Polished side rails

[nitto12ss]

So I saw this picture on American Sportbike.com and was wondering if anybody has done this mod. If so did you purchase the side rails or strip the paint and do it yourself. As best I can tell the side rails are aluminum, and so is the tail piece so I was thinking I could do it myself without to much trouble. My only concern is the maintenance required to maintain the luster after it is done, so if anybody has done this mod could you give me your two cents on the matter at hand.

Thanks in advance.

 

[salbreth1]

I think the side rails are anodized. If they are, you would have to sand them. If you have a non-directional sander, start with an 80 grit to strip finish, and take it to about 1000 or more until its a dull shine. Then some rouge and a buffing wheel will take it right up. I'm not sure what series aluminum it is, but its hard, so you shouldn't have to worry about too much scratching or dinging. aluminum polish will keep its luster. Thats about all I got

 

[Roccodart440]

YOu could clear coat them. Maintenence eliminated.

I don't care for the looks. Now if you did a matt swirl in the metal that might be cool.

 

[BadS1]

The rails are not anodized. They are powdercoated from the factory. As far as clearing them ?? It wouldn't work out. Clear like paint needs a prepped surface to adhere. So naturally you'd have to scuff them to clear them. Then you would see the scuff marks through the clear. Your best option would be to have them either nickle or chrome plated. Or you could have them powdercoated in clear. Hope this help's.... good luck.

 

[nitto12ss]

Thanks guys, I'm just looking to do something to them. The stock powder coat is getting stress cracks in it and when I hack off the cheese grater I want them to match. This is just one option I am considering and my only concern is what needs to be done to ensure the desired results. My tool supply is limited, so this would be done by hand with sand paper. Dose this seem to be problematic or should I be ok.

 

[GatorBuell]

You could do it, you would just have to clean it often. Another thing to think about is that cast aluminum is going to have pin hole pits in it all over the place. You may end up with some spots that look like crap. You will also need a way to buff it out when done. If you start at 100 grit and work your way up and using a marking dye to get all the scratches out each pass. Wet sand going from 100 - 220 - 400 - 600- 1000 then buff with wool buffing pad and a hard bar compound it will shine. Then use a metal polish to finish it off. Have fun.

 

[nitto12ss]

Thanks GatorBuell [up], sounds like to much work for something that may or may not come out looking nice. Looks like its paint for me.