Aluminium oxide!

Discussion in 'Technical Help' started by Chappy, May 29, 2013.

  1. Chappy

    Chappy New Member

    May 1, 2013
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    Hello,

    My 2006 Thruxton has developed a little case of alluminium oxide on the cam cover and side covers :frown:

    I have just trawled the net for tutorials and advice, most of it on Youtube and based in the states where they rcommend many different chemical cleaners that I am not sure you can purchase over here and wanted to know of any equivalent products in good 'ol Blighty :upyeah:

    So having never completed this task before has anyone got any advice on do's and dont's, please?

    I considered replacing the covers with Chromed or even Black covers however these will eventually succumed to the dreaded oxidisation eventually according to information pulled from the net.

    Thanks in advance,

    Chappy.
     
  2. P19DJG

    P19DJG Banned

    Mar 16, 2013
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    #2 P19DJG, May 30, 2013
    Last edited: May 31, 2013
    Do the covers have a clear coat of lacquer? If so you will need to strip that off first down to the bare aluminium finish then polish them up on a buffing wheel then leave it at that or get them clear coated again. Failing that just sand them down smooth & apply paint or get them chromed.
     
  3. SpankyHam

    SpankyHam Member

    Apr 17, 2013
    351
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    Wrexham, North Wales
    Good ol' elbow grease should do the job
     
  4. P19DJG

    P19DJG Banned

    Mar 16, 2013
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    Sod that! Power tools all the way gets my vote :smile:
     
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  5. SpankyHam

    SpankyHam Member

    Apr 17, 2013
    351
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    Wrexham, North Wales
    Yeah true what was I thinking!

    I wouldn't say we have any better chemicals over here in comparison to the states. In the UK they are basically were not trusted with anything harsher than soapy water
     
  6. P19DJG

    P19DJG Banned

    Mar 16, 2013
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    We do have some very strong & abrasive chemicals available in this country but they are not available over the counter to the general public, obviously due to Health & Safety etc.
    However, thats not the case for our cousins across the pond that can walk into a Walmart & come out dressed to kill looking like Rambo! :rolleyes:
     
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  7. Chappy

    Chappy New Member

    May 1, 2013
    24
    3
    Roger that! Best I deploy the power tools :cool:

    The oxide isn't too bad at present, don't think there is any "serious" pitting......I'll get the covers removed soonest and get to work on these little bad boy's, cheers Gent's................or Ladies :wink:
     
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  8. SpankyHam

    SpankyHam Member

    Apr 17, 2013
    351
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    Wrexham, North Wales
    Think he means you Pig
     
  9. P19DJG

    P19DJG Banned

    Mar 16, 2013
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    Your thanks are duly noted & how could you tell i was a lady from my posts? :wink:
     
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  10. Screwball

    Screwball Active Member

    Mar 21, 2013
    1,017
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    Kent
    Autosol. Keeping it polished for 30 years........ Agree with the lads buy some polishing wheels and cutting compound and have an afternoon of fun.... Do agree with Pig or Spanky and then get a clear coat applied or you'll be cleaning them every week....
     
  11. brybrem

    brybrem Senior Member

    Mar 8, 2013
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    I suggest that before you start with the polishing wheel you cover your face and hands with Vaseline (get some from Pig as he buys it in bulk for some nefarious reason) as you get completely covered in black shit!
     
  12. P19DJG

    P19DJG Banned

    Mar 16, 2013
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    Maybe he is black, in which case it wouldnt notice? Just saying :wink:
     
  13. brybrem

    brybrem Senior Member

    Mar 8, 2013
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    If he is, let's hope he doesn't work in a flour mill!
     
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  14. Chappy

    Chappy New Member

    May 1, 2013
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    Great :upyeah:, when it comes to clear coating/laquering is there a recommended product you suggest that is suitable for high temperature Aluminium surfaces? :cool:
     
  15. P19DJG

    P19DJG Banned

    Mar 16, 2013
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  16. brybrem

    brybrem Senior Member

    Mar 8, 2013
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  17. P19DJG

    P19DJG Banned

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    Always here to help! :biggrin:
     
  18. Screwball

    Screwball Active Member

    Mar 21, 2013
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  19. Screwball

    Screwball Active Member

    Mar 21, 2013
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    I would honestly suggest getting a specialist to do it as it will be a far better finish... Most would work ok as car surface in the sun does get rather hot....
     
  20. Chappy

    Chappy New Member

    May 1, 2013
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    Cheers Mucka! :)
     
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