First time polishing

[Corpsegrinder]

I had some free time today so I decided to polish my lowers. I sanded my ASS off! In the middle of sanding I had some doubts but there was no turning back! Once I started buffing man I was getting excited! I am extremely happy with the way they came out! Tommorrow I'll reinstall em. I think next weekend will be the upper tree.:happy:


Heres some pics of the original and polished side by side. Not bad eh? :happy:

http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL867/3161308/6439421/96608402.jpg

http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL867/3161308/6439421/96608410.jpg

[AirportFF]

They look sharp, wanna do Susan's (forks)? I did mine on the bike when I had the front wheel off.

[FFsLady]

Damn!! Looks great! Good job. :happy:

[M@Man]

Looks fantastic! It's a great feeling when you see the difference all that hard work makes, isn't it? :wink_2:

M@

[inkslinger]

What did you use to polish them???
how much time did it take to do it.

BTW looks good

[RustyJake]

Looks awesome!

[Machinehead]

wanna do Susan


FIXED.....:)


Don't mind me FF ....just fuggin off 8)

[Corpsegrinder]

They look sharp, wanna do Susan's (forks)? I did mine on the bike when I had the front wheel off.

Thanx. How bout you strip n' sand and I'll polish? :happy:

[Corpsegrinder]

Damn!! Looks great! Good job. :happy:

Thanx Susan :happy:

[Corpsegrinder]

Looks fantastic! It's a great feeling when you see the difference all that hard work makes, isn't it? :wink_2:

M@

Thanx M@man. It is a great feeling! My arms are still feeling it this morning!:happy:

[Corpsegrinder]

Looks awesome!

Thanx man. I'm just trying to catch up to you!:wink_2:

[Corpsegrinder]

What did you use to polish them???
how much time did it take to do it.

BTW looks good

Thanx!:happy:

What I did (per fork):

Stripped clear with Aircraft remover. 10 minutes of standing there looking worried.

Sanded with 220 grit. 30 minutes.

Sanded with 400 grit. 30 minutes.

Sanded with 600 grit. 10 minutes.

Sanded with 800 grit. 10 minutes.

Sanded with 1000 grit. 10 minutes.

Polished with Tripoli (Brown) Compound. 15 minutes.

Polished with Red Rouge Compound. 15 minutes.

Polished with White Rouge Compound. 15 minutes.

Stared at the finish. 10 minutes.

Total Time: 2.5 hours (per fork)

I went to sears and bought sandpaper, 3 polishing wheels, and the compound kit for $22.00. Oh and $10.00 for a 12 pack!

Hope that helps.:happy:

[FFsLady]

:eek2:

[Corpsegrinder]

:eek2:
Oh it wasn't that bad! I just did my risers (6 beers later). Shit looks like chrome! WooHoo!! Next will be that upper tree. Its just killing the whole front end.

[RustyJake]

Thanx man. I'm just trying to catch up to you!:wink_2:
It's touches like the one you just did that make all the difference in the world. Now I need to put that on my list of things to do next winter.
Can't wait to see pics of it when you are done. I know the risers when polished look awesome. Because they aren't clear coated, it was one of the things I had done before my new CP bars.
LusterLace (http://www.lusterlace.com/) works excellent for polishing aluminum (as long as there is no clear and the surface doesn't require sanding). I just got a bottle of metalgloss (http://www.metalgloss.com/) polish and their sealer (keeps the aluminum from dulling in the weather. Works GREAT on the rims so far). It was mentioned over at TSW a while back and sure enough, the stuff works as described. Lusterlace (http://www.lusterlace.com/) seems to take a bit more work then the metalgloss (lusterlace has a lace product for doing spokes which helps a lot). Both do a nice job of bringing out a chrome-like shine. But the metalgloss (http://www.metalgloss.com/) product offers the sealer to help seal the shine. I've had good luck with it so far.

