Keeping fins clean...

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Jan 11, 2007 | 08:33 PM

deluxe

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 190

Likes: 2

From: Hampshire, UK

Keeping fins clean...

Hope someone can help with this one,

Being in the UK we tend to get a lot of wet weather. Keeping on top of detailing is endless, especially when I cover nearly 700 miles per week. I have started to pick up what looks like a little bit of corrosion on the exposed areas of the cooling fins, so they are loosing that lovely finish they had when I picked the bike up. (06 deluxe)

Does anyone one know how to restore them? Can they be polished without ruining the black wrinkle?

I don't want to try something and either ruin the ends further or the paint around them.

I'm sure someone may of had this problem. Hope you can help.

Thanks in advance

Rob

Jan 11, 2007 | 08:35 PM

Crazy Biker

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 4,356

Likes: 1

From: Lansdale, Pa

RE: Keeping fins clean...

See if your dealer sells Pig Spit

Jan 11, 2007 | 10:11 PM

Sanford

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 2,374

Likes: 1

From: Central Florida

RE: Keeping fins clean...

I use a small sanding block and 120 grit paper. It gets tough getting in some spots but it cleans the fins up fairly well.

Jan 12, 2007 | 04:00 AM

deluxe

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 190

Likes: 2

From: Hampshire, UK

RE: Keeping fins clean...

Thanks sanford.
Have already glued some fine paper on to a 8" x 1/2" metal strip just didn't want to go ahead without hearing back.

Crazybiker, will ask about the pig spit. what is it?

Regards,

Rob

Jan 12, 2007 | 08:47 AM

zoomie67

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 484

Likes: 0

From: Indianapolis

RE: Keeping fins clean...

Istart with00 grit steel wool to clean them up initially.Then use 1000 grit sand paper to get the stuff that wouldn't come off with the steel wool. For the really tough spots use 600 or 800 grit to get the pit out then hit it w/ 1000 to smooth it back out.Then I hit them with Mothers Billet polish. They shine like new. Once you get them shiny again just hit them with the billet polish once in awhile and they will stay that way. I have found that the left side is the worst because the break dust flys right onto the jug. You'll find that brake dust and salt are your worst enemy when it comes to raw alumium. I haven't found anything that will protect the aluminum to keep it from pitting yet.

Jan 12, 2007 | 01:34 PM

NW FXSTS

Road Captain

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 546

Likes: 0

From: Blaine, WA

RE: Keeping fins clean...

S100 Engine Brightener...

Jan 12, 2007 | 02:05 PM

deluxe

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 190

Likes: 2

From: Hampshire, UK

RE: Keeping fins clean...

Nice one zoomie, will follow that to the letter. Good to know that it works and that someone else has the same problem.

Was thinking of using the S100 on the engine for the wrinkle paint so will get some of that in too.

Thanks guys..

Rob