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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Cleaning the oxidized aluminum on handlebars
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Message started by Mattdw on 05/22/11 at 10:15:32

Title: Cleaning the oxidized aluminum on handlebars
Post by Mattdw on 05/22/11 at 10:15:32

Bought an 02 that has seen a few too many days left outside. The aluminum parts housing the ignition switch, turn signals appears to be pretty oxidized/corroded with some minor pitting. It appears to have some white flaky stuff too, but doesn't really scrape off.
Any way to make it look better without a complete overhaul of those parts with sanding and such? I really don't want to risk taking all that stuff apart since it all still seems to work fine :)

Title: Re: Cleaning the oxidized aluminum on handlebars
Post by Serowbot on 05/22/11 at 10:21:33

The oxidation is under a clearcoat,... you either have to strip it, or paint over it...

Title: Re: Cleaning the oxidized aluminum on handlebars
Post by WD on 05/22/11 at 14:27:18

Black enamel and a natural bristle paintbrush.

If you have chalk, the clearcoat is already toast. Scrape off the chalky areas and paint it. No need to disassemble.

Title: Re: Cleaning the oxidized aluminum on handlebars
Post by kernel ken on 05/22/11 at 14:44:16

Just in case you decide you do want to clean up the corroded aluminum, here's how I addressed the issue. I have a lot of corrosion on my engine cases. Here's what I did to get rid of it. Started by stripping the clear coat using Dupli-color paint stripper. Spray it on and in about two minutes you can wipe the clear coat off. I used paper towels then tossed them. Clean the surface with a damp paper towel. Then I applied a product called Aluminum Jelly. It's supposed to clean and brighten aluminum surfaces. It did a nice job of removing the corrosion. But, there are still pits in the surface. I sanded the surface with 1000 grit to remove them then 1500 grit to finish it up. At that point the surface finish will be similar to the original finish. Last is to spray with a clear coat.

Title: Re: Cleaning the oxidized aluminum on handlebars
Post by stinger on 05/23/11 at 01:53:21

When you had the clear coat off you should have went ahead and light sanded it with one of those foam sand pads, and then buffed it out with buffing compound on a buffing wheel. You can even use one attached to a drill. You can buy the whole kit at Harbour Freights for under $7. I did mine and figured it took maybe a couple hours for each casing but they now look like chrome.

Title: Re: Cleaning the oxidized aluminum on handlebars
Post by Boofer on 05/23/11 at 16:46:26

For small places that need a quick clean, I bought a tube of toothpaste (not the gel) and a stiff toothbrush. It is abrasive and cleans well plus it smells minty fresh. ;)

Title: Re: Cleaning the oxidized aluminum on handlebars
Post by Gyrobob on 05/25/11 at 06:12:57

I don't think I would want to use everyday clear coat. It is probably not optimized for hot, windy, dusty, rainy, sunny environments.

If you don't want to paint it satin black (which I think looks neat and tidy) I'd try something like Zoop seal, POR-15 Glisten, VHT engine clear coat, Duplicolor clear engine paint, Protectaclear (by Everbrite), Rustoleum clear engine enamel, etc. These kinds of coatings are at least designed for more heat, which would mean they are tougher in general.

I wonder how it would look if you painted the switch housings a satin color to match the main color of your tank and side covers.

If you have some bucks to spare, it is possible to powder coat with a clear finish. Just make sure you get the surface as pretty and defect-free as possible.

Some folks simply prefer to strip off the factory clear coat, polish the aluminum pieces, and then just keep them clean and waxed,... just like a painted surface. The factory clear coat ALWAYS gets yellowed and chipped and non-protective after a few to several years anyway, so you have to do something.

Title: Re: Cleaning the oxidized aluminum on handlebars
Post by Gyrobob on 05/25/11 at 06:16:34

416C6C656671030 wrote:

For small places that need a quick clean, I bought a tube of toothpaste (not the gel) and a stiff toothbrush. It is abrasive and cleans well plus it smells minty fresh. ;)

We used toothpaste everyday on belt buckles in the military when we were in schools that required everything anally perfect. It was handy, fast, effective, and, yes, your fingers and belt buckle smelled so nice for a few hours. :D

Title: Re: Cleaning the oxidized aluminum on handlebars
Post by Sunchasers on 05/25/11 at 10:43:13

Has anyone tried "Flitz" metal polish yet? I have used it on other things but not my bike yet. It has worked great in the past, but can be pricey compared to toothpaste.

Title: Re: Cleaning the oxidized aluminum on handlebars
Post by Boofer on 05/25/11 at 20:46:33

The old name brand polishes are expensive but have a good reputation. Eagle brand Never Dull is like cotton wadding soaked in a solvent. It actually feels dry, though. If you are into sitting and shining every little part it works great. I keep a can handy in my cabinet. About $5 at Wal Mart.