Invented a new way to polish rims (warning! lots of pictures)

[Firehawk068]

Thanks for all the Kudos guys.
I did think about paint stripper once, but i was too afraid that I would get some where i didn't want it, so I went on with my original plan.
After I finish the rear wheel, I'll post some pics of that as well. I'm just waiting on rear bearings to arrive. I couldn't use the originals. They were rusted and siezed in the wheel that I purchased.
Mike........I'm taking orders as we speak...........I'm installing a "Take a number" system on my garage door this weekend.

Alan H.
Mesa, AZ

[pdxfj]

I'm going to be in Tucson next weekend visiting some friends.  I'll see if they feel like making the trip to the Heart Attack Grill.  Since it's in your neck of the woods figured you might be interested in dropping by?     I doubt I could finish even a single bypass and fries but I gotta try.  *grin*

[FJ Flyer]

Man, nice work!  Wish I had thought of this setup when I did my '89 wheels after they were powder coated red.  At least my rims were taped off.  I spent a day on each rim just to hand sand and polish the rim edges.  My back was wiped out. 

[LA Mike]

thread jack....   Mike, you coming into town to finally fix up those carbs?!?   or just a big football game?    

No I am going to grab the bike and run... I'm just out for the day to visit and pick-up the bike. I am going to do his steering bearings, forks seals, a GSXR rear wheel swap and replace his abs front wheel. I put a 3.5 front rim on my bike so I'll give my 89 front rim. His carbs are not dial-in so I'll play with them too.

The bike rides and looks nice now so it should be great after the mods....of course after I finish the mod's I'll have to keep it awhile to make sure everything is working right.  

[Brook]

..... it looks like all the elbow grease, payed off!!!

... With several different things, that I am doing to my bike, the edge of the wheels are one of them. my wheels are not powder coated, but they are painted. I used a appliance epoxy. [for refrigators] it has a hard shell shiny look.
.. and with the edge of the wheels...... I have front and rear stands, so, I can rotate the wheels. I also, started with 60 then 100,150 dry then 220,320,400 wet. alot of elbow grease,... but, not that bad.... starting with the 60, rubbing until no dark spots. and moved up. Then I used Mothers Polish.

.... I hope I will have the same results......... With all the rain and cold, I have not been able to finish everything. 
     

[Kopfjaeger]

beats the old autosol and steel wool for sure.....

[Firehawk068]

I finally made the time to work on the rear wheel yesterday. I used exactly the same technique as the front wheel, and achieved the same result. Here's some pictures of the final results(before washing, and hand polishing)
I also received my tires. I went with Pirelli Angel ST 180/55-17 rear, and 120/70-17 front.
Now I just have to get them mounted, and work on getting them on the bike

[Ned]

Beautiful job Alan. I taped mine before epoxy enameling them so I didn't have the stripping to do but I didn't bother polishing to the fine level you have. That kind of ingenuity qualifies you as an Honorary Kiwi. A great honour to which few Seppos seem to aspire...

Ned

[racerman_27410]

I love the smell of new tires in the morning 


KOokaloo!

[carsick]

 Oh man, those wheels look GREAT! I'm inspired, need to take off my front wheel to swap tires, thinking I'll give it this treatment while I'm at it. Very impressive.

[Firehawk068]

I'm honored to be an Honorary Kiwi.......Thanks Ned......
I'll put some more pics up once I get the tires mounted, and when I get them on the bike.
And again......Taping the wheel where you don't want paint or powder Coat is a MUST for anyone who wants to polish their wheels 
Anyone want to buy a slightly used wheel polishing rig? 

[dixiethedog]

Fantastic idea!!! I love it!