[housleyrichard92]

Hi all. Is there a tutorial or any information here on the forum discussing cleaning and polishing the aluminum wheels on the V-Rod? I'm sure some of you guys have had a lot of experience polishing new wheels and swing arms etc any suggestions, thanks Richard Housley

 

[hedgehanter]

Hi all. Is there a tutorial or any information here on the forum discussing cleaning and polishing the aluminum wheels on the V-Rod? I'm sure some of you guys have had a lot of experience polishing new wheels and swing arms etc any suggestions, thanks Richard Housley

Take those wheels to a professional as they do this for a living and wont cost you a fortune.
Did my swingarm, first you need to use sanding paper to make the surface even (you can skip this if all good), starting with a lower grit and move to a higher. Buy a polishing set with pads and compounds, and start using the hard pad with the darker coloured compound (Brown, blue) then use the soft pad with the lighter compound (White). Things you have to be mindful of:

1. The surface needs to be even, small dents, scratches will be visible when the polishing is done so you have to start over.
2. Use the compound often
3. Don't burn the surface by keeping the running pads on the same place, move them slowly back and forth.
4. Use mask

It is very hard work for things like swingarm where you cannot use polishing machines only drill.

 

[Moler]

I have polished numerous items. It is not hard at all, but..... it is time consuming and dirty. Depending how pitted and corroded the item is will depend how course of grit you can start with. This is a typical process that i have used... and all by hand..
400
600
800
1000
1500
2000
4000
6000
Then finish off with a good metal polish. Very important, don't move to next grit until all the previous marks from previous paper have been removed. The results are very impressive, but really a labour of love.

 

[2003 VRod Rider]

Pre-Season Polishing

To polish away the previous season's grime and later season road salt first,---> sanding. Doing my rear wheel, compensating bowl, disc. Already upgraded to a chrome pulley last year so that only needs cleaning. Started on the comp. bowl yesterday. Motivation to complete is nice weather is here...

www.1130cc.com

 

[housleyrichard92]

Thanks to all of you guys. Richard Housley and

 

[Boss_Hog]

I’m about to polish my wheels and found that Flitz has a metal pre-clean, almost like an acid that removes most of the grime, and then you can use their polish with 0000 steel wool to polish the lighter stuff and a polisher for the other stuff.

 

[housleyrichard92]

Where did you get the blitz at?

 

[2003 VRod Rider]

Boss_Hog is this (Flitz) the product you meant or is there a different product called Blitz?

 

[frogman_h2o]

Blitz polish - Dogpile.com Images Search
Probably the same thing in a different bottle 🤪

 

[2003 VRod Rider]

Nothing but Flitz! for me for that final shine!

 

[frogman_h2o]

Nothing but Flitz! for me for that final shine!

Does that make it go faster than the Yellow ones

 

[Boss_Hog]

That's the right Flitz, I just buy mine on amazon and in comes in a small tub size

 

[rbabos]

Autosol is about the same. Back in the day Simichrome was another. All have an oxide chemical remover and fine polishing compounds. Makes for a big pile of black rages when done.
Ron

 

[frogman_h2o]

I prefer to ride my bike (when it's in one piece) than to polish it 🤪

 

[Ceigenberger]

Does that make it go faster than the Yellow ones

Nope. But it does look pretty

 

[Thasniayoob]

They are lightweight but strong, withstand heat well and are generally more attractive than steel wheels. They come in a very wide variety of finishes and sizes. Aluminum wheels are a good choice for a balance of performance, cost, aesthetics, and gas mileage.