If you've run out of things to polish......

[ribbert]

And it's not hard for me to find something to polish, between rallies.
It boarders on being an art to me, and I just can't stop.

Leon

My bike recently developed a low speed (fast walk) wobble while on a trip, something akin to a bucked wheel, but not quite. I checked all the obvious and continued on as it was only noticeable at very low speed.
It turned out to be this.



With a lot of luggage it was swaying ever so slightly at low speed. Being one of 4 mounting points it was not obvious to the eye as nothing had moved significantly.
I only mention this because the other side broke some years ago. Judging by the rust and burring, they crack progressively over time. Just a thought to cast an eye over them from time to time.

Anyway, for all you polishaholics out there, while it was in bits I machine polished the lenses. They come up very well.





I know you still have some Winter ahead of you, this could fill in at least one evening, or, you could go back to arguing about the universe (roll on Spring - PLEASE!)

Noel

[movenon]

Nice find.  Because of the age of these bikes it would probably be prudent to do at least one real good inspection of the frame for corrosion and cracks. There seems to be a couple of reoccurring areas to have a look at.
George

[ken65]

lol,     hey noel how do you polish the plastic? i just use a bit of flannel rag and gentle cutting compound like maguires swirl remover, and only by hand,  cheers ken

[1tinindian]

Noel, good tip on the fatigue cracking.

I have already done the lens polishing.
Matter of fact, when I installed the RPM integrated LED tail lamp circuit board into my OEM housing, I took the time to completely remove all of the raised letter from the lens and polished it smooth.

Yours look awesome, by the way! Nice work.

Leon

Not the best picture, but you get the idea.

[Capn Ron]

It turned out to be this.



With a lot of luggage it was swaying ever so slightly at low speed. Being one of 4 mounting points it was not obvious to the eye as nothing had moved significantly.

Noel

Nice catch Noel! 

My Givi rack uses those same mount points.  I mounted up the wingrack, filled up the hardcases with about 120lbs of camping gear, food, clothing, tools and water...Then did 17, 286 miles in just under three months.  All seemed to be just fine.  A few months after I got back, I low-sided my FJ and did a pretty thorough tear-down and inspection.  Yep...that same mount point had broken off the frame.  The other three mount points were holding it pretty much in place, so it was easy to re-weld.

Cap'n Ron. . .

[ribbert]

lol,     hey noel how do you polish the plastic? i just use a bit of flannel rag and gentle cutting compound like maguires swirl remover, and only by hand,  cheers ken

Err, Ken, I feel a bit under qualified to offer advice on polishing with Leon and Pat looking over my shoulder, but I used a lambswool pad on an electric drill, not too fast, and car paint products, different grades of cutters and polishes. Don't get it too hot (ie too fast) you will melt the plastic. There is a middle ground though that will polish them up beautifully.

Noel

[ribbert]

I have already done the lens polishing.

Leon

Leon, Why did I just know that was coming!  

Noel

[X-Ray]

Noel, forgive me for saying, but F#$CK ME!

I have never thought of polishing the indicator lenses. Could you please bring a copy of your book, (Noels FJ Polishing Secrets 101) to the rally and give , I mean I'll buy a copy from you. Seriously, that is fantastic work, I need some inspiration,  

[ribbert]

Noel, forgive me for saying, but F#$CK ME!

I have never thought of polishing the indicator lenses. Could you please bring a copy of your book, (Noels FJ Polishing Secrets 101) to the rally and give , I mean I'll buy a copy from you. Seriously, that is fantastic work, I need some inspiration,  

Ha Ha, Ray, I may be giving the wrong impression here. My bike is no Pat or Leon machine.
I spend a lot of time getting it dirty and a lot of time getting it clean. I ride and enjoy unsealed roads, which at times can be mud, and I've never cancelled a ride because of rain. (although I have cancelled a lot lately with the heat)
However, if I am working on a part or remove parts for some reason, I can't help myself from detailing them before refitting them.

I like it looking good and preserve the finish the best I can but never at the expense of not using it.

Noel

[movenon]

Couldn't resist...... 



George

[Doity Eddie]

Sweet!!

[Pat Conlon]

I did that to mine but I was getting a glare from the sun....so back to satin black for me....

[FJmonkey]

I did that to mine but I was getting a glare from the sun....so back to satin black for me....

I see, you get a little glare and its back to black. What about the rest of us having to deal with the glare off the parts of your bike that blind us. Its not safe I tell you, riding with you in the day time is high risk, dangerous in fact...  Not sure if night time is safe either....

[Capn Ron]

I did that to mine but I was getting a glare from the sun....so back to satin black for me....

I see, you get a little glare and its back to black. What about the rest of us having to deal with the glare off the parts of your bike that blind us. Its not safe I tell you, riding with you in the day time is high risk, dangerous in fact...  Not sure if night time is safe either....

Says the man whose headlight puts out the light of a thousand suns!   

Cap'n Ron. . .

[Joe Sull]

The lens looks some nice man. 
Question for ya; Wax or polymer for my kind of climate?
I want to put something on my bike to protect it, but on the other hand, I want to be able to strip it off and touch up dings and stuff in the paint.