[AirportFF]

I picked up some metal gloss and the gloss sealer at the show in Jan. The stuff is awesome. The metal gloss is green, I think, and does take a little effort to buff out. But the results are great

[Corpsegrinder]

I've been using metal gloss for over a month now. That is some good stuff! I need to get the sealer. After I was finished sanding I tried to buff it with the metal gloss (on a bench grinder) It made it somewhat shiny but not chrome lookin like the compunds did. I even tried just buffing the risers and I didn't get the same results as sanding and buffing So I sanded them also. That didn't take long at all. Hour and a half and I had em back on. After I went through the 3 compunds I rubbed the metal gloss on and it seemed to give it that final sparkle. :wink_2: Heres a shot of the risers and he forks reinstalled. Next is that tree, it sticks out now.


http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL867/3161308/6439421/96728401.jpg

http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL867/3161308/6439421/96729464.jpg
http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL867/3161308/6439421/96728384.jpg


http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL867/3161308/6439421/96728357.jpg

[RustyJake]

Looks great, Sure cleans up the lower end of the forks. Almost looks like one piece from the fork covers down. Nice work Corpse!

[Shadow]

Thanx!:happy:

What I did (per fork):
Stripped clear with Aircraft remover. 10 minutes of standing there looking worried.
Sanded with 220 grit. 30 minutes.
Sanded with 400 grit. 30 minutes.
Sanded with 600 grit. 10 minutes.
Sanded with 800 grit. 10 minutes.
Sanded with 1000 grit. 10 minutes.
Polished with Tripoli (Brown) Compound. 15 minutes.
Polished with Red Rouge Compound. 15 minutes.
Polished with White Rouge Compound. 15 minutes.
Dude, don't be wackin' off anytime soon, you are liable to yank your head right off!

[Corpsegrinder]

Looks great, Sure cleans up the lower end of the forks. Almost looks like one piece from the fork covers down. Nice work Corpse!

Thanx man! I am very happy with the outcome. $150 to have someone do it or $22 for me to do it. Hmm that leaves $128 to spend some where else!

Actually I have been lookin at headlights. What one are your running there? Any likes or dislikes about it? I'm trying to weed out my options. The one you have looks pretty sharp with the stance of your scoot. Thanx for the comps again Rusty or Jake.:happy:

[Corpsegrinder]

Dude, don't be wackin' off anytime soon, you are liable to yank your head right off!

I'm sure I could get some nice speed though. I am covered in compound from head to uhhh.... head!:laugh:

[inkslinger]

Thanx!:happy:

What I did (per fork):

Stripped clear with Aircraft remover. 10 minutes of standing there looking worried.

Sanded with 220 grit. 30 minutes.

Sanded with 400 grit. 30 minutes.

Sanded with 600 grit. 10 minutes.

Sanded with 800 grit. 10 minutes.

Sanded with 1000 grit. 10 minutes.

Polished with Tripoli (Brown) Compound. 15 minutes.

Polished with Red Rouge Compound. 15 minutes.

Polished with White Rouge Compound. 15 minutes.

Stared at the finish. 10 minutes.

Total Time: 2.5 hours (per fork)

I went to sears and bought sandpaper, 3 polishing wheels, and the compound kit for $22.00. Oh and $10.00 for a 12 pack!

Hope that helps.:happy:



TKS man i might try it soon

[Corpsegrinder]

TKS man i might try it soon

Anytime! :happy: Good Luck!

[RustyJake]

Thanx man! I am very happy with the outcome. $150 to have someone do it or $22 for me to do it. Hmm that leaves $128 to spend some where else!

Actually I have been lookin at headlights. What one are your running there? Any likes or dislikes about it? I'm trying to weed out my options. The one you have looks pretty sharp with the stance of your scoot. Thanx for the comps again Rusty or Jake.:happy:
It's a cobra knock-off. 5-3/4" I'll see if I can find a link for a few. I'm happy with it. Came with a bulb but I took it out and used my PIIA superwhite in it. Uses the same H4 bulb ours does. You can use the mount adapter from jireh cycle (pt# 11-40) or just drill through the tree. I used my signal mount (got the idea from AirportFF and how he mounted Susan's light.) I'm very happy with the light and the way it looks on the bike. It would definitely compliment what you've already done.

