Got the kit... Now where do I start!! (Motorcycle frame)

[fatalerror]

Ok... My winter project (which has turned into a spring project) was to polish the frame on my 2002 Yamaha R6. I tore the bike apart and ordered the "Aluminum wheel finishing & polishing kit) from Caswell. It came yesterday. I used the "anodizing remover" and got that part done. Now what do I do? Use greaseless? The more detailed instructions I could get the better. I really appreciate any help you would be willing to offer. Thanks!

-Matt

[marsfrogie]

Technically you didn't have to use the anodize stripper if you were going to do a complete polish anyway. But since you did it, it should save you a few minutes with the sanding. You said your bike is a 2002, so you probably don't have any pits. If the metal is cast aluminum you want to start with the 80grit greaseless, but if it is already relatively smooth just start with 240. After you have obtained a uniform finish you can go to the emery compound. Use brown after emery, then white for your final finish.

[fatalerror]

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Okay... Sounds easy enough. The metal is already fairly smooth so I will start with the 240 greaseless. Any idea how long this should take (for each step)? Also, is there anything special I should know? I'm only doing the exposed part of the frame (everything else is being done elsewhere). Below is a picture. Thanks!

[marsfrogie]

Your time will greatly vary depending on wheel size and RPM's.

240grit 2-10 hours
emery 2-6 hours
tripoli 1-3 hours
white 1-6 hours (You may uncover more details such as a small scratch that you missed with the other compounds, white will take them out as long as they don't catch your fingernail.)
That is just a very vague guess. If this is your first polishing job it will probably take you slightly longer to get the hang of it.

[fatalerror]

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I started using the greaseless today... not at easy as I thought. I'm having a lot of problems getting the compound to stick to the wheel (spiral sewn). Is this really the best wheel to use for this purpose?

[marsfrogie]

Depends on the condition of the metal. You may be able to start with emery. The first few times you apply the greaseless it will be harder. A very slow spinning wheel with plenty of pressure is best for the greaseless. Chill the compounds and they will apply better.

[Josh]

I found that if you use an old buffing wheel that the greasless compounds stick much better. also, you should not have to use the greasless coumpounds on the main part of the frame only on the lower legs where you can see that it is sand casted. That part is usually seperated by a weld. wherever there is sandcast it is harder to get a good shine, but if you spend enough time, it will look great.

[hue]

ive just recenly got my bike done 2001 r6, the hardest part is where the metal is cast (rough area on lower frame) i did mine by hand till i found this web-site then used the greasless.........thank god!!!. concentrate on this part, when you think your done put a good light up to it you may still see pits or the casting marks DO NOT STAY IN ONE SPOT TO LONG! it will end up looking wavy or un-even. also take as many parts off the bike as you can (i.e plastics, foot pegs,seat,gas tank) the buff with either buffing compound or greasless will slip occasionally...it will ruin some parts and your day. after you get it sanded with greasless, either sand with paper up to 600 which i did or go to emery on a sisal wheel, if sanding take your time dont rush it, as for the compounds my problem was that i wasnt spending enough time with them, if you alternate your passes at 45 degree angles (thx marsfroggie) you can see where the scrathes are and they will be cut down faster, the brown compound i would have to say is the workhorse, when using it you will see all the scratches literaly melt away...then move to your white for that shine then finish it off with some rubing compound i.e mothers, or flitz i like the flitz personaly


I hope this helps....and this site has really helped me my bike looks amazing now!!! thx 2 every1 for your help

[fatalerror]

Argh!

I am polishing my swingarm. I used 240 greaseless and then the black compound and it is looking good. After using the black compound I cleaned the swingarm with water. Then I cleaned it with Flitz. I cleaned it SEVERAL times and my wheels with brown compound are STILL picking up lots of black. How do I clean that stuff off?

[marsfrogie]

Acetone of laquer thinner on a cotton terry cloth will work fine. Wear gloves, that stuff can tear up your hands pretty bad.