The fenders are the 48mm fluted version with a matte finish. I wanted to polish them up a bit but I wasn't real sure how to polish aluminum. Most of the info I came across described cleaning the surface with oven cleaner or other household cleaners and then wet sanding with very fine grit sand paper and steel wool. I wasn't looking for a mirrored finish, I just wanted to brighten them up a bit. One web site suggested cleaning the surface with a household cleaner and then scrubbing the surface with cream of tartar (used to make meringue). You then finish up with Brasso. A quick trip to Wal-Mart and I was ready to get started. I used some Mr. Clean wipes to clean the dust and aluminum shavings from the fenders before making a paste with the cream of tartar. It turns out that the cream of tartar is a fine abrasive, the website didn't really mention the reason for using this stuff. I scrubbed the fenders for a while and then wiped them clean. I applied the Brasso and was pretty happy with the results. I repeated the process and scrubbed a little longer with the tartar which improved the shine quite a bit.
Here's a picture of one the fenders after shining. I know, it doesn't look in any different in the photo, you have to see them in person to appreciate the difference.
Are you on pace to ready for the Argyle ride? New bike, October weather, nice route...good plan, my friend.
ReplyDeleteWe need photos.
I'm really looking forward to the Argyle ride. I'm supposed to have shoulder surgery within the next couple of weeks, I'm hoping it won't be scheduled until after the ride.
ReplyDeleteAre you going to be there, and if so are you going to ride it fixed or geared?
I wish I could be there, but have a schedule conflict. If something changes, I'll try to get down that way and look for the shiny, new LHT.
ReplyDeleteI've got the gears on my P/R presently...but that could change any minute now...or not.