area. \\ |
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| ====== Knowing when your done ====== | ====== Knowing when your done ====== |
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| When are you done? \\ | When are you done? \\ |
| That's entirely up to what finish you are wanting to achieve. \\ | That's entirely up to what finish you are wanting to achieve. \\ |
| {{techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_stainless_19_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&200|}} {{techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_stainless_82_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&200|}} ((photos by Hippysmack[[techtalk:ref:svcproc46]])) \\ | {{techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_stainless_19_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&200|}} {{techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_stainless_82_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&200|}} ((photos by Hippysmack[[techtalk:ref:svcproc46]])) \\ |
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| It all depends on what look you are going for in deciding how you want to polish it. ((xlc06sportster of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=925547)) \\ | It all depends on what look you are going for in deciding how you want to polish it. ((xlc06sportster of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/104558-aluminum-polishing-new-method-for-badly-oxidized-parts?t=925547)) \\ |
| If you want to go to a mirror finish you need to take your time with it. \\ | If you want to go to a mirror finish you need to take your time with it. \\ |
| Take it to an ultra fine finish then get a cotton/ flannel wheel on a grinder and use metal rouge on a buff to a mirror finish. \\ | Take it to an ultra fine finish then get a cotton/ flannel wheel on a grinder and use metal rouge on a buff to a mirror finish. \\ |
| It takes time and practice to get the correct results but you can finish any metal (even carbon steel) to look like chrome. \\ | It takes time and practice to get the correct results but you can finish any metal (even carbon steel) to look like chrome. \\ |
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| ====== Applying the final sheen ====== | ====== Applying the final sheen ====== |
| You can wax the parts when you got them polished like you want them to keep them shiny longer. ((bsporty of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=494417&page=2)) \\ | You can wax the parts when you got them polished like you want them to keep them shiny longer. ((bsporty of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/72042-i-hate-aluminum-polishing-content/page2?t=494417&page=2)) \\ |
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| You can also follow up with some NevrDull, Mother's, 3M or most any liquid type polish for a quality shine. ((ReddTigger of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=494417&page=3)) \\ | You can also follow up with some NevrDull, Mother's, 3M or most any liquid type polish for a quality shine. ((ReddTigger of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/72042-i-hate-aluminum-polishing-content/page3?t=494417&page=3)) \\ |
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| ====== Keeping the Shine ====== | ====== Keeping the Shine ====== |
| Parts can be clear coating, as the factory did, but the finish won't last forever. \\ | Parts can be clear coating, as the factory did, but the finish won't last forever. \\ |
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| Instead of painting after polishing, you can simply polish it again every so often with a cotton cloth and a good polish. ((PetesPonies of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=925547&page=3)). | Instead of painting after polishing, you can simply polish it again every so often with a cotton cloth and a good polish. ((PetesPonies of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/104558-aluminum-polishing-new-method-for-badly-oxidized-parts/page3?t=925547&page=3)). |
| ====== Examples of Polished Parts from the XLFORUM ====== | ====== Examples of Polished Parts from the XLFORUM ====== |
| See also [[techtalk:ref:svcproc46|Trying to Get a Mirror Finish on Stainless Steel]] in the Sportsterpedia. \\ | See also [[techtalk:ref:svcproc46|Trying to Get a Mirror Finish on Stainless Steel]] in the Sportsterpedia. \\ |
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| ===== Headlights ===== | ===== Headlights ===== |
| The headlight mounting block and the brackets to bolt the headlight to the springer are fabbed from stainless steel. \\ | The headlight mounting block and the brackets to bolt the headlight to the springer are fabbed from stainless steel. \\ |
| They were polished with a Dremil tool and hard compound specifically for stainless steel. \\ | They were polished with a Dremil tool and hard compound specifically for stainless steel. \\ |
| |{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_headlight_bracket_by_graywolf.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_headlight_bracket_2_by_graywolf.jpg?direct&300|}}| | |{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_headlight_bracket_by_graywolf.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_headlight_bracket_2_by_graywolf.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
| | Stainless headlight mounting hardware ((photo by Graywolf of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2070932)) ((http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1920839)) || | | Stainless headlight mounting hardware ((photo by Graywolf of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/194649-metal-polishing?t=2070932))+((http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1920839)) || |
| ===== Rocker Boxes ===== | ===== Rocker Boxes ===== |
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| |{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:rocker_top_before_buffing_by_biknut.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:rocker_top_after_buffing_by_biknut.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:89_rocker_box_top_by_engine.jpg?direct&300|}}| | |{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:rocker_top_before_buffing_by_biknut.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:rocker_top_after_buffing_by_biknut.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:89_rocker_box_top_by_engine.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
| | Before - Removing oxidation - After ((photos by biknut of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=494417)) ||After much scotch wheel, dry & wet sanding, \\ Scotchbrite and steel wool ((photo by engine of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=22604))| | | Before - Removing oxidation - After ((photos by biknut of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/72042-i-hate-aluminum-polishing-content?t=494417)) ||After much scotch wheel, dry & wet sanding, \\ Scotchbrite and steel wool ((photo by engine of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/13525-my-cleaned-up-rocker-boxes?t=22604))| |
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| |{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_rocker_boxes_by_homer308.jpg?direct&300|}}| | |{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_rocker_boxes_by_homer308.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
