Topic: Wheel maintenance worth it? + Custom Spokes

[ChopSticks]

Getting the rear wheel (750K4) prepped to be relaced to a 17" was just wondering if it was worth buffing the hub, sprocket carrier, drum brake or just cleaning it with brake clean and calling it a day? I noticed a lot of people cleaning up their hubs and go through various wet standing stages then buffering with tripoli/rouge polish. So some questions before I start throwing elbow grease into it

1. is there a protective layer on the hubs? assuming sanding/polishing will remove that
2. if yes, what would the maintenance be like going forward? not going to be a daily but definitely a weekend rider (already have a daily)
3. any other options to clean up consistent upkeep?

In addition, I got custom spokes made for the new 17" from 18". Just did a quick measurement before I try to reassemble everything and the new spokes are 1 5/8" longer? but the rim is only 1" smaller diameter wise which ultimately be 1/2" on each side, should I be concerned? or just try to lace the new wheel up anyways?

[pjlogue]

You have a smaller rim but the new spokes are longer???  Something seems off.  Did you specify what size rim and hub to the outfit providing the spokes?  When you go to lace them up be sure you don't have any outer spoke ends poking above the end of the nipple.  The ends should be a few turns below the nipple end to allow for trueing.

When I reconditioned my hubs I used the 3m wheels on my bench grinder  It stripped off all coatings and oxidization and left a nice satin sheen.  I then cleaned them in warm acetone and then used Diamond coat clear.  It gives a real hard finish that does not yellow and is impervious to gas/oil. It does not "dull" the look of the bare aluminum.

-P.

[754]

 If your spokes are an inch or more longer, try to get a refund.
What Rim are you running? HONDA MAKES SPOKES FOR 17 INCH USING THE FACTORY RIM, THEY MIGHT WORK FOR 18 INCH drop center.
 Sorry about the caps..
 

[ChopSticks]

Sorry typo, meant the new spokes are 1 5/8" shorter.

I'm running a 17" 4.5" wide Harley Vtwin rim

Phlogue - how has the clear coat held up? Any link to the 3m wheel?

[pjlogue]

Sorry typo, meant the new spokes are 1 5/8" shorter.

I'm running a 17" 4.5" wide Harley Vtwin rim

Phlogue - how has the clear coat held up? Any link to the 3m wheel?

The 3m wheels can be found here:  https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/08659401  You should get a bunch (I needed 3 stacked on my grinder to get enough thickness to have something for the mounting nuts to compress)  USE A DUST MASK!

The Diamond coat clear has held up well.  I have used it on the wheel hubs, engine covers, rear brake rod and stay and a few other parts.  The only thing I have found that will remove it is aircraft stripper.  Hot gas on the engine didn't faze it.  The key is following the instructions carefully and making sure your parts are really clean.

-P.

[ChopSticks]

Ah okay, do you find using the bench grinder worth the purchase or would a drill and these pads achieve the same results?

https://www.amazon.com/Yakamoz-Surface-Conditioning-Sanding-Change/dp/B074SD8JJ5/ref=sr_1_5_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1514308723&sr=8-5-spons&keywords=scotch+brite+drill+disc&psc=1

I don't currently have a bench grinder but was looking into a polish/grinding wheel combo, if it will save hours on this particular job over a regular drill might just pull the trigger and grab one.

As for the fine grade, is it similar to 400-600 grit?

Lastly, is this the Diamond clear you mentioned?

https://www.amazon.com/KBS-Coatings-8304-DiamondFinish-Clear/dp/B00DMIE20Q/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1514308961&sr=1-2&keywords=diamond+clear+coat

do you use the brush on or aerosol cans?

[pjlogue]

Ah okay, do you find using the bench grinder worth the purchase or would a drill and these pads achieve the same results?

https://www.amazon.com/Yakamoz-Surface-Conditioning-Sanding-Change/dp/B074SD8JJ5/ref=sr_1_5_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1514308723&sr=8-5-spons&keywords=scotch+brite+drill+disc&psc=1

I don't currently have a bench grinder but was looking into a polish/grinding wheel combo, if it will save hours on this particular job over a regular drill might just pull the trigger and grab one.

As for the fine grade, is it similar to 400-600 grit?

Lastly, is this the Diamond clear you mentioned?

https://www.amazon.com/KBS-Coatings-8304-DiamondFinish-Clear/dp/B00DMIE20Q/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1514308961&sr=1-2&keywords=diamond+clear+coat

do you use the brush on or aerosol cans?

I would recommend getting a 6" bench grinder.  Using the 2" wheel on a drill will take you forever because the speed of the drill is slow compared to a grinder and the face velocity of the 2" wheel vs 6" is much slower.  Think of a bench grinder as an investment.  You will use it a lot over the years.

Yes, that's the Diamond Coat Clear.  I cut it with 10% Zylene and used a small air brush.  Don't inhale the mist with this stuff.  It is Cyanoacrylic based.  Also, once cured you can't dissolve it so cleaning up right away is important.  I bought a small airbrush and pump off fleabay for ~$30 and it worked well for this. 

-P.