Freshing up anodised alloy.

[ola_martin]

Hello.
I have a set of YZ465 forks on my bike, they have kind of a polish/sanding surface, not mirror, and clearcoated. Like all jap. forks from tha era you know....
The swingarm is from a 79 RM250, and I want to make it look like the fork. Problem is that it's anodised. Is it possible to make it ok without having the anodising remowed profