Author Topic: My weekend accomplishment! (Read 6038 times)

MikesB12 · « **on:** August 22, 2005, 03:38:24 AM »

I finally did it, I polished the lips of my wheels and installed my Diamond lowering links. Not sure on the links (Might only be good for drag strip duty) but I am more than happy with the wheel outcome. I gathered my information from this site to do the job with, and for that I thank the fine folks of the boards!!!!!

Red01 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 22, 2005, 10:15:49 PM »

Nice job!

You could always put a Hayabusa shock in there to bring the ride height back to stock... or close to it.

MikesB12 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 23, 2005, 01:06:24 AM »

I already put the links back to stock height today. I still have the forks raised in the front about 1", I'm thinking I'm gonna have to raise those up a bit

billster · « **Reply #3 on:** August 23, 2005, 06:40:36 AM »

The rims rock!

How'd you strip off the paint? Chemically?

Cheers
Bill

MikesB12 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 23, 2005, 10:06:57 AM »

I used the Aircraft Paint Remover, followed with 0000 Steel Wool, a litttle Purple Magic polish, and a little elbow grease. Big improvement on the bike for a $20 investment!

billster · « **Reply #5 on:** August 23, 2005, 10:13:58 AM »

....and judicious use of masking no doubt. Beautifully done.

Bill

MikesB12 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 23, 2005, 01:59:06 PM »

Actually, I didn't mask any of it

The way the wheels were coated/painted from the factory allows the outer rim coating to come off almost instantly. The middle of the wheel takes a lot more time. I can tell you the 600 wheels are easier because of a lip on the middle of the wheel.

billster · « **Reply #7 on:** August 23, 2005, 04:46:32 PM »

Ahhh! I see some polishing in me future! Nothin' like polished aluminum rims.

B

chippi · « **Reply #8 on:** August 23, 2005, 06:35:53 PM »

Nice job!!

P.S. remember to put some type of sealing polish. All cleaned up and shiny is cool but if water is allowed to drip from the breaks I get stains in the uncoated alum. FWIW

tacoman · « **Reply #9 on:** August 24, 2005, 06:12:03 PM »

So no masking and the steel wool did the polishing? I am going to do this. I put it off because I didn't want to do a ton of masking. How about the tires? Did you cover those with anything? How did you apply the stripper? With a brush?

MikesB12 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 24, 2005, 06:54:44 PM »

I applied the stripper with a 1" wide paint brush. The stripper is very thick, so it doesn't run once applied. I didn't mask the tires or the center of the wheel. Once the stripper sets awhile (10-15 mins) it bubbles up. Wipe off the paint with a rag or paper towel. Then you are left with beautiful bare aluminum. Take some 0000 steel wool and wipe the wheels down (removes leftover paint/stripper) and start with the polish of your choice. Good luck!

tacoman · « **Reply #11 on:** August 25, 2005, 01:42:51 PM »

Thanks, I'll give this a try.

fartndust · « **Reply #12 on:** September 06, 2005, 09:57:20 PM »

man...that does look beautiful. What is it about the lowered position that you didn't like? (If you don't mind me asking)

Truckracer · « **Reply #13 on:** February 18, 2006, 11:49:27 AM »

The wheels look great..