Metal polishing

[Stretch79]

Hi all,

Anyone who’s carried out similar please could you advise?

Currently rebuilding a load of DH4 brakes.

Now, the completed unit is original and what I am trying to achieve, the half unit is where I’m up to atm.

How and what should I do to get to near as original finish as possible please?

Any help grateful

Thanks

 

[Suprachrgd82]

Most aluminum parts are anodized by the manufacturer. Anodizing creates a hard corrosion resistant coating. Polishing will remove that coating and leave the softer aluminum subject to oxidation and pitting. I suggest a good cleaning followed by a rub of pure carnauba automotive wax (not cleaner wax or polishing wax).

If you’re willing to invest, polishing with Flitz, Simichrome or Autosol followed by a trip to the anodizer shop with yield a long lasting durable finish.

 

[Stretch79]

Most aluminum parts are anodized by the manufacturer. Anodizing creates a hard corrosion resistant coating. Polishing will remove that coating and leave the softer aluminum subject to oxidation and pitting. I suggest a good cleaning followed by a rub of pure carnauba automotive wax (not cleaner wax or polishing wax).

Ah ok that’s makes sense. So the finish I’ve polished to ideally should be anodised then?

Maybe I’ll look at that option first then as I didn’t think it was anodised.

The cleaner and then wax I assume wouldn’t bring it to original finish?

 

[Suprachrgd82]

From what I see in the photos, I assume the current finish is the machined surface from the manufacturer. Have they been sanded or otherwise been abraded with wire wool or similar?

 

[Stretch79]

From what I see in the photos, I assume the current finish is the machined surface from the manufacturer. Have they been sanded or otherwise been abraded with wire wool or similar?

The original from Hope is the complete unit. One that’s a smoother finish was buffed and polished.
Not 100% sure tbh

 

[Suprachrgd82]

They do look fabulous in the photos. Granted they are yours to do with as you please. If it were in my hands I would wax them and install as they are for fear of removing any anodized coating that remains, followed by a biannual PM of more waxing.

 

[Stretch79]

They do look fabulous in the photos. Granted they are yours to do with as you please. If it were in my hands I would wax them and install as they are for fear of removing any anodized coating that remains, followed by a biannual PM of more waxing.

Noted. I’ll see what I can do. May ask my local anodiser in that case.

Thanks for the help

 

[Betsy]

I would go the ano route.. everything your uncle Suprachgd has said is absolutely spot on.. but he hails from the land of sunshine, whereas you hail from the land of .. well hail, and rain, snow ect..

I ride an X-Lite L168 stem where i've stripped the ano back to the aluminium.. all it takes to maintain the semi-polished finish is a squirt / wipe over with GT-85 after every ride but you don't want to be spraying brakes with GT-85 ..

They'll be a lot more susceptable to corrosion / oxidation from their close proximity to the road / wheels + brake pad residue, road salt, rain, grime, mud.. ect so as suggested.. get them re-anodised if you want to maintain the finish.

 

[Stretch79]

I would go the ano route.. everything your uncle Suprachgd has said is absolutely spot on.. but he hails from the land of sunshine, whereas you hail from the land of .. well hail, and rain, snow ect..

I ride an X-Lite L168 stem where i've stripped the ano back to the aluminium.. all it takes to maintain the semi-polished finish is a squirt / wipe over with GT-85 after every ride but you don't want to be spraying brakes with GT-85 ..

They'll be a lot more susceptable to corrosion / oxidation from their close proximity to the road / wheels + brake pad residue, road salt, rain, grime, mud.. ect so as suggested.. get them re-anodised if you want to maintain the finish.

Yeah more rain than most areas.

Luckily it’s a resto that’s for the man cave so won’t be going out. But in would like it as original.

Thank you for the help also. Defo ano route then