[Corpsegrinder]

It's a cobra knock-off. 5-3/4" I'll see if I can find a link for a few. I'm happy with it. Came with a bulb but I took it out and used my PIIA superwhite in it. Uses the same H4 bulb ours does. You can use the mount adapter from jireh cycle (pt# 11-40) or just drill through the tree. I used my signal mount (got the idea from AirportFF and how he mounted Susan's light.) I'm very happy with the light and the way it looks on the bike. It would definitely compliment what you've already done.

Excellent! Thanx for the info! If you have the link that would be great! I'm gonna do some searchin for it right now.

[AirportFF]

(got the idea from AirportFF and how he mounted Susan's light.).


I wish I hadn't deleted those pics of that assembly. I would have liked to rewrite that tutorial on the new site. :uneasy:

[Corpsegrinder]

I wish I hadn't deleted those pics of that assembly. I would have liked to rewrite that tutorial on the new site. :uneasy:

That sux. I do that all the time. Save shit forever and as soon as I delete it it could of came to good use. Thanx Buddy! LOL!

[AirportFF]

That sux. I do that all the time. Save shit forever and as soon as I delete it it could of came to good use. Thanx Buddy! LOL!

It was the way I modified the LED/Billet front turn signal bars that some guy was selling on ebay a few months back to fit an aftermarket headlight. Without spending $80 for a stupid ass adapter.

[Shadow]

I'm sure I could get some nice speed though. I am covered in compound from head to uhhh.... head!:laugh:
LMAO!!! :laugh:

[RustyJake]

Excellent! Thanx for the info! If you have the link that would be great! I'm gonna do some searchin for it right now.
This is the same light (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&tc=photo&item=4550235880&category=35575) I got. I know there's some 4-3/4 in the same style that are a bit shorter in length. I just wanted to keep the light surface area the same as the stock lamp.
I wish I hadn't deleted those pics of that assembly. I would have liked to rewrite that tutorial on the new site. :uneasy:
Yeah, that was a good tutorial. It had to be, I went off of memory to do mine. Worked good, except the hole I did for the bolt for the lamp brack, I drilled too big. Seems to be holding well no vibration or anything, so I'll leave it as is.

[Machinehead]

It looks nice and and clean, but the finish would never last down here in the swamplands....tis why most parts are plated/finished.....I will, however, acknowledge your work and commend you on a job well done....but I'd sugest that you apply some type of finish that would prevent corrosion.....k?

[Brunowren]

Dont anyone give me any crap for this :mfight: But do you HAVE to remove the forks or do you think you could just remove the wheel and fender to do the job ? :undecided

[Corpsegrinder]

Dont anyone give me any crap for this :mfight: But do you HAVE to remove the forks or do you think you could just remove the wheel and fender to do the job ? :undecided

You could probably do it with the forks on. It definately would be more of a PITA. But by time you pull the wheel and fender, why not just take the 2 caliper bolts out and the 4 pinch bolts on the trees and pull the fork out. I think you'll get better results.

[Corpsegrinder]

It looks nice and and clean, but the finish would never last down here in the swamplands....tis why most parts are plated/finished.....I will, however, acknowledge your work and commend you on a job well done....but I'd sugest that you apply some type of finish that would prevent corrosion.....k?

Thanx for the compliment. I will be putting on a sealer. If they dull I'll just put em under the buffer again! The hard part (the sanding) is done!

[AirportFF]

Dont anyone give me any crap for this :mfight: But do you HAVE to remove the forks or do you think you could just remove the wheel and fender to do the job ? :undecided

CRAPCRAPCRAPCRAPCRAPCRAPCRAPCRAPCRAPCRAP :assbeat:

[RustyJake]

There's been a couple people over at TSW that did it on the bike. But for making it easier on yourself it would be better off of the bike. You have to jack up the bike to take the tire off, you are over 1/2 way to removing the fork.

[M@Man]

Ok, I'll fight the smart ass reply...
It depends, if you want to polish only what can be seen from a distance, or have a confined area to work with, leave 'em on. If you want to get everything and do a complete head to toe polish, then remove them from the bike. I took mine off when I did mine, it's not that much trouble.

