Aluminum preservation?

[thunderkat59]

I got my 2011 with only 500 miles, but its obvious this bike spent much of it's time outside. I can get a little of the black in the plastic back with Armor All, but the cvt case aluminum around the back wheel isn't fairing so well. A lot of oxidation and whites stuff forming. Are any of you aware of a product that will bring it back that doesn't involve steel wool and tiny sloth fingers?

Thanks very much!

[Jge64]

Try a mothers metal polish and their powercone in your drill for a simple fix.....once you use a powercone , you'll find 100 places to use it.....

[GeorgeSK]

I second the power buffer approach. Another great product is Flitz metal polish. If the metal is really oxidized, it will likely take a lot of work to get it back. For relly little places, you can put a buffing wheel or cone in a Dremel. We are talking seriously boring, but it will work.

[RRocket]

The best stuff (by far) that I've used for cleaning/polishing aluminum is Simichrome.

[homie]

http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-05146-Pow ... =powercone

You should read these reviews before you get your hopes up for mothers powercone on oxidized aluminum. There is also the manufacturers video showing the proper use for this product.

[Jge64]

http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-05146-Pow ... =powercone

You should read these reviews before you get your hopes up for mothers powercone on oxidized aluminum. There is also the manufacturers video showing the proper use for this product.

I can only tell you how it works for me. I read all the reviews and I don't see where these are falling apart. I have one that is 2 1/2 years old ,used at least three times a month but it still is like new. Your mileage may vary… proper cleanup is necessary, mine is washed out and dried ,and put away at the end. Maybe that has something do with it.

[j.d.b.]

I second the Simichrome. I've had excellent results with it for decades.

[waspmike]

This is the dog's you-know-what, the cat's you-know-what or whatever your chosen superlative is.





By all means use a drill mounted sponge.

[Valiant]

http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-05146-Pow ... =powercone

You should read these reviews before you get your hopes up for mothers powercone on oxidized aluminum. There is also the manufacturers video showing the proper use for this product.

Seems like the cone was too soft for tougher buffing jobs. Standard buffing wheel is still the best. Cone would likely be best for light buffing in hard to reach areas.

[Valiant]

Actually before spending a dime, try have a look at the part in question and see if it wouldn't be cheaper to just replace the cover entirely:
http://www.cheapcycleparts.com/oemparts ... side-cover

[gn2]

Or simply paint it with Hammerite, Plastidip or whatever.

[thunderkat59]

thank you

[Valiant]

Or simply paint it with Hammerite, Plastidip or whatever.

Or RenWax it. Would do it on a new piece though. Not sure if oxidation on aluminum is similar to rust on steel, but it generally doesn't help the problem to cover up an already rusted part with something because it will continue to corrode.

[Jge64]

Because we have no pics, we have no idea if its bad or just surface corrosion. If its bad, then it needs a restoration.

Take it to a body shop and have them bead blast it to bare metal. At that point you have your choice of plastidip, powdercoat, paint/clear or chrome.

[Valiant]

Is there a picture of the part in question? Little confused about what it is, but I'm pretty sure it'll be cheaper to replace it. Labor aside, parts are pretty cheap for this scoot.

[gn2]

Alloy stops corroding when you paint it.