A bit dissappointed with polishing forks??
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: PA
I started out by using a small palm detail sander (the mouse) with 200 to 400 paper. Using the palm sander removes all the clear finish and also removes nicks and casting marks. Continue sanding using 600 and 1000 wet sand paper. Follow up with 000 and 0000 steel wool using rubbing compound (which is equivalent to 2000 to 2500 paper). Start polishing using a cotton buffing wheel with rubbing compound. If you still have minor scratches use the 1000 paper followed by 0000 steel wool and buff again with rubbing compound. When you combine that with a cotton wheel on a drill and the rubbing compound which generates the heat to cut thru the fine scratches but will leave a dull finish. Final buffing with new cotton wheel using mothers alum polish or equal, the last picture shows the finished results. This method works and the results are flawless.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 63
From: San Antonio
Hey all thanks for your suggestions. I just finished up a whole other round of the 4 grits of paper and it is getting better. I wasn't able to go pick up a lower grit this am as some of you suggested. I'll keep at it. What I didn't do was polished until it turned black? Maybe I just need to keep going at it full speed. I don't have a polishing wheel for my drill or a mother ball, but do have a dremel? Will that work with a little polishing wheel?
Thanks,
Thanks,
Last edited by cruzomatic; Feb 5, 2013 at 04:01 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
Chrome is king. Get them chromed and your done with them. I'm not into the blacked out stuff but that would be the 2nd choice, then again your done with them. Costs more but you get what you pay for. You just going to have to polish them again when they start to oxidize somewhere down the road. BUT, it's your bike so good luck!
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 119
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Im a DIY'er at heart. I don't mind getting dirty and respect anyone who does.
However, if you don't mind turning a wrench........You could just trade out your fork lowers with some fresh chromed ones that you purchased on Ebay. They're about $150-$200. Its Much less labor! You could lower your front end at the same time. You'd be done, in an afternoon. Don't forget your Manual.....You'll need it.
However, if you don't mind turning a wrench........You could just trade out your fork lowers with some fresh chromed ones that you purchased on Ebay. They're about $150-$200. Its Much less labor! You could lower your front end at the same time. You'd be done, in an afternoon. Don't forget your Manual.....You'll need it.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 63
From: San Antonio
Yea pretty much and to erase a scratch this is already gone with all the sanding that I've already done.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
I feel your pain bro. The whole hand polishing/sanding thing has never worked for me-so I pretty much gave up on it. The best results I have ever seen (& granted I HAVEN'T seen everything) were done by disassembly & machine polishing.