M@

[Corpsegrinder]

Hey RustyJake,

I just snatched up that head light you posted. My wife thanks you! :happy:

[AirportFF]

Hey RustyJake,

I just snatched up that head light you posted. My wife thanks you! :happy:


HEHE he said snatch

[RustyJake]

he said that and wife in the same sentence.....
Good "grab" by you corpse!

[Corpsegrinder]

I just got smacked for typin snatch! Boy you guys know how to get a guy in trouble!

OK whats the best way to mount this bitc...Oh wait I'll get another smack. Whats the best way to mount this HEADLIGHT! I saw the pic of the bracket from Jireh and it looks cheezy. I think I'll go the ''Drill the tree'' route. It sounds cleaner. I see on the pic of the headlight it only has one hole. (heh I said hole :happy: ) I'm not by the bike but isn't there 2 hole in the tree now for the stock bracket? Whats the best way to do this? I'm sure I can make it work but some tips from the pros can't hurt!

[RustyJake]

I've seen it fabbed using the stock bracket and not using the bottom mount from the headlight. You would have to drill out the sides on the stock mount to accept the bolts from the light and maybe put in a spacer/shim.
Drilling the one hole in the tree would work too. Depends on what you want to do.

[AirportFF]

I just got smacked for typin snatch! Boy you guys know how to get a guy in trouble!

OK whats the best way to mount this bitc...Oh wait I'll get another smack. Whats the best way to mount this HEADLIGHT! I saw the pic of the bracket from Jireh and it looks cheezy. I think I'll go the ''Drill the tree'' route. It sounds cleaner. I see on the pic of the headlight it only has one hole. (heh I said hole :happy: ) I'm not by the bike but isn't there 2 hole in the tree now for the stock bracket? Whats the best way to do this? I'm sure I can make it work but some tips from the pros can't hurt!


PERVERT!!!!!!!! :crazy3:

[Corpsegrinder]

I guess I'll wait till she arrives and hold her in place and see what I gotta do to it. Thanx for the reply.:happy:

[Corpsegrinder]

PERVERT!!!!!!!! :crazy3:

Know matter what I said, I just knew you were gonna get me!:laugh:

[Brunowren]

There's been a couple people over at TSW that did it on the bike. But for making it easier on yourself it would be better off of the bike. You have to jack up the bike to take the tire off, you are over 1/2 way to removing the fork.


Alright then ! Geeeaz :crazy3: Never have taken them off, kinda scared I might put them back on upside down or something :biggrinje

Did you use a bench gridner with buffing wheels or a drill ? I want to do this I love the look

[RustyJake]

Alright then ! Geeeaz :crazy3: Never have taken them off, kinda scared I might put them back on upside down or something :biggrinje

Did you use a bench gridner with buffing wheels or a drill ? I want to do this I love the look
If you take them off, the bench grinder would be easier, if you leave them on you are stuck with a buffing wheel on a drill. I haven't done mine yet, but it'll be one of the things I do over the next winter. I'll take mine off to do it. It'll keep me from doing a half ass job and saying "good enough".
I'm sure corpse will chime in to how he did his.

[Corpsegrinder]

I used a bench grinder. Unless you have a drill that spins at 6000 rpms. :wink_2: You need to build heat for the compound to work. Plus you have more control with the part in your hand instead of a drill. If you skip with the drill and knick the aluminum you'll have more fun trying to sand that scratch out. I used 3 compounds. Its important to change the wheel as you move to the next compound. I labeled the wheels Brown,Red, and White. Hope that helps.

[navillustoo]

If y'all have an air compressor, get a die grinder. They spin at 10,000 RPM+ and do a fine job. I've polished everytning from intake manifolds to Berkley jet drives and the 1/4" collet die grinders are an invaluable tool. You can throw away your Dremels!(not really, but you'll use the die grinder way more than the Dremel)

I use the same wheel for ALL compounds. There is a buffing wheel cleaning tool that looks like a steel comb. You can find them anywhere they sell compounds and buffing wheels.

