Ridged Gas Tank Polishing

[dmend]

On my trike I've two aluminum cylindrical gas tanks that have ridges that run around the tanks, there by design. The ridges are pretty close together. They are starting to look bad and need some advice on cleaning and polishing them. The tanks have seen about two seasons of riding and don't look too corroded, mostly dirty. From what I'm reading I should clean with a mild soap.

For polishing, I do not want to cut the ridges away and make the tank smooth. Should I start with the the blue or red finishing abrasive? What type of wheels and techniques should I use to retain the ridges yet get the valley's of the ridges polished?

I do plan to clear-coat them when finished.
Pictures are available if needed.
Thanks,
dmend

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by dmend

On my trike I've two aluminum cylindrical gas tanks that have ridges that run around the tanks, there by design. The ridges are pretty close together. They are starting to look bad and need some advice on cleaning and polishing them. The tanks have seen about two seasons of riding and don't look too corroded, mostly dirty. From what I'm reading I should clean with a mild soap.

For polishing, I do not want to cut the ridges away and make the tank smooth. Should I start with the the blue or red finishing abrasive? What type of wheels and techniques should I use to retain the ridges yet get the valley's of the ridges polished?

I do plan to clear-coat them when finished.
Pictures are available if needed.
Thanks,
dmend

Post the photos please. Depends on how deep the ridges and their shape. Blue and red are usually used for final color buffing.

[dmend]

Here are side and end pictures. The ridges are pretty fine.
Thanks,
dmend

[baz]

Originally Posted by dmend

Here are side and end pictures. The ridges are pretty fine.
Thanks,
dmend

this looks like spinned aluminium ,if it s not too pitted it should be easy to buff .
a tripoli with a spiral sewn or an airflex buff followed by a color compound should get it done

[mpierich]

Yikes, it _would_ be easy to erase those "ridges".

Personally I'd try a loose-sewn buffing wheel since I think that's the least aggressive kind, and use little pressure. Like baz says the tipoli should clean it up, maybe hit it with white afterward for extra sparkle. If there's an area that will be hidden when mounted, try it there first just to be safe.

[dmend]

I thank you for your suggestions. The tank is secured by two 3/4" straps. That should give me plenty of practice space.

Dmend