Diff'rent Strokers

rlwc · Joined: 20 May 2014 Posts: 12

What is the best solution to remove dirt and rust on alloy frame of NS400R and how to make it shine again? Thanks!

[img]https://www.dropbox.com/s/klgydst807gtuvu/WP_20140916_001.jpg?dl=0[/img]

[img]https://www.dropbox.com/s/kxs7c8n1appwu8v/WP_20140916_002.jpg?dl=0[/img]

[img]https://www.dropbox.com/s/ji6vevr1jjtfflv/WP_20140916_003.jpg?dl=0[/img]

[img]https://www.dropbox.com/s/ppkudha0tms6eaj/WP_20140916_004.jpg?dl=0[/img]

[img]https://www.dropbox.com/s/54poqgs7icnejzj/WP_20140916_009.jpg?dl=0[/img]
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Top-shaggy · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2014 9:46 am Post subject:

Rust on the alloy frame ? I wish I could see the pictures... Wink

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gammaguy21 · Joined: 07 Jan 2011 Posts: 70

Images from dropbox work better as links :

http://www.dropbox.com/s/klgydst807gtuvu/WP_20140916_001.jpg?dl=0

http://www.dropbox.com/s/kxs7c8n1appwu8v/WP_20140916_002.jpg?dl=0

http://www.dropbox.com/s/ji6vevr1jjtfflv/WP_20140916_003.jpg?dl=0

http://www.dropbox.com/s/ppkudha0tms6eaj/WP_20140916_004.jpg?dl=0

http://www.dropbox.com/s/54poqgs7icnejzj/WP_20140916_009.jpg?dl=0

Interested in responses as well... working on a project that needs cleaning first. Don't really want to use anything that will hurt the factory finish.

rlwc · Joined: 20 May 2014 Posts: 12

Yes those are the pics of alloy frame of my bike.
Thanks very much gammaguy21 for your help.
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Top-shaggy · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2014 2:25 pm Post subject:

Corrosion and slight pitting of the alloy?

I'm not familiar with that frame, is it alloy with a silver painted or anodised type finish or just bare alloy?

I know this sounds a bit Heath Robinson .. But have you tried a very mild cleaner like Mr Sheen on the pitting? Something like that to clean without polishing the alloy (not autosol)..

If its coated or painted .. It may not be so easy to sort the pitting if its lifted the surface.

I'm sure someone on here has rebuilt one of these bikes?..
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rlwc · Joined: 20 May 2014 Posts: 12

I think it is anodised type finish of factory.
I haven't tried Mr. Sheen yet but I use Autosol polish...it didn't work.
Any information is much appreciated.
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Top-shaggy · Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 9:15 am Post subject:

If it's a factory anodised finish that's pitted then unless I'm mistaken the only solution (if you want oem look) is to strip the anodising by etching the aluminum in sodium hydroxide or similar acid or alkaline etch solutions. This gets you back to the base aluminium and from there it is re-anodised - which in itself is not really a DIY job as it's an electrochemical process. (Well I wouldn't tackle it - it would be frame off to the anodisers job..)

I suppose you could strip the anodising and polish the frame ? Not sure it would be easy to get a good surface finish on visible parts of the frame but I've seen some amazing work by people gifted with a supply of emery and autosol (oh and no finger ends..lol)

Other than that options? Paint / powder coat etc - but you knew that anyway

Why not leave it as it is and enjoy the bike.
For me, It's got maturity and a patina like a fine rare single malt or oak aged fine wine.. It's lovely Very Happy

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rlwc · Joined: 20 May 2014 Posts: 12

Thanks mate...I'm thinking the same thing to re-adonised the frame.
Use of emery won't scratch the surface? Yes it looks vintage and lovely Very Happy

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