Brian

[Corpsegrinder]

Without a doubt the Die Grinder will do a fine job also, but you need a pretty serious compressor to keep that die grinder running. I have a 125 max PSI 60 gallon standup compressor. The compressor will never turn off running a die grinder straight for 1/2 hour intervals while polishing. You can get a bench grinder at Home Depot for 39 bucks. Holding the part in your hand you'll have better control of polishing and less room for error.

A polisher told me to buy different wheels. The comb will clean it, but there is still some residue from each compound on the wheel. The tripoli compound is pretty gritty. I noticed if I used the same wheel that after I polished with the white rouge that there still was tiny scratches in it. This is cause by the left over tripoli on the wheel. For a show finish I feel its best to change wheels. Each compound having its own wheel. If you don't get most of the previous compund off the peice you'll cotaminate the next wheel with the finer compound. Thats why I change wheels. The wheels are under 3 bucks each. I tried a bunch of different ways and never got that show shine until the polisher told me how he gets his finish so nice.

navillustoo method will do a fine job too. Don't get me wrong. The die grinder is great for getting in those tight places but with a bench grinder you can do long passes on a wide area. My Die grinder is my best friend!:happy:

[RustyJake]

I'm thinking if a few of us send our forks to you corpse you should truly be more of an expert then you already are. I don't think there'd be any shortage of volunteers to send their forks to you. Hell, you could do it by exchange and no one would be without for very long, except you........ :wink_2:

Excellent work and instructions!!!

[Corpsegrinder]

I'm thinking if a few of us send our forks to you corpse you should truly be more of an expert then you already are. I don't think there'd be any shortage of volunteers to send their forks to you. Hell, you could do it by exchange and no one would be without for very long, except you........ :wink_2:

Excellent work and instructions!!!

The exchange program is a possibilty. Work in the winter is slow for me. I love workin on the bike. My not so mechanically inclined neighbor has an SS too. (He paid to have mirrors put on his bike) He was just over asking me what I was doing to the bike. So he's lookin and pointin at stuff askin questions and then was like ''Wow! I want that man. Where did you buy em?'' and he's pointin at the lowers!! Made me feel great! So he might be my first customer!

I told him about the forums so hopefully he'll stop in.

Thanx for the kind words man.

[Machinehead]

Thanx for the compliment. I will be putting on a sealer. If they dull I'll just put em under the buffer again! The hard part (the sanding) is done!


Steel wool works too.....after that it's just using a paper or compound that removes scratches/imperfections left by the previous method.....


I haven't used this product, but many have claimed ZOOP works for a sealant.

Sealing and finishing are two different worlds....please keep us posted....


Thanks

[Ghost_Rider]

Hey Corpse,

Those polished forks look awasome, damn they're really shiny!

I can't get my forks as good as yours with Mothers and drill. I think I'll re-polish everything with your method. Is it possible to post pictures of your compound & all the tools? Just wanna make sure I'm looking for the correct items at the autoshop. I've never come accross the compounds so far.

[navillustoo]

Herbert,
Check this out:
http://www.eastwood.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&itemID=950&keyword=13104

Brian

[Ghost_Rider]

Herbert,
Check this out:
http://www.eastwood.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&itemID=950&keyword=13104

Brian

Thanks Brian!

[Corpsegrinder]

Hey Corpse,

Those polished forks look awasome, damn they're really shiny!

I can't get my forks as good as yours with Mothers and drill. I think I'll re-polish everything with your method. Is it possible to post pictures of your compound & all the tools? Just wanna make sure I'm looking for the correct items at the autoshop. I've never come accross the compounds so far.


Sure. BTW, Ride is smokin dude.
Sandpaper grits were 220, 400, 600, 800, 1000. Bought from sears ( 1 sheet of each)



This is the 6'' grinder I used: $39.97 at Home Depot.

http://imagex.homedepot.com/f/248/13340/7d/www.homedepot.com/cmc_upload/HDUS/EN_US/asset/images/eplus/162512_3.jpg

This was the compound kit I bought: $5.99 Sears. Part # 2896


http://content.sears.com/data/product_images/009/02896/00902896000-190.jpg

These were the wheels I used: $4.99 Sears (These were $2.99 in the store.) Part # 64939

http://content.sears.com/data/product_images/009/64939/00964939000-190.jpg



Heres a live pic. :happy:

http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL867/3161308/6439421/97120026.jpg

http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL867/3161308/6439421/96788342.jpg

[AirportFF]

Damn man, you're a sigpic whore :happy:


Are you getting all of those on Delphi?

