Fix Blemish On Clear Coat Aluminium Frame

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Jet Black":png4h9se said:
Thanks for the info. Those are steps I'm not prepared for yet (pretty new to this whole process), but in the future I'll clean it up. It's still a great ride, it just happens to look its age.


It will look fine with a bit of dirt on it.
 
go at it with this:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/3m-ma ... 77iDrHUf1U

it's heavy duty so go at it a little at a time. try in small area not too conspicuous at first to see how the results are.

if the oxidation is severe and the surface is really rough, then as suggested, you'll need to go at it with something even more abrasive, such as Scotch pads and/or fine grit automotive sandpaper.
 
FYI, the 1992 model frame is raw aluminum, as opposed to the clear coat that was applied to earlier models. I don't even think it's anodized. Mine has oxidation on it and it's a satin aluminium finish, not polished or glossy at all.

Unfortunately if you need to strip the top layer off it, it will look shiny and new compared to the rest. So you kind of have to give the whole frame a once over if the finish is uneven across the frame. Given time it will oxidize again and become satin. I prefer a satin finish to a polish, but have seen many people polish it up and wax it to keep it shiny.

my RM Experience that I used Scotch pads and rubbing compound on:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=190112&start=31
 
Maybe it's not a '92?

It has a Performance Paints decal on it which seems odd if it's not coated. Serial number starts with YA.
 
you should be able to tell quite easily if it's been clear coated or not. where the clear coat has been worn through, there's usually heavy oxidation compared to the rest of the frame, and you'll see "worming" and or cracking/chipping in the surrounding clear coat. here's another Cirrus frame i had at one point and sold:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=204459

click the link to the gallery with upclose detailed photos. it didn't have the "Performance Paint" decal on it. :?

as for dating based on the serial number, all Cirrus/Experience started with YA, it's the next digit that i believe gives the year. if it's a 0 then it's most likely a 91, if 1 then a 92. not sure what a 90 model serial number would be, but they took a standard 27.0mm seat post and not the odd size 30.4mm.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=154740&start=35

reminds me, i think i know someone with a 90 model with 27.0 seatpost. need to go ask and confirm now. ;)
 
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It is YA1, so if may actually be a '91 purchased in '92.

Thanks for everything! Pretty overwhelmed but I'm learning.
 
that "should" be a 92 model. your decals being green is also what's in the 92 catalogue. looking at your picture, it doesn't look clear coated. just heavy oxidation and possibly stain from dirt/grime and/or decals bleed through.

my 92 is black decals because i bought it as frame only.
 
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Well I think I confirmed it is clear coated. I happened to be shopping for tires and asked one of the guys in the shop about refinishing the frame. He took a look and didn't think it was oxidation, and suggested I try acetone. I asked if this would harm the clear coat, and he said it shouldn't.

Well I did try (stupid me) and it did get rid of the blemish but I'm pretty sure it ate away the clear coat and that was what was yellowed and damaged. The area I wiped looks clean and shiny now, but obviously it stands out as you suggested it might.

I have a buddy cutting me a new syncros decal I'll put over top for now until I'm ready to take this thing to the next level. Might even be able to ship him the frame over winter to sandblast and re-coat it.
 
This is what sticker were for ;)


Failing that theres a polished metal lacquer from i think 'Rustkins' :? Clean up the area with some fine steelwool first. GENTLY

Burnishing creams from Tcut, Not autosol which is an abrasive paste and quite aggressive ive found , the Tcut ones are more liquid :? This will help blend it in to the rest of the lacquer if its a gloss finish Apply with soft cloth. Toilet paper is good when polishing hard at the end.
Its very soft fluffy stuff, but im guessing we all know that :LOL:
 
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Thanks. I'm actually surprised it went through as it was nail polish remover and not pure acetone. Still being able to recoat and blend it in would be nice.
 
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