Topic: What Are You Using To Clean Your Neglected Metal?

[Justin]

Well, since I'm trying to clean up a CB400F, I figure there is no better crowd to ask! 

As aforementioned, all the metal on the bike in question (fenders, handlebars, wheels, engine/transmission, exhaust, etc.) is pretty darn neglected...needs some serious TLC. I'm sure some of you here have already been through this process.

What did you use?
What do you recommend?

Thanks again.

[turnenwheels]

I've found using "scotch brite," pads work well for cleaning the aluminium areas.  Don't use on the crome as it will surely scatch.  There are many cleaners that work well with rust spots on the crome.  A few tee's and some rubbing really have been the ticket.  A hard tooth brush gets into the "hard to reach," areas.  I've found aluminium cleaners also, work with crome, as crome cleaners do not work with aluminium.
Cheers!

[eldar]

Well to get the dirt and grease off, I use undiluted Simple Green. Cuts dirt great and oils and ggrease very well. From there you can use something to get the hard layers off.

[Ben]

As mentioned above, scotchbrite pads work a treat. I use the one that you fit onto your drill, it makes short work of oxidisation and the pesky clear coat on the alloy cases. Just be careful and do it all in one direction and dont push too hard. This is no place for your fancy moves, save them for your bedroom!
This will give a "brushed" finish, if you want ultra shiny, just go over it after the Scotchbrite with some 1000 grade wet and dry, then autosol, or any good silver polish (I use Silvo with good results).

Good luck!

[pmpski_1]

Lots of "How do I get it to shine again?" posts lately. I guess it's summer here in the northern hemisphere

Maybe there should be a "Polishing and Making it Shiny" section added to the FAQ?

By the way, I used Flitz, soft cloths, and a Dremel to polish up the chrome. Works great, even gets rid of surface rust if it's not too deep.

[kghost]

Nev-R-Dull works good on the chrome. Just takes some elbow grease.