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[SilverDawg]

As some of you know, I recently bought the 2008 Rocker C, and one of its features is polished aluminum wheels.  This is my first bike that the wheels actually show a hell of a lot, and now I need to find out what is the best way to get these babies shining bright and staying that way.

Anyone have any experience with these types of wheels?    I have a fairly strong staple of cleaning supplies (Glare, Meguiars, etc.) but nothing specifically designed for polished aluminum.

Help?

[Chief]

As some of you know, I recently bought the 2008 Rocker C, and one of its features is polished aluminum wheels.  This is my first bike that the wheels actually show a hell of a lot, and now I need to find out what is the best way to get these babies shining bright and staying that way.

Anyone have any experience with these types of wheels?    I have a fairly strong staple of cleaning supplies (Glare, Meguiars, etc.) but nothing specifically designed for polished aluminum.

Help?

I for one do not like polished aluminum for the sole reason that it needs to be polished continuously. too much labor of love for me. I would be looking for a chrome substitute.

To answer your question... how do you keep polished aluminum wheels shining? Chrome them.

[SilverDawg]

OK Counselor , as sometimes happens, let me rephrase my question

What is a great product and procedure to keep your polished aluminum wheels looking great, WITHOUT getting them chromed up?

[Chief]

OK Counselor , as sometimes happens, let me rephrase my question

What is a great product and procedure to keep your polished aluminum wheels looking great, WITHOUT getting them chromed up?

I don't know of any. In my mind it's just like trying to keep silver polished. Hats off to those who keep it looking sharp, but it's just too much time to keep it shining bright. Sorry I can't give you a better answer that that.

Popular products are Mothers polish, Never dull, Simichrome, BOM at bike shows etc. But all of them require you to apply and buff off the oxidation to get a nice shine. It's unprotected metal which begins oxidizing immediately.

I would contact some polishing and plating operations to see what they reccomend. they'll probably say "chrome it", but I'm hopeful they could give you some ideas that would last.

[HogBreath]

Ok..this is some funny chit

[SilverDawg]

Thanks Chief,

BTW, what do you think it would cost to get these two babies chromed up?

[SilverDawg]

Ok..this is some funny chit

Hey now, I risk extreme ridicule by everyone on this site if I cannot get these babies to shine....

BTW, How do you think Bib Overalls and the Rocker would look together?  Not sure the  metrosexuals in Dallas could handle that.

I can perhaps sew in matching flames to match those on the bike

[Chief]

Thanks Chief,

BTW, what do you think it would cost to get these two babies chromed up?

I don't have a clue. My only chroming experience is what I'm going through right now and that is just some assorted brackets at a local shop. Sorry.

[grc]

Back when I was young and full of piss and vinegar, I used Simichrome polish to clean aluminum wheels and various other aluminum parts.  Great stuff, but you can look forward to using up lots of rags as they quickly load up with black residue.  Rather than wear out your fingers, I suggest using compressed cotton "buffs" mounted to a drill motor or Dremel tool (best approach is a flex shaft attachment for either).  It will make life much easier if you remove the wheel from the bike, especially the rear.

Simichrome will leave a protective residue that seems to retard oxidation for a short while, but a good approach is to follow the polish with a coat of protective wax.  You can still look forward to doing this cleaning and waxing routine at least yearly.  One other approach you might want to consider is to get the wheels professionally polished and then clear coated.  Most auto companies clear coat their aluminum wheels, and when it's done right and the clear remains unbroken the wheels look good for many years, requiring no more than normal washing to look good.

Jerry

[SilverDawg]

Thanks Jerry.

I'll do a search for that product.  I also have a buffer, but it is most likely too big to do these wheels.

[sadunbar]

Thanks Jerry.

I'll do a search for that product.  I also have a buffer, but it is most likely too big to do these wheels.

The front forks on my 85 V-65 Magna are aluminum.  I discovered a few years ago that with enough elbow grease they could be brought to a near mirror finish.  Once I achieved this, I had them sprayed with a few coats of clear - which stood up for several years.   

[Fired00d]

Agree w/Jerry on the clearcoating. Once that is done you can just wash and wipe them off. My previous bike had the wheels polished and clear coated before I purchased it and I only washed the wheels and wiped them off. Never applied any polishing/waxing treatments to them at all.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[HogBreath]

Hey now, I risk extreme ridicule by everyone on this site if I cannot get these babies to shine....

BTW, How do you think Bib Overalls and the Rocker would look together?  Not sure the  metrosexuals in Dallas could handle that.

I can perhaps sew in matching flames to match those on the bike

I think bibs go together with anything anywhere. Metrosexuals??  Notice how the Red Wings just seem to flow with this outfit. Flowing graceful lines. Metrosexuals--eat your hearts out.

[SilverDawg]

 

If you had the Jim Beam (or Jack Daniels) headband, all would be perfect.

I gots to get me a pair of them bibs, problem is, I'm not sure they sell them in Dallas.

Does Mrs. JesterDecor have a pair as well?

[HogBreath]

Carharts

Summit Electrical supply on Makana
BTWW Retail on Dragon St
Ferguson Enterprises on Slocum St
Western Warehouse on N Stemmons Pkwy
Uniforms Inc on Prudential Dr
OR to kill two birds with one trip
RedWing Shoe Store on S. Hampton Rd.