I’m working on some 1975 GT 250 forks that have probably never been polished in 47 years. The oxidation was horrible but I finally got that shine using multiple techniques. I tried scotch brite pads, steel wool, with metal polish, wet sanded, used rubbing compound and used drill and buff pad to do final. Took me 5 hours on one fork. (Hard to get in tight spots). Anyway the moral of the story is “if your aluminum is bad there is no “easy” way to get this done but in the end it’s worth it. 👍
I just did mine. Used 120 grit plumbers cloth in a roll. Makes easy work to get around the tubes. Did the same reducing them grit as I went up. Came out pretty good on my 32 year old 1991 FXRS.
Check this out- th-cam.com/video/EE5ubKtTcLE/w-d-xo.html and this one th-cam.com/video/3w_hcn3Klf8/w-d-xo.html and th-cam.com/video/-JthbQYc1VM/w-d-xo.html. I would think sandblasting will remove the coating.
I found this video to be an excellent instruction and thanks for putting it together. I do have one question... What pad are you using on your buffer when you apply the mirror cutting compound? Is it a buffer pad? I couldn't tell from the video sound...anyone? Thanks...
@@TechnMoto Thanks, will do.. I'm cleaning up the aluminum lowers on a 1996 Dyna Wide Glide... the clear coat was discolored and very pitted, but with wet dry sandpaper levels 400 through 3000 I have managed to clean and shine them pretty good, and I can't wait to see what they look like after applying the cutting compound and aluminum polish.
@@TechnMoto Forks came out looking as good as the chrome, couldn't be happier with the results! First time I ever attempted this, will provide a pic if possible...
If you have a 6" buffer or smaller one and the same compounds it makes quick work of them. Of Course if you need to sand or do some prep work that takes a good amount of time but it's all in the prep as I think you know. Take care and god bless friend. Also let me know how they turn out if you can.
Would not recommend using a wire wheel. Sandpaper and elbow grease. Start with something like 400 and work your way up to 1000 grit or higher to remove any blemishes or corrosion on the aluminum before polishing.
How long did the finish last for ? cant decide between paint or polish
usually lasts about two years if I take care of it.
If you polish it last for the life of your bike
I’m working on some 1975 GT 250 forks that have probably never been polished in 47 years. The oxidation was horrible but I finally got that shine using multiple techniques. I tried scotch brite pads, steel wool, with metal polish, wet sanded, used rubbing compound and used drill and buff pad to do final. Took me 5 hours on one fork. (Hard to get in tight spots). Anyway the moral of the story is “if your aluminum is bad there is no “easy” way to get this done but in the end it’s worth it. 👍
I totally understand. 👍
I just did mine. Used 120 grit plumbers cloth in a roll. Makes easy work to get around the tubes. Did the same reducing them grit as I went up. Came out pretty good on my 32 year old 1991 FXRS.
good to hear. thanks
Good job and idea using the paint cut and polish, i had thought about it myself, ya ended up with an excellent chrome like mirror finish
Yep works great. Thanks for commenting and watching 👍
About to do mine. Original forks were painted (it’s a ‘71 Kawi F8) but I like the polished look. Great job thanks.
Polished look does look nice. Thanks for the comment and spending time here viewing my video
That turned out nice. Thank you
Thank you! Cheers!
Saw “for dummies” and had to watch!!! 👍🤤
Lol Dave😂
Nice job man !
thanks
Badassery 101...killer job man!
Thanks 🙏
Sand papa,and a buffa! Lol. Great job!
Thanks 👍
Awesome. Amazing what some elbow grease will do
Thanks and yes a bit of manual labor goes a long way for sure. Take care.
Great video!
Thanks 🙏
My lower forks are factory powdercoated black any recommendations on getting that powdercoat off?
No idea. Search TH-cam?
@@TechnMotooh I have, a million videos on how to polish forks no ones taking paint off them, not sure figure I'd start asking
Check this out- th-cam.com/video/EE5ubKtTcLE/w-d-xo.html and this one th-cam.com/video/3w_hcn3Klf8/w-d-xo.html and th-cam.com/video/-JthbQYc1VM/w-d-xo.html. I would think sandblasting will remove the coating.
I found this video to be an excellent instruction and thanks for putting it together. I do have one question... What pad are you using on your buffer when you apply the mirror cutting compound? Is it a buffer pad? I couldn't tell from the video sound...anyone? Thanks...
Polishing pad. Click link in description. First pad that shows up on the list.
@@TechnMoto Thanks, will do.. I'm cleaning up the aluminum lowers on a 1996 Dyna Wide Glide... the clear coat was discolored and very pitted, but with wet dry sandpaper levels 400 through 3000 I have managed to clean and shine them pretty good, and I can't wait to see what they look like after applying the cutting compound and aluminum polish.
@@toddyoung4495 let me know how it comes out.
@@TechnMoto Will do...thanks again!
@@TechnMoto Forks came out looking as good as the chrome, couldn't be happier with the results! First time I ever attempted this, will provide a pic if possible...
Great video did mine last year but they didnt come out as good as yours so will be doing them just like you have done
If you have a 6" buffer or smaller one and the same compounds it makes quick work of them. Of Course if you need to sand or do some prep work that takes a good amount of time but it's all in the prep as I think you know. Take care and god bless friend. Also let me know how they turn out if you can.
Looks really nice...great job
thanks
How fast td9es the corrosion come back now that the clear coat is gone ?
Don’t know. I polish my forks once a year and it has held up really nicely.
How long did each fork take. Approx. ?
Tony M depends how bad they are but it took me about an hour each
No clearcoat afterwards?
I did not clear coat them.
@@TechnMoto should we?
I know some folks do but I don’t. It’s up to you I guess. I never tried to do that so I can’t elaborate on it.
@@TechnMoto fair enough. Thanks man!
How long do you estimate each fork leg took you Sir?
This job was about two hours. Depends on the forks conditions.
I'm a lazy flucker, might try it though. how long did it actually take you to do the job ? length of time between grits?
Your correct, this is a bit of work. This entire job took me about five hours from start to finish or something like that.
Will this work if I started with a wire wheel?
Would not recommend using a wire wheel. Sandpaper and elbow grease. Start with something like 400 and work your way up to 1000 grit or higher to remove any blemishes or corrosion on the aluminum before polishing.
Nice 👍
thanks
Are you from the east coast? You sound like my uncle lol got like a mass/rhode island accent.
Procab lol yep
Some people will do anti stay away from the wife 😂😂😂
Lol
Funny how we steer clear of household cleaning but will polish somr aluminum to a mirror shine, gotta love machinery esp bikes
I’m just waiting to see if his bike falls off the jack stand
😂 good one. I also think about that every time I lift it. 😂👍
Horrible audio. Try TH-cam audio 101 for dummies. Really wished I could hear what was going on.
😂 it’s free
Plastic sheet over the bike might be an idea
okay nice tip
You know there is the R in the English language
Lol not in Boston
@@TechnMoto 👍
@@TechnMoto or in other english speaking colonies, heh., unless they're Scottish based.