Keeping the cases shiny

[gs650rider]

Hi,

I've seen several postings on using varing grits of sandpaper along with scotchbrite to get the side cases to a mirror finish. I just completed the process in the last week or so but once I washed the bike, they became dull again requiring me to use Mother's aluminum polish to be them back to the mirror finish

Has anyone gotten the finish to stay longer than one wash ? Do I need to clearcoat to maintain the finish ?

Thanks,
Tim

[80gs1000e]

Re: Keeping the cases shiny

Has anyone gotten the finish to stay longer than one wash ? Do I need to clearcoat to maintain the finish ?

Thanks,
Tim

I feel your pain and yes....you must use automotive hi temp clear in order to avoid having to polish it every time it gets wet/dirty. I spent a few days polishing all my stuff and the first ride I went on afterwards turned most of my work to crap. This winter I'm getting them all polished and professionally cleared. Good luck.

[drewshotrodding]

after you polish your parts you have to put on more than one coat of what ever you are using I use MFX from the T&A truck stops I tell people that you got to get it in the metal to make it last I am going to do a post on this

[duaneage]

Clean the cases with lacquer thinner after polishing and then clear coat with clear engine paint. If you don't clean off he cases the silicone they add to the polish will cause teh clearcoat to turn yellow.

[retrex]

Good tip

Clean the cases with lacquer thinner after polishing and then clear coat with clear engine paint. If you don't clean off he cases the silicone they add to the polish will cause teh clearcoat to turn yellow.

Thanks for the tip duaneage, just got some Eastwood Clear stuff that I am going to try on the cases.

[mixongw]

after you polish your parts you have to put on more than one coat of what ever you are using I use MFX from the T&A truck stops I tell people that you got to get it in the metal to make it last I am going to do a post on this

What do you mean, "get it in the metal"?

[adam]

Allow me to join in here.

Will using 1200 grit work on a gs 450's side cases too ?

[duaneage]

too fine. 600 is good enough with water to keep the paper clean

[adam]

Thanks

Here we go.

[Archie's 81 GS1100]

protection is easy

Hello guys
Once the cases have been polished to your desired finish. JUst apply 2 to 3 coats of a good quality auto paint wax, this will allow the finish to last seveal years woth only minor touch ups in between and then rewax after each touch up, YES it does work. I use Armoral past wax for painted surfaces. andmine has lasted for 2 yrs now, I will retouch them this winter.

Best of luck Archie

[BriTXbike]

So how goes it Adam?