Risky's 2008 Ambassador II Whizzer Rebuild

[Risk Man]

Today was "Cut and Buff" the clear coat. I have to say, it was a bit intimidating (first time on newly finished work). I have compound buffed older car finishes and know what a difference it can make, but to sand down a freshly painted and clear coated tank and fenders to the point of being completely dull was scary. Of course, two grades of compound and RO buffer it is like a new car finish as it should......... Wow, I am impressed. Could not be more pleased with the outcome. From sanding down a perfectly new black gas tank to a final painted project is very gratifying and I look forward to the next finishing job..... never thought I would think that 4 weeks ago!

 

[Gordy]

Today was "Cut and Buff" the clear coat. I have to say, it was a bit intimidating (first time on newly finished work). I have compound buffed older car finishes and know what a difference it can make, but to sand down a freshly painted and clear coated tank and fenders to the point of being completely dull was scary. Of course, two grades of compound and RO buffer it is like a new car finish as it should......... Wow, I am impressed. Could not be more pleased with the outcome. From sanding down a perfectly new black gas tank to a final painted project is very gratifying and I look forward to the next finishing job..... never thought I would think that 4 weeks ago!

I look forward to that step of building my trail 90.

 

[Risk Man]

I look forward to that step of building my trail 90.

If I can do it you can too.... HF spray gun, quality paint and clear and patience!

 

[mason_man]

Nice!

 

[Risk Man]

So my plan was to start assembling the bike today now that the paint is done and the engine is back from Quenton Upgrade. But as I unpacked some of the parts, I found that I still have some small part restoration left. I have done all the chrome (at least the big stuff) and many small parts but there are some fasteners and today the top of the triple tree.... which is aluminum. So I have to become an aluminum restoration specialist. I know Mason Man has this process down... I have seen many of his shinny aluminum parts on his bikes.

I have had some luck with cleaning carbs and a few cylinders that had the typical aluminum corrosion on them with Soda Blasting (Baking soda in a small Blasting gun and compressed air). So after a half hour setup, I blasted... but did very little to restore these parts. Here is the before pics

 

[Risk Man]

Ultimately 4 hours later (with breaks from the Florida heat) and 5 grits of sand paper starting with 400 and then two grits of buffing compound, I got the the end... Worth it, but no assembly today

 

[Chainlube]

Some 0000 steel wool and polishing compound and it will look like a mirror.

 

[Risk Man]

Some 0000 steel wool and polishing compound and it will look like a mirror.

Aluminum is a different Animal.

 

[Wrench]

Ultimately 4 hours later (with breaks from the Florida heat) and 5 grits of sand paper starting with 400 and then two grits of buffing compound, I got the the end... Worth it, but no assembly today

Elbow grease works
I've seen people use bench top power tool with a fine grit sanding mop then buffing wheel & compound to get the mirror finish

 

[mason_man]

Yes, lots of work. looks good!