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Polishing experts

  • Thread starter Thread starter wally
  • Start date Start date
W

wally

Guest
Hi guys, I need some help/pointers please!

I decided to clean up the rear brake cover on the 450 (seeing as the wheel was already off to be painted and it looked a bit grubby).

I sanded it down to 1200 grit (which is all I had) and did a rough polish last night to see how it looks (one of those Tork Craft kits that slot into the drill):
2012-06-06-167.jpg
:rolleyes:

Not too bad - still needs some smoothing, but my question is: how to deal with getting into those hard to reach places:
2012-06-06-169.jpg
:?:

I am not necessarily looking for a show quality shine, just an all-over equal finished surface.

thanx!
 
use a screw driver or something similar and then wrap the sandingpaper around it :)
keep wetsanding it more with the 1200grit, as the paper wears it'll get finer and produce a better shine, or you can simply go up to 2000 grit and then polish :)

Also, do you have a dremel tool? they have some pointy grinding tools, and polishing tools that will probably get in those tight places
 
I find a polished look never lasts very long, gets dirty oxidizes,,..:-s
I've taken a bunch of parts to a Aluminum Wheel Shop (where they repair/straighten alloy wheels).
They glass beaded the aluminum covers/parts, then clear-coated them with a oven cook.
Costs money, but beautiful, tough, lasts forever,,..:cool:
 
Have you ever heard about aqua blasting? Look it up on you tube im shure you will be amazed!
 
I need to find a way to polish my cases while they are still on the bike.
 
There is a polishing place around the corner from where I work. I took my 400 Bandit's wheels to them years ago to get polished, as they were badly chipped. They did a great job.

freedom_by_freshdes.jpg


Should maybe have a chat with them to see how much they would charge.

Just don't have enough time (or patience).
 
Hey Wally,

Just noticed you are also in Cape Town area! I have not noticed you on the forum till now, my apologies!

Those wheels look fantastic. Do they have clear coat on them?

What is the address of that polishing place - always good to know of such places - my clutch cover and stator cover need polishing, and I also have little patience when it comes to jobs like that!
 
hey, no problem!

Place is called Pretty Polishing, in Woodstock
48 Albert Road
Woodstock
7925

Tel/Fax: 021 448 - 9384
Cell: 072 171 6391

They are really good.

Not sure if they coated it, but all you had to do to clean them was hot soapy water and a soft sponge. But heaven forbid of you skipped a week - especially on the rear wheel!

Will see if have more pics somewhere. I never had any pitting or dulling in the 3 years I had the bike with wheels polished - just cleaning the grime off the wheels on a weekly basis and no abrasive polishes and it stays like that.
 
Last edited:
Posting pic

Posting pic

Can tell me how to post a picture on my page????????????
 
I upload my images to Photobucket.com, once uploaded click on the IMG Code field. That copies your image code. Paste that code into you message.

So, it will read something like:
or make use of the "insert image" icon above you when you post a message to paste the link into.

hope that is as clear as mud?
 
Hey Wally

Thanks for the info on the polishing place!

My son has a GSX400F which uses the same 16v engine as the Bandit you had. Excellent performance from a 400 cc!

Enjoy the 450. Yours is in nice condition.
 
I have a sweet-spot for the 400 Bandits! :p

Clocked up over 30 000kms in 3 years and not a single problem!
Sold it with almost 50 000kms on the clock for a 99 SRAD 750.

Suzuki fan! :D
 
I just save a pic file to my desktop right off my SD card then up load from there to GSR. Real simple. Oh just, make sure you do use anything over 1.5 mega pixels.
 
They have moved premises.

Now at 5 Calcutta Street, Paarden Eiland, but closed today due to a funeral. :(
 
I would glass blast the part and then clear coat with clear engine paint. It will last for years with minimal care.
 
The first issue is to find somebody locally who either knows what you are talking about or doesn't over charge. :mad:

Secondly, for the cost of that exercise I'd get it polished with these guys.

They charged me about ZAR 350 per rim (around US$80) to strip and polish it a few years ago. Bargain! ;)

So I can't see it being expensive to polish this part up. Only hot soapy water and soft sponge and it'll stay clean.:)
 
Wait for it...wait for it...







tadaaaaaaa!!!!
2012-06-14-177.jpg


Got the rear brake polished for free, as they were doing the rim. Rims is in the back of the car and didn't feel like carrying it into the office. Looks cool! Have to give it a good rinse, then repaint over the weekend - again!
 
Wow, that is some shine! Almost a pity to put it on your bike, I would be tempted to hang it in the bathroom as a mirror!

Are you having the 450's wheels polished like your Bandit's were? If so, that is going to look great with the black/orange colour scheme.

I will have to take my clutch/stator covers to those guys.
 
Nope, just had the faces of the spokes and the lips polished.

I thought my home-made attempts were good, but it looks soooo much better! They charged about R300/wheel to do the spokes and lip.

But well worth it! I also said I didn't need the cover to be show quality finish, so I suppose they could have even gone better. Owner is also a keen biker.

His GSXR was standing in the reception area.
 
Close-up of the wheels.

2012-06-14-179.jpg

2012-06-14-180.jpg


Still dirty form the polishing compound, but that is my fault as they rushed for me to get it done, as I was going to be in the area the morning.

Bit of hot soapy water and it will be as good as new!
 
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