SANDING THE ALUMINUM RIMS

[1NorthRyder]

So this weekend I started a huge project. I started wet sanding the rims with #600 grit and worked my way up to #2000 grit. Next time I think I would start with #1000 grit. Once the sanding was complete I polished the rim with buffing compound and a buffing wheel on a drill, then I hand polished with a micro fibre cloth, and finally applied a sealer. Turned out really nice and shiny and was well worth the effort. My arms are however sore this morning. I'll give them a rest and start on the rear rim on Friday. After the success of the one rim I think I will use the same process on all of the aluminum components on the Valk. Should make it very shiny by the time I get completely finished.

[Tfrank59]

If you want to keep them looking beautiful especially if you ever ride in any inclement weather, I would wax your rims now as protection.

[1NorthRyder]

If you want to keep them looking beautiful especially if you ever ride in any inclement weather, I would wax your rims now as protection.

I've already applied a sealer which is supposed to last for six months before a new application is required.

[..]

If you want to keep them looking beautiful especially if you ever ride in any inclement weather, I would wax your rims now as protection.

I've already applied a sealer which is supposed to last for six months before a new application is required.

For peace of mind wax will take about 5 minutes.  

Also makes them easier to wash road crud off.

[1NorthRyder]

I assume you just use a Maguir's or Turtle wax product?

[..]

I assume you just use a Maguir's or Turtle wax product?

Yep. Cheapest you can find.

[Jess from VA]

Remember that some of the aluminum is clear coated (master cylinders, forks, pumpkin).

It will fill up your sandpaper quickly and headway will be slow going.

On my old HOG, I burned off the clear coat with many cans of carburetor cleaner (kinda toxic to paint and your lungs), then polished.  

Some guys have used some hi tech aircraft stripper of some sort (comes in a can, not a bikini).  

I used to keep my wheels real shiny, but I got tired of it.  And it shows.  Nice warm temps today, and I'm trying to talk myself into washing the bikes.  

[98valk]

easy-off takes clear coat right off.  just don't leave it on too long, will discolor aluminum. so scrape softened coating off and flush with water.

[Tfrank59]

I guess I'm off in left field here but I don't remove coating from aluminum unless it's already coming off and then I'll take it off realizing that from then on I have to maintain the aluminum because it will oxidize if I do not. I know there's a lot of stuff on my Valkyrie that's coated aluminum and I don't feel like polishing it, but that's just me.

[1NorthRyder]

I know there's a lot of stuff on my Valkyrie that's coated aluminum and I don't feel like polishing it, but that's just me.

I can't say that I blame you, It is a lot of work. For me, I can't ride at this time of year due to snow and I have a cozy warm garage so doing something bike related keeps me from going crazy.

[98valk]

this is how i did my front wheel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KGHuzv8qB0

using this after sanding
http://www.topoftheline.com/rolmetpolkit.html

[1NorthRyder]

this is how i did my front wheel

LOL. That's the same video I watched before attempting mine.

[Tfrank59]

I know there's a lot of stuff on my Valkyrie that's coated aluminum and I don't feel like polishing it, but that's just me.

I can't say that I blame you, It is a lot of work. For me, I can't ride at this time of year due to snow and I have a cozy warm garage so doing something bike related keeps me from going crazy.

Yep, you're just like the forum administrator for my other bike--lives up there in the frozen north, takes his bikes into his house every winter and tinkers, then brings them out for the summer months.