Topic: Engine polishing?

[550Z]

ok cool thats guys!!! im looking to get the covers polished and have the block and aluminum/silver color, jugs red, head and valve cover black with black pan and top cover, with cream tank, tail, and headlight . white exhaust, chrome wheels , and idkframe color yet

[dhall57]

Warning-Warning : Dark shades must be worn before entering this thread because of all the bright and shinning objects

[Stev-o]

No kidding!

[Johnie]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...my eyes.........wish I saw the warning warning...

[ncstatecamp]

So I'm taking it that a high grit sanding to begin with would be a bad idea? I also already have a bench grinder, just need some new wheels.

[mono]

The points cover on the 550 is chrome plated steel.   Check out my 550 thread for before and afters if ya want.

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[RSchaefer]

Most of the side covers came bright using the buffer wheel with the less and less abrasive being used.  In fact most of them came bright using a very light abrasive on the buffer wheel.  In the case of my alternator cover (CB750) I had some scratches and used very light sand paper to get the scratches out 1st, then lighter sandpaper to get out the 1st used sandpaper scratches, etc.  In fact that's all I used on the fork legs was sandpaper to mimic the factory finish.

When buffing keep the piece moving, don't stop in one area with allot of pressure you will start streaking the aluminum, I think like one other member said, your getting that part of the metal very very hot and the aluminum is starting to move around (melt).  Its not rocket since you will figure it out quickly enough.

[Stev-o]

So I'm taking it that a high grit sanding to begin with would be a bad idea?

High grit (1500) is recommended before polishing.  Strip the clear first, then use low grit to get any scratches/small gouges out and work your way up.

[Really?]

I normally start at about a 320 wet.  Going any more aggressive than that you will feel like you can never get some of the scratches you created out.

Each aluminum part of the bike seems to be different.  I am guessing because of the heat that each part has been through during it's life or its particular treatment when created to suit the job it is made to do.   <<Total SWAG!   

The brake drum can be a real beotch but the caliper holder comes up super easy.  Some parts have casting marks that may take a grinding stone and/or file to remove.

Don't feel bad if you need to drop back down to 320 wet and go through the process again, I have many many times.  I do both sandpaper (down to 2000 grit) and rouge.

[70CB750]

I am working on F3 top tree bracket and there are so many cast imperfection I am down to 120 grit now.  It will be a PITA to clean that out, but I am just set on polished top.

Compared to K3 top bracket, there is a huge surface quality drop.

[ncstatecamp]

So I'm going to go out on a limb here and surmise these are actually 550 plates and not 750 aluminum covers....

[MCRider]

So I'm going to go out on a limb here and surmise these are actually 550 plates and not 750 aluminum covers....

Appear to be OEM CB750 to me. Which re chrome plated steel. If the holes on the point cover are perpendicular to the "HONDA" its a 750. The clutch adjuster cover looks like it may have a small dent in it, but CB750 nevertheless.

Aluminum covers in those positions are aftermarket, can be had. But stock is chrome.

[ncstatecamp]

So I'm going to go out on a limb here and surmise these are actually 550 plates and not 750 aluminum covers....

Appear to be OEM CB750 to me. Which re chrome plated steel. If the holes on the point cover are perpendicular to the "HONDA" its a 750. The clutch adjuster cover looks like it may have a small dent in it, but CB750 nevertheless.

Aluminum covers in those positions are aftermarket, can be had. But stock is chrome.

Ah see I thought everyone kept saying the originals were aluminum which were polishable

[MCRider]

So I'm going to go out on a limb here and surmise these are actually 550 plates and not 750 aluminum covers....

Appear to be OEM CB750 to me. Which re chrome plated steel. If the holes on the point cover are perpendicular to the "HONDA" its a 750. The clutch adjuster cover looks like it may have a small dent in it, but CB750 nevertheless.

Aluminum covers in those positions are aftermarket, can be had. But stock is chrome.

Ah see I thought everyone kept saying the originals were aluminum which were polishable

The clutch cover, which is the part the chrome adjuster cover screws to, is aluminum and we often have it polished.  But no question on the points cover.

[Faust]

I just undertook to start polishing my engine covers. I started at my local mill supply for buffing wheels and rouge. They sold me a wheel that is very similar to scotchbrite (but comes if various grits). I started with that on my buffer to remove the surface scratches and stains. Works great, but don't spend a lot of time in one place. Similar to fine grit paper, leaves it almost polished. FOr my car alloys, I chuck them in a brake lathe and  spin them against wet 2000 grit paper, that does produce the effect of polishing.

[MauiK3]

Polishing was the biggest time element of my K3 750 project. A bit of a chore but worth it.

[Johnie]

I agree. It is my least favorite thing to do, but it sure adds to the bike when done! Yours looks excellent.

[750K5]

Polishing was the biggest time element of my K3 750 project. A bit of a chore but worth it.

Your polished parts turned out awesome..
I'm currently sanding and telling myself It'll be worth it!

[MauiK3]

Think of it as a meditation, plenty of music, just keep going.

[750K5]

Think of it as a meditation, plenty of music, just keep going.

I have plans to do some more meditation tonight!
When you polished around the logos and the embossed 750 on the cam cover did you get build up from rouge in those areas? If so how do you clean it up and not scuff your new surfaces? I am trying to come up with and plan to get that all cleaned up.
Thanks

[MauiK3]

I have a 10 L ultrasonic cleaner that removes it. I think a good soap like simple green will too.