My aluminum frame and swingarm on my 09 kx250f seem to be getting scuffed up pretty easily and stained in some spots.
Are there any techniques or products you guys use to make them look clean and new again?
(I'm not looking to polish them, or make them mirrior like)
How to make an aluminum frame and swing arm look like new again?
Started by
chasemotox63
, Oct 24 2010 10:31 PM
21 replies to this topic
Posted 24 October 2010 - 10:52 PM
Wet sand it. Use a block to wrap the paper around when sanding the flat areas so you don't get low spots from your fingers.
Start with something like 400-500 then go to an 800 and from there you can decide how far to take it. 1000, 1500, 2000 will give you varying levels of smoothness. It will look nice and new again. The swing arm sticker will keep scratches from coming back.
Start with something like 400-500 then go to an 800 and from there you can decide how far to take it. 1000, 1500, 2000 will give you varying levels of smoothness. It will look nice and new again. The swing arm sticker will keep scratches from coming back.
Posted 25 October 2010 - 04:13 AM
The Scotch Brite pad works the best......I went to my Napa store and got some of the purple ones that they use doing body work....works awesome.....
Posted 25 October 2010 - 04:28 AM
MotoGuido said:
Wet sand it.
Start with something like 400-500 then go to an 800 and from there you can decide how far to take it. 1000, 1500, 2000 will give you varying levels of smoothness. .
Start with something like 400-500 then go to an 800 and from there you can decide how far to take it. 1000, 1500, 2000 will give you varying levels of smoothness. .
Then use 0000 grade steal wool and AutoSal. It will look like chrome.
Edited by crazy_dave, 25 October 2010 - 04:57 AM.
Posted 25 October 2010 - 04:56 AM
Use 0000steel wool or a ScotchBrite pad and lubricate the surface with WD-40. This works great on swingarms, and even aluminum frames that have etching from being left outside. The WD-40 also gives the metal a bit of corrosion resistance so you should need to repeat the process less frequently after the first go.
Posted 25 October 2010 - 07:48 AM
I've found SOS pads work great, just use it when you wash the bike. It takes 2 seconds and the frame looks new when you rinse it off.
Posted 25 October 2010 - 08:03 AM
I just have the maid polish mine,I think she uses that frilly little apron!
Posted 25 October 2010 - 08:29 AM
scott508 said:
Use 0000steel wool or a ScotchBrite pad and lubricate the surface with WD-40. This works great on swingarms, and even aluminum frames that have etching from being left outside. The WD-40 also gives the metal a bit of corrosion resistance so you should need to repeat the process less frequently after the first go.
^ :thumbsup:What he said. You said you don't want it polished so skip the 400, 600,1000 wet sanding stuff. 0000 Steel wool and WD40 will give a nice satin finish that won't stain or water spot.
Posted 25 October 2010 - 09:20 AM
ride in the dunes! seriously, it will have your bike shining, especially the aluminum.
Posted 25 October 2010 - 09:22 AM
KJ790 said:
I've found SOS pads work great, just use it when you wash the bike. It takes 2 seconds and the frame looks new when you rinse it off.
This is what I do and it works well:thumbsup:
Posted 25 October 2010 - 08:18 PM
Jrs Turn said:
^ :thumbsup:What he said. You said you don't want it polished so skip the 400, 600,1000 wet sanding stuff. 0000 Steel wool and WD40 will give a nice satin finish that won't stain or water spot.
I use the 0000 steel wool to take off my boot marks but he was sounding like he had some deeper scratches.
Posted 03 November 2010 - 09:23 AM
MotoGuido said:
I use the 0000 steel wool to take off my boot marks but he was sounding like he had some deeper scratches.
Nah, he was just saying he had some scuffing and staining.
Posted 03 November 2010 - 10:43 AM
scotch brite pad works the best. just be sure to get the ones with soap in them
Posted 16 November 2010 - 11:30 AM
Thanks for all the input guys!
I ended up using the regular Scotch Brite pads and here's how she turned out:
They seemed to be a little rough, so I think I will use the lighter pads next time.
I ended up using the regular Scotch Brite pads and here's how she turned out:
They seemed to be a little rough, so I think I will use the lighter pads next time.
Posted 16 November 2010 - 12:49 PM
Interesting thread and how some gave answers to a question not asked.
