Well I got my OEM Fatboy solid wheel from E-bay via UPS today, it is in overall good shape, but needs some TLC. There are a couple of minor nicks in the alumium which can be lightly sanded out, but what I'd like to know is the best way to have the outer portion of the rim polished. I'd like to leave the inner wheen around the hub left rough (stock) but the outer edge needs to be shined.

I don't mind putting in some real elbow grease if anyone can make a recommendation as to a good cleaner and polish, I'd appreciate it.

One last thing, the wheel is off a 2002, mileage unknown. I'm tempted to have new bearings pressed into the wheel, is this adviseable? Cost?

Gary

 

Something like this http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/mush_buff.htm would make your life easier and they sell all the polishing supplies as well. I would go for the new bearings as well, you don't know what they have been through previously.

 

Thanks TC,

I've gotten a few opinions as to the bearings, some say replace, some say leave them alone. Since I plan on keeping my bike quite a while, I think the relatively cheap cost and peace of mind will have me replace the bearings before I put the wheel on for good.

Thanks for the response and referral to Caswell.

 

I have been using some stuff I got at Myrtle, it's called Master formula metal gloss, and Master formula sealer gloss, so far it's working great on my solid aluminum wheels, and that's with hand rubbing. I'm not pushing their product, I just tried it for myself, it works on aluminum,chrome,brass etc., the wife likes it for her jewelery.

 

After you polish the wheels we carry a great wheel sealant that will make then much easier to keep clean.

 

Danase,

Do you have any products similar to the Master Formula? I have'nt been to your web-site and I see you're one of our new sponsors. Welcome!

 

Here is the fastest and best way to polish your wheel. If you have an air compressor and a die grinder go to the hardware store and het a 4" polish kit for a drill etc. There will be a round polish pad and a bar of tripoly. Mount the pad on a drill or die grider and spin it on the tripoly compound. Then go to work on the wheel. It's amazingly fast and you will never get these results by hand. A great polish to maintain it with is "semichrome" works fast by hand.

 

I haven't used this product yet, but a lot of folks on detailing forums are talking about it. This link has a video showing how well it works.

http://www.autogeek.net/mo5140.html

Joe