Best way to polish fins?

[JTGS850GL]

I've seen a lot of black engines with the first few rows of fins on the head polished on the edges. Any suggestions on how to do it?

 

[Nessism]

Sandpaper.

 

[JTGS850GL]

Sand and polish before I paint or after? I was thinking of doing all the polishing before I paint and then either mask the fins first using 1/8" tape or wipe off the black on the edges using acetone after.

 

[60ratrod]

after. it will be much easier

 

[posplayr]

I used a flat file to square off the fins. You can use a sanding block with 250-400 to finish it off. Then paint the engine. After paint is dry sand the top coat of paint off.

inprobably finished with a very fine 800 grit.

same goes for the cam covers except they won't need as much filing.

 

[Steve]

I have also been known to use a Roloc wheel, but VERY carefully, it will easily get away from you.

.

 

[posplayr]

I have also been known to use a Roloc wheel, but VERY carefully, it will easily get away from you.

.

You are not just cutting down a flat surface ; the finds wrap on front and back. The Roloc would be way to much for the soft aluminum. This is no more than 15 min per side with a flat file.

 

[Guest]

You are not just cutting down a flat surface ; the finds wrap on front and back. The Roloc would be way to much for the soft aluminum. This is no more than 15 min per side with a flat file.

Yep works great

 

[Scratcher09]

+1 on posplayer technique

 

[Rob S.]

Emory cloth?

 

[Scratcher09]

For squaring off fins I use 220 sandpaper on a hard rubber sanding block. And after paint I use sandpaper 400-1000 grit. The block does make it easier. I have also used a palm sander to speed up the process, but that only works when you have the motor out of the frame.

 

[Jmanor]

I sanded and polished my fins on my Yamaha V Star 1100 Classic and love the look, also been sanding and polishing part sof my restoration/bobber project (82 GS1100GL). I used 120, 220, 320 and 400 sandpaper then Mother's polish. it will turn black and wipe off with clean cloths then afterwards use a nice microfiber cloth and it will shine.