Polishing GL aulminum parts

[rvtechA1]

What is the best way found to polish out the valve covers, intake tubes, fork lowers, and such?

I would also like to know what the best polishing compounds that you have used.

Thank you

Jim

[docc]

When I changed my belts I used a buffing wheel with "chrome" stick..then finished with the wheel and jewelers rouge. Hand polished then with Semi-chrome and Mothers Chrome polish.
Same on the intake runners..

Pretty easy after the protective film comes off..

[octane]

Same here (except different brands).

You can make it easier for yourself by removing
the protective lacquer with paint stripper/remover,
but DON'T get it near rubber/plastic.

Before


stripping



after

[rvtechA1]

Those carb caps look great,
thats how i want my valve covers, timing covers, intakes, and fork bottoms to look

[docc]

Fork bottoms require a little more work. They have not only the varnish but are somewhat rough. These need to be ground with air sander to get them smooth. I left mine stock stain finished.

Guys with VTX1800s like my other bike..often do the grind and polish. It is much more work than just the polishing of th eother parts.

[Grandad Sam]

I have had great results with 2000 (two thousand) grit sand paper followed by Mother's.

What a nice looking carb. I wish I had the skills to rebuild my own...

[rvtechA1]

OK, Im in the process now of polishing the valve covers, the are coming along nicely,
They were pretty rough, had to start with 320, then 600 then 800.
I will finish with 1000 then mothers.

I did a small spot with that method and it looks like a mirror.

[GL1-242]

top of page 2 is me 78 k550 on this forum. http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=5932.15
Those are on my 72 CB500/4. It takes some time but can be done.

Paul

[bobdog]

I use paint stripper then the 2000 grit wet sandpaper 000#steel wool then pollish.The sandpaper really helps get the pits out. Bobdog

[Maltese-Penguin]

The work you guty are doing is fanastic! I hope to get mine all shined up this winter when it get time for the Wing to swap places with the snow blower.
Do you clear coat after all this polishing? or do you just keep polishing on a weekly/monthly/yearly basis?

[Whiskerfish]

I definetly clear coat using a clear spray laquer. Makes it a bit duller in the short term but works much better in the long term.