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There is a thread on here by @Gee where he shows how he did his, and then clear coated them with Protecta clear. I thnk he updated the thread after two years to say it was still looking good. Here is that thread: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...e-coating.html
I just did my front rim with protecta clear and it looks great. My bike is a 2018, so the rims are not too bad yet. I just used mothers mag polish and then cleaned with alcohol and their cleaner. Rim looks great. I need to do the rear one now.
Last edited by LJLKRL05; Oct 24, 2018 at 01:28 PM.
Quick update. I have been busy with everything else in life, and winter has been giving me a reason to not expedite this project of mine. Now we are closer to spring (yay) and its time to pick up the pace. The rear wheel is done, new tire installed and I will start on the front wheel tomorrow. As it has been said above, a lot of elbow grease and patience.
I still think I made the right decision by not chrome plating the wheel. I have asked others with the chrome wheels with dual front rotors and they all say they are a major PITA to clean. I am thinking I'll make up the difference by replacing the rotors with polished ones and the forks with chrome plated sliders.
I am still trying to remove the blue stuff off the white walls, no fun...
Back wheel is easy. I just jack the bike up off the ground, run it in first, and hold a sturdy wash cloth or shop towel down on the wheel lips with Mother’s. Disclaimer: THIS IS DANGEROUS, AND SERIOUS INJURIES CAN OCCUR. I AM NOT ADVOCATING THAT ANYONE SHOULD TRY THIS. That being said, it sure makes the back wheel easy to polish. The front wheel just takes plain old elbow grease and time. But, it is easier off the ground, spinning with your free hand.
Those rims look great ! I have to commend you on your motivation . I just completed polishing the front end of my bike , fork lowers , rims , rotors ect , also rear rim , rotor and sprocket . It's definitely a lot of work , and completely worth it . Hate to say it but I love cleaning my bike just as much as I love riding it .
Those rims look great ! I have to commend you on your motivation . I just completed polishing the front end of my bike , fork lowers , rims , rotors ect , also rear rim , rotor and sprocket . It's definitely a lot of work , and completely worth it . Hate to say it but I love cleaning my bike just as much as I love riding it .
I am tempted to give the sliders a go. Did you bench polish them or did you do it while on the bike?
They look great?
Did them on the bike . I decided to do them since I was changing rims , so I removed the fender and got at them . I started with 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper and moved up to 2000 , then started polishing with a wheel on my drill . I used the red rouge first and finished them with the green jewelers rouge . You have to be very patient with the sanding up to 2000 grit to make sure all the scratch marks are out . The green rouge will give the aluminum a very nice shine to them . Now I will just use Mothers aluminum polish to maintain them . Note : I put the axle back on the bike just to keep the forks stable while polishing then removed it to finish off the bottom . I polished the axle , spacers and clamp on the bench wheel . Go the extra mile and use a fine file to take down the extra metal around the calipers so the entire fork is smooth .
Did them on the bike . I decided to do them since I was changing rims , so I removed the fender and got at them . I started with 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper and moved up to 2000 , then started polishing with a wheel on my drill . I used the red rouge first and finished them with the green jewelers rouge . You have to be very patient with the sanding up to 2000 grit to make sure all the scratch marks are out . The green rouge will give the aluminum a very nice shine to them . Now I will just use Mothers aluminum polish to maintain them . Note : I put the axle back on the bike just to keep the forks stable while polishing then removed it to finish off the bottom . I polished the axle , spacers and clamp on the bench wheel . Go the extra mile and use a fine file to take down the extra metal around the calipers so the entire fork is smooth .
Sounds like a lot of patience and work, well done.
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