Cleaning Machined Cooling Fins

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#21

07-15-2015, 02:49 PM

Pitbull_Dallas

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Defense

My fins are a mess as well. I followed PBD's recommendations and it works great. It is definitely time consuming though. I only completed about half of the fins so far but they look like new.

PBD would you mind sending me the instructions as well if I pm you my email?

Surre, no problem. Just PM me your Email address. By the way it's getting on to two years since I did this and my fins still look great. I do use the Harley black conditioner..

And yes, it is a slow process. All total I think I spent about 3 days on mine. Just keep the beer close and stay patient..

Last edited by Pitbull_Dallas; 07-15-2015 at 02:57 PM.

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#22

07-15-2015, 05:21 PM

irondad

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Pitbull_Dallas

Yes, I ran the polishing wheels parallel, along the length of the fins when using the retangular wheel. Used the radiused portion of the ball and held the Dremel at about a 30 degree angle. I used a moderate pressure and then went to a light pressure for the high polish. For the high polish I also increased the Dremel speed a bit. I worked about a 1 to 2 inch section at a time.

If you'll PM me your email address I'll send you the full instructions in a word file. This thread is a little broken up as far as instructions, and I put together a much more organized versions, with pictures, in word. Don't use that big wheel because it's too flexible and hard to control. The one I call rectangular is the one you are showing next to the polishing ball..

Awesome, thanks! PM sent.

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#23

07-16-2015, 08:05 PM

Pitbull_Dallas

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Guys, I haven't forgotten about you. Still working on it. I think the problem is the file is too big. Even tried to upload it here, but no joy. I'll make It happen though..

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#24

07-17-2015, 04:51 PM

Pitbull_Dallas

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OK guys, check your emails. I converted it to PDF format which dropped the file size a bunch.

Edit: Since the file is small enough now I uploaded here so everyone/anyone that wants it can have it..

Attached Files

Fin Restortation.pdf (1.01 MB, 894 views)

Last edited by Pitbull_Dallas; 07-17-2015 at 05:02 PM.

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#25

07-18-2015, 06:37 AM

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thanks pitbull I'm doing this now

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#26

02-25-2016, 04:01 PM

Pitbull_Dallas

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jf

thanks pitbull I'm doing this now

Just wanted to bump the thread and ask how did with it?

I myself just had a new rear tire put on and afterward the dealer washed the bike. Of course I road 25 miles back to the house. When I got home I noticed that my fins were terribly spotted from the wash. None of the normal bike cleaners would take the spots off. I pulled out the aluminum restorer, worked some into a soft cloth and polished away by hand. The spots came right off and the fins are as bright and shiney as the day I finished them. Only took about 20 minutes to do the whole thing..

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#27

04-14-2017, 11:11 PM

riderdave

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What can I say......wow!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pitbull_Dallas

OK guys, check your emails. I converted it to PDF format which dropped the file size a bunch.

Edit: Since the file is small enough now I uploaded here so everyone/anyone that wants it can have it..

Thanks so much, this was exactly what I was looking for !!

:ic on_clapclap:

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#28

04-15-2017, 02:47 PM

Pitbull_Dallas

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You're welcome! Just take your time to start with until you get the hang of it. It should work well for you and if you have any questions, just ask. Happy to help..

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#29

09-29-2019, 05:11 PM

Monib

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Quote:

Originally Posted by oct1949

Agree with Ya Tbone. I've never seen any or heard of any fins thats oxidized.

maybe too much time near the saltwater..

My 07 jugs still look as good as new to me.

.

I now have a 08 Deluxe- the fins are a mess with oxidation. It lived most of its life in Salty San Diego. I’m going to try the vinegar method. I have tried the wet 600 grit sandpaper-for hours without any visible difference. (However, to the touch- they are smoother.)
Any other suggestions out there? She is a gorgeous gem otherwise. The oxidized fins are a real turn-off.

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