| |Ultra fine Scotchbrite on one side, \\ followed by aluminum polish on the other: ((photo by HOMER308 of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=925547))| | |Ultra fine Scotchbrite on one side, \\ followed by aluminum polish on the other: ((photo by HOMER308 of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/104558-aluminum-polishing-new-method-for-badly-oxidized-parts?threadid=925547))| |
| ===== Primary Covers ===== | |
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| | ===== Primary Covers ===== |
| |{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:primary_cover_polished_with_ultrafine_scotchbrite_by_homer308.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:primary_cover_polished_w_aluminum_polish_by_homer308.jpg?direct&300|}}| | |{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:primary_cover_polished_with_ultrafine_scotchbrite_by_homer308.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:primary_cover_polished_w_aluminum_polish_by_homer308.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
| |Primary cover polished w/ Scotchbrite and dishwater, \\ then with aluminum polish ((photos by HOMER308 of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=925547))|| | |Primary cover polished w/ Scotchbrite and dishwater, \\ then with aluminum polish ((photos by HOMER308 of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/104558-aluminum-polishing-new-method-for-badly-oxidized-parts?threadid=925547))|| |
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| This is an aluminum Evo derby cover, not chrome, but shined up nice. \\ | This is an aluminum Evo derby cover, not chrome, but shined up nice. \\ |
| {{:techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_derby_cover_1_by_aussiegazza.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by AussieGazza of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=692835&page=3)) {{:techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_derby_cover_2_by_aussiegazza.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by AussieGazza of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=692835&page=3)) \\ | {{:techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_derby_cover_1_by_aussiegazza.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by AussieGazza of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-motor-engine/sportster-motorcycle-engine-conversions/87710-aussiegazzas-rebuild/page3?t=692835&page=3)) {{:techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_derby_cover_2_by_aussiegazza.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by AussieGazza of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-motor-engine/sportster-motorcycle-engine-conversions/87710-aussiegazzas-rebuild/page3?t=692835&page=3)) \\ |
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| ===== Cam / Gearcase Covers ===== | ===== Cam / Gearcase Covers ===== |
| | This is also aluminum, not chrome but shines up nicely. \\ |
| | {{:techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_cam_cover_by_aussigazza.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by AussieGazza of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-motor-engine/sportster-motorcycle-engine-conversions/87710-aussiegazzas-rebuild/page3?t=692835&page=3)) \\ |
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| This is also aluminum, not chrome but shines up nicely. \\ | |
| {{:techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_cam_cover_by_aussigazza.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by AussieGazza of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=692835&page=3)) \\ | |
| ===== Foot Controls ===== | ===== Foot Controls ===== |
| ==== Shifter Linkage ==== | ==== Shifter Linkage ==== |
| The stainless was sanded down smooth to about 400 grit and then polished with Dremel tool and metal polishing compound. \\ | The stainless was sanded down smooth to about 400 grit and then polished with Dremel tool and metal polishing compound. \\ |
| |{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:stainless_knife-shifter_linkage_by_graywolf.jpg?direct&300|}}| | |{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:stainless_knife-shifter_linkage_by_graywolf.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
| | Shifter linkage shaped like a knife ((photo by Graywolf of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=911036&page=3)) | | | Shifter linkage shaped like a knife ((photo by Graywolf of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/chopper-bobber-talk/103615-sissy-bar-knife-issue/page3?t=911036&page=3)) | |
| ===== Forks ===== | ===== Forks ===== |
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| |{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_forks_1_by_flskevin.jpg?direct&200|}}|{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_forks_2_by_flskevin.jpg?direct&200|}}|{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_forks_3_by_flskevin.jpg?direct&200|}}| | |{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_forks_1_by_flskevin.jpg?direct&200|}}|{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_forks_2_by_flskevin.jpg?direct&200|}}|{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_forks_3_by_flskevin.jpg?direct&200|}}| |
| | Removing glue gum ((photos by flskevin of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=854678)) ||| | | Removing glue gum ((photos by flskevin of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/99662-polishing-lower-fork-tubes-revisited-w-photos?t=854678)) ||| |
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| ===== Wheels ===== | ===== Wheels ===== |
| The axle spacer tubes for the Rocker wheel are made from stainless steel heavy wall tubing and polished to look like chrome. \\ | The axle spacer tubes for the Rocker wheel are made from stainless steel heavy wall tubing and polished to look like chrome. \\ |
| |{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:polished_stainless_axle_spacers_by_graywolf.jpg?direct&300|}}| | |{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:polished_stainless_axle_spacers_by_graywolf.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
| | Polished stainless steel axle spacers ((photo by Graywolf of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2070932)) | | | Polished stainless steel axle spacers ((photo by Graywolf of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/194649-metal-polishing?t=2070932)) | |
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| ===== Windshield Brackets ===== | ===== Windshield Brackets ===== |
| |{{:techtalk:ref:body:detachable_windshield_lowering_bracket_3_by_girlsbike.jpg?direct&200|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:body:detachable_windshield_lowering_bracket_4_by_girlsbike.jpg?direct&200|}}| | |{{:techtalk:ref:body:detachable_windshield_lowering_bracket_3_by_girlsbike.jpg?direct&200|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:body:detachable_windshield_lowering_bracket_4_by_girlsbike.jpg?direct&200|}}| |
| |Homemade windshield lowering brackets with a polished brushed finish. ((photos by girlsbike of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1313996&page=2)) || | |Homemade windshield lowering brackets with a polished brushed finish. ((photos by girlsbike of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-accessories/127764-lowering-the-detachable-hd-windshield-without-cutting-it/page2?t=1313996&page=2)) || |
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