There is a very good thread by someone that really took the time and did it right and got great results.

 

Here's one that I saw on YouTube that could be applied here, etching metal with vinegar and a battery. Here's the link to the video-

 

Sooo doing this mod...give a couple of the old heads another thing to complain about...hahaha

 

What the heck, I'll post this over here, too.

On my lunch break today, new air cleaner cover bolt:

- take your favorite belt buckle or other item
- dremel the offending bits off the backside
- get an elevator bolt at the home store
- sand blast the backside of the buckle and the bolt
- epoxy the two together
- spray the backside with self-etch primer
- ready to go on the bike

Semper Fi

 

Nice.

 

I am going to have to find a cool Marine Corps Buckle and do this on my bikes! Really cool trick brother! Semper Fi!

 

This is a great thread. Thanks for all these ideas

 

did this on the wheels on my old Z car. Start with 200 grit wet sandpaper and step down through wet sanding 400-800-1200. Finish with aluminum polish applied VERY liberally and not letting them get dry as you wipe in (buff in with a polishing ball and a drill) They will get pretty black and cruddy. Hose em down and then a coat of wax.

took a long time for 4 wheels, shouldn't take as long on the sliders. But you have to be VERY meticulous.

 

A paper bag is 2000 grit I'm told, and I've used that to polish headlights, along with some auto polish (NOT wax). There is also a 3000 grit sanding pad you can buy, but not really necessary since aluminum is soft and easy to work. I use corn starch on a MF rag to remove the bulk of the polish between rubs, and mineral spirits will totally clean it when you're done

 

Lots of great DIY and info here