Aircanuck's Budget Restore

Gents, best way to polish up plastic chromesque parts such as mirror backs and tail light housings?

 

It would seem that many people recommend sanding first with 800 grit and then with 1500 grit sandpaper and then hitting it with polish to really remove the stubborn pitting. Thoughts?

 

Hmmm. Something to consider.

 

gents,

Forgive me for re-hashing this. I am about to order the chain and sprockets.
I have the sizes etc squared away, sprockets will be JT.

I have the choice between UMI O-ring chain ($220 with sprockets) and a gold (only gold available apparently) D.I.D X-ring chain (about $183 with sprockets). DID is well known... This is the description you will find of UMI chains at retailer websites:

"UMI O-Ring chains are built in Japan where reliability and quality is guaranteed. UMI O-Ring chain uses the ultimate state of the art technology to ensure performance and durability. All UMI O-Ring chains have solid rollers and bushings for longer wear life and reinforced rollers for higher impact resistance. UMI O-Ring chains also have a unique protruding bushing, designed to reduce kinking and extend O-Ring life. The O-Ring helps to increase the performance of the chain and provide better sealing to keep dirt out and lubrication in. UMI O-Ring chains are recommended for ATV’s and motorcycles originally equipped with O-Ring chains or in extreme conditions where standard chains do not perform as well."

I would appreciate some opinions if anyone has 2 cents to offer.

cheers!

 

My headers look pretty beyond saving from any kind of chrome/shine perspective. What do you guys think of a flat black header into chrome pipes?

 

Just bought 400, 800, 1000, 2000 grit paper so I'm doing it right.

Then I'll experiment with mothers and autosol to see which works better. Finally I may use a dupli-color laquer finish to coat it.

 

Folks, I am having a very hard time removing cakes on grease etc from the painted sections of the wheels. I have tried degreaser and auto Glym custom wheel cleaning. Any suggestions? See the photo below, especially in the recessed "spokes". I have tried brushes, toothbrush, rag rolled into a point etc.

Cheers!

 

Another one, even 220 grit won't remove all fine pitting even in an hour of sanding. Would you go more coarse or just accept the fine pitting at this point?

 

Well gents I have spent about 9 or 10 hours and one of the wheels is all sanded. Just gave it a wash and soon I will hit it with polish and see how it looks... Unfortunately still the rear to go which is in much worse shape. They won't look perfect but they'll look darned good! I have mothers and autosol, what do you guys like better for a shine and a protective layer?

 

Thanks for all the advice on restoring aluminum wheels. One out of two is complete, about 11 hours of work. Not perfect, some fine pitting but realistically it looks fantastic. Still have to get the black looking nice, maybe a nice clear coat I'm not sure.

Grits:
220
400
800
1000
2000
Mothers aluminum polish

Before and after...