polish results

[walshja]

well

pictures can be very deceiving !!!

I just got he bike like 4 weeks ago, and she was in pretty bad shape.

the bike was left in a garage for maybe 10 years, all the chrome was a mess, and the paint looked horrible.

I spent 2 days polishing the chrome and paint and brought that back to respectability, but all the aluminum pieces are pitted or corroded and I cannot figure out to get it looking nice.

and the previous owner took all the decals off, the tank, side covers and rear fender, all gone !!

so my only 2 remaining tasks left is to locate the decals, and get the aluminum clean. and I think this post gave me the know how on how to get it cleaned.

this bike is really nice, only 4k miles, and she runs like she is brand new.

i really got lucky !! all for only $200

[ddaum]

:x :x

i really got lucky !! all for only $200

:x :x

WOW!, great deal!

I just started polishing my case covers using Sean's method of wetsanding with the help of a dremmel tool for the tight spots. I strated with the generator cover, but didn't get the mirror-like results like some people here on GSR, but it's coming along. I think it's just gunna take more elbow grease. I can definately see how a bench mounted polishing wheel would come in handy, but I have no garage, as I live in an apartment. Good luck to you.

[Sean]

Re: wow

sean, great job !!

i just picked up a '83 gs550l, and everything is perfect on the bike except for the aluminum.

but it looks like I have some type of clearcoat on my aluminum, is this possible?

would I still follow the same steps as you did?

yes

[Guest]

Re: wow

i just picked up a '83 gs550l, and everything is perfect on the bike except for the aluminum.

but it looks like I have some type of clearcoat on my aluminum, is this possible?

would I still follow the same steps as you did?

Start off by stripping the clear coat off. I used aircraft paint stripper on my pieces (available at most automotive paint supply stores). Spray it on, let it sit a few hours, and wash off with water. It takes the clear off easily. Much easier than trying to sand it off!! I think I paid about $7.50 for the can. It was enough to do all my side covers and the cam cover. A few of my pieces actually came out looking very good after the stripper (no corrosion). On those pieces, I only needed to sand with 1000, 1500, 2000.

[Road_Clam]

It truly is amazing what some Scotchbrite pads, and some rubbing can do. I too have 23 years worth of aluminum pitts, and corrosion like everybody else. I use Zep gasket remover to rid the clearcoat. I then start by using a 3" Blue 3M Scotchbrite air grinder disc, sand to a light grainy finish, then I hand sand with fine 320 emery, and then polish with Mothers' mag polish. It's not quite like chrome, but the finish is awesome, and not a TON of work to achieve. I am going for the polished "brushed" look on my side covers.
Rich