polishing aluminum???

[55mphx4]

I've polished aluminum before, but I'm having issues with removing the almost 40 year old clearcoat that Honda used. Does anyone have any suggestions on what kind (brand) of clearcoat will work the best? Thanks

[robin1731]

Most recommend not clear coating after polishing. Just keep up on the polishing.

[Dog Boy]

A lot of the guys here have chemically stripped the clearcoat. I used Rustoleum aircraft stripper and the clearcoat literally fell off under the force of the kitchen faucet. As far as clearcoating after polishing, I believe the general consensus is to not clearcoat the pieces as most of the clearcoats presently available, have a tendency to yellow or chip off due to rock ticks, etc.
I'm confident, someone with more knowledge will be along shortly.

AL

[tomk1960]

Here's an alternative - single stage chrome powder coating that mimics polished aluminum. One coat and it's done. Just keep it clean and never have to worry about oxidation again.

[matalex60]

I recently started using this Jelly. It works incredible. I used to use Aircraft remover, which works well but gets a bit pricey. I apply this jelly for about 10-15min and then leave it on while I wet sand 600,1000,and then 1500.

[sunnbobb]

Aircraft stripper is what we use. I have been considering a clear powder coat after polishing, however, I find the aluminum does not seem to corrode that badly if it is wiped up once in a while. A spray clear coat traps moisture underneath, and is not so good, IMHO.

[Placerville]

A spray clear coat traps moisture underneath, and is not so good, IMHO.

.....and you won't find any clear coat that will match the quality of the original coating. Like everyone says above.....no clear coat. Just polish it.

[55mphx4]

I'm kinda liking the powdercoat idea. Will it work for the valve covers? We do have a place locally that I will check with. As far as clearcoat I don't think I will do that. I don't think you could ever clearcoat like Honda did. It's durable to say the least. Thanks for the help!

[tomk1960]

It works fine with valve covers, belt covers, or whatever you don't feel like polishing any more. I do these all the time and they look better than new when they're done.

[ericheath]

They do look as good as new, but not as nice as Sunnbobb's. It's a matter of preference, looks like powdercoat may win for maintenance. I made a mistake last year, Dec.26th, to take a tool around Winnipeg with my bike. Whatever salt concoctions they use on the roads destroyed my labor of polish. I should have washed it right after I was done.

[Missourimike]

"Sharkhide", made for the Navy/Military originally to protect bare metal(SS, brass, alum) in highly corrosive atmospheres. Wipe, spray, a couple coats onto polished surface and it will adhere and protect for years. Re-apply every couple of years. Not a clearcoat, but does the same job without flaking, chipping, discoloring.

[tomk1960]

I agree that there's nothing more beautiful than a highly polished piece of aluminum. Sunnbobb does amazing work and it's obvious that he enjoys doing it. I spent many hours polishing a bunch of parts on the first bike I restored years back and everything looked great for the first year, but then the required maintenance started showing it's face. I wouldn't do it again unless it was a restoration that I was trying to make look totally original. There are useful and appropriate applications both both approaches.

Here's a pair of valve covers fresh out of the oven today:

[55mphx4]

wonder if it would be noticeable if I powder coated the front cover and polished the valve covers and intake runners. I may go with jet-hot coating on my exhaust??? I don't have much cash in this bike and it's cheap to insure, so I will probably have this for a long time. That's why I'm looking for reasonably low maintenance.

[sunnbobb]

Nice work tom, I like that alot. Also plus one on the sharkhide.

[trail_guy2001]

Great idea for parts that won't make the trip to Sunnbob. Could you mention the powdercoat brand info?