Bare Aluminum side covers

Two50noob

Two50noob

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So on my current project GS400 I am currently in the process of cleaning up the Aluminum side covers. The whole process of wet Sanding the aluminum parts and polishing them is a pain in the *** but once buffed out the parts look 100% better

I want to protect my hard work obviously an i have some recommendations from others these include

- Use a protective polish such Autosol and keeping up with the polishing regularly

- Using a bare metal clear coat from Eastwoods to protect it (Clear coat isn’t my favorite choice due to yellowing but Eastwoods is supposed to be good)

Anyone else running bare Aluminum on their bike and what would you guys suggest.
 
I'm not running plain aluminum bits, but you might want to consider clear powder coating them. That's the ultimate in low maintenance ;)
 
Is there a potential problem with electrochemical erosion if you use dissimilar metal bolts with this set up?
 
Considered but price is a factor here. Additionaly I may replace these parts later is I can find some in better condition so i dont want to put to much into them.
 
Two50noob said:
Only if im running current through my side covers.. I think?
Click to expand...

Aluminum has a lot of energy packed into it. You can definitely get some corrosion. Anodizing the outside might be a good idea, but then it certainly wouldn't have a polished look. That's one reason why I suggested clear powder coat.
 
Clear powder coat sounds the best. Powder coating can be quite cheap if your small parts are thrown in with someone elses big order. Some coaters will accomodate that, others want to maximize profit. Costs next to nothing if doing industrial black.
 
don't clear coat them, actually don't put anything on them once polished, just use some good polish, a rag, or buffing wheel on a drill and maintain it every so often...

if you clear coat them, and it starts yellowing and peeling and cracking, you will have a lot more work ahead to get them clean again...

P1090720.jpg


P1090738.jpg


and a year latter almost

I have not touched them in this last picture, but I did polish them up a few weeks latter

P1100621.jpg
 
GateKeeper said:
don't clear coat them, actually don't put anything on them once polished, just use some good polish, a rag, or buffing wheel on a drill and maintain it every so often...
Click to expand...

Thanks man. That was what i was planning on doing but you always read different things. What polish did you go with im thinking of using the AutoSol Aluminum and seeing if i can find a supplier for thier Protecting oil spray.
 
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