OzVMX Forum

Clubroom => Tech Talk => Topic started by: Tahitian_Red on August 20, 2013, 04:29:08 am

Title: Removing Anodizing From Swingarm
Post by: Tahitian_Red on August 20, 2013, 04:29:08 am
I want to remove this crappy silver anodizing from my Mugen replica swingarm.  Any recommendations?  I have heard oven cleaner works well??

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g438/Tahtitian_Red/DSCN3116_zpsa0e63fc8.jpg)
Title: Re: Removing Anodizing From Swingarm
Post by: Big Bird on August 20, 2013, 05:30:39 am
Gday Red,

Yep, oven cleaner works a treat.  I've found some liquid oven cleaner at Bunnings (hardware chain store) that I paint on with a brush, leave on for a few minutes, then scrub off with coarse grade steel wool.  Rinse with water, repeat as required.  Spray can oven cleaner works fine, but you get less cleaner per dollar, and I find tends to be more fumey (read, burns your lungs...)

I've occasionally used a bit of vinegar to neutralize at the end too, before final rinse.  Lessens some of the blackness you get.

Progressively finer steel wool gives a great shine.  Finish with Autosol metal polish.  New-looking swingarm in an hour tops

Cheers, and hope you are feeling well

Geoff
Title: Re: Removing Anodizing From Swingarm
Post by: Big Bird on August 20, 2013, 06:43:15 am
Sorry Red, the liquid stuff I use is drain cleaner, not oven cleaner.  It needs to be the old school caustic stuff.  Paint it on, scrub off, repeat.  When it foams as soon as you paint it on, you are through the anodizing and into the bare metal underneath.

Cheers,

Geoff
Title: Re: Removing Anodizing From Swingarm
Post by: firko on August 20, 2013, 09:12:28 am
I had similar results using a caustic garage floor cleaner and Yamaico Pete has had good results with oven cleaner. Sounds like we're all on the same page.
Title: Re: Removing Anodizing From Swingarm
Post by: FourstrokeForever on August 20, 2013, 09:46:46 am
Schweet. I knew there had to be an easier way than #180 wet n dry.... If only I knew (or asked) years ago with my very first Resto. Better late than never
Title: Re: Removing Anodizing From Swingarm
Post by: bishboy on August 20, 2013, 11:42:54 am
Where is the best place to get good steel wool in various grades from?  I can't seem to find it anywhere.
Title: Re: Removing Anodizing From Swingarm
Post by: Big Bird on August 20, 2013, 11:47:08 am
I've been getting my steel wool at Bunnings or other hardware stores - near the sandpaper in the paint prep area.  I buy coarse for stripping, medium for intermediate finishing, then ultra fine for final polish before the autosol is applied.