[Corpsegrinder]

Damn man, you're a sigpic whore :happy:


Are you getting all of those on Delphi?

Yeah, same girl. I didn't ask her for more. She sent me an email with 2 new ones. Says she likes working with the bike! I'm not complainin!:happy:

[AirportFF]

Yeah, same girl. I didn't ask her for more. She sent me an email with 2 new ones. Says she likes working with the bike! I'm not complainin!:happy:

Hmmmm sounds like you may have a stalker :wink_2:

[Corpsegrinder]

Hmmmm sounds like you may have a stalker :wink_2:

:lips2: Woman Stalker? .....EXCELLENT!!! :jamming:

[AirportFF]

:laugh:

[FFsLady]

Dont worry Corpse, he's just jealous :wink_2: :tongue2:

[Corpsegrinder]

Dont worry Corpse, he's just jealous :wink_2: :tongue2:

Maybe she has a sister!:bucktooth

[AirportFF]

:shocked2:

[Ghost_Rider]

Thanks for the comp, Corpse. Yours lookin sharp too, I love your fork cover, makes the front end look beefy. Those polished parts really adds a lot to the whole.

Great pictures! I'll try to look for these stuff over here, but not sure if I could find the compound kit. Do you know whether Sears can take online order?

And yeah, nice sig pic btw, how many do you have??? Could you do mine with the hottest girl you hv? :tongue2:

[Corpsegrinder]

Thanks for the comp, Corpse. Yours lookin sharp too, I love your fork cover, makes the front end look beefy. Those polished parts really adds a lot to the whole.

Great pictures! I'll try to look for these stuff over here, but not sure if I could find the compound kit. Do you know whether Sears can take online order?

And yeah, nice sig pic btw, how many do you have??? Could you do mine with the hottest girl you hv? :tongue2:

Thanx man.:happy:

You can order the compound kit here (http://www.bobvila.com/~search/go.php?http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;11981709;10504142;w?http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/entry.do?sid=I0008300030000100085&pid=00902896000).

I have 4 sigs now. Go over here (http://forums.delphiforums.com/freespiritrider/messages). Thats where I got mine. I'm sure the ladies will be glad to make you one. There extremely nice over there.

[Ghost_Rider]

Thanx man.:happy:

You can order the compound kit here (http://www.bobvila.com/~search/go.php?http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;11981709;10504142;w?http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/entry.do?sid=I0008300030000100085&pid=00902896000).

I have 4 sigs now. Go over here (http://forums.delphiforums.com/freespiritrider/messages). Thats where I got mine. I'm sure the ladies will be glad to make you one. There extremely nice over there.

Great! :luxhello:

I'll check with the ladies, thanks man!

[Machinehead]

Thanx man.:happy:

You can order the compound kit here (http://www.bobvila.com/~search/go.php?http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;11981709;10504142;w?http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/entry.do?sid=I0008300030000100085&pid=00902896000).

I have 4 sigs now. Go over here (http://forums.delphiforums.com/freespiritrider/messages). Thats where I got mine. I'm sure the ladies will be glad to make you one. There extremely nice over there.



Is the female (w/puhnurple hair) a real person (as opposed to CG)?

If so, does the carpet match the drapes?

[Corpsegrinder]

Is the female (w/puhnurple hair) a real person (as opposed to CG)?

If so, does the carpet match the drapes?

HaHa! I wish she was real! In my world shes as smooth as a linoleum floor!:happy:

[Purpitrator]

For anyone else interested in polishing up there aluminum I found this link. It gives step by step instructions and list of tools needed on how to polish aluminum. You can never have too much info right?
http://www.slickschoppers.com/TechArticles/polishing_aluminum.html