Aluminum Polishing

[Re-Vision]

I'm aware that there is considerable information here on polishing aluminum.  As I have nothing but a rag and my fingers, I'm looking for suggestions on what to buy so I can do a first class job with parts on the bike as well as off.  Techniques, brands of polish, types of buffer wheels, and methods of keeping the shine once its achieved.  Who knows, with ideas from everyone I could become an exspurt before the day is out.  Thanks, BDC

[Lucky]

an excelent product is called "Nevr-Dul" but it's basicly cotton chunks with mineral spirits.  which you can buy seperatly much cheaper i.e.: old t-shirts and a quart of mineral spirits for under $5.

[YellowJacket!]

I used neverdull and about wore my fingers and forearms out. :-o  Takes a bit of work but it does do a good job.
You may want to take a look at Mothers PowerBall and Power Cone.  I used the power ball on YJ and along with the mothers aluminum polish (which can also be used without the ball), and it did a pretty good job.
YJ was covered in corrosion when I first got her so my very first step was a wire brush on the end of my drill and a dremil tool.

David

[Cdnlouie]

Best thing to do is buy a buffer (similar to a grinder but with longer shaft on both ends) which are around $50 at places like Harbour Freight and other cheap tool spots.  Then a few buffing wheels and the buffing compound is pretty cheap, pull you cases and have a blast cleaning them up.  It is doable this way and very nice when finished.  These Visions are crying for aluminum buffing and nothing makes them look more tired  :'( than tarnished cases.

Unless you're covering them up with the full fairing kit (which I can't bear to do), you have to polish them up.  The Vision has a beautiful motor and if I still have it someday in retirement I am going to pull the motor and buff the cylinders and heads and put her back to knock some eyeballs out.  You can't beat the non-finned water jacket look and it is just asking to be buffed out.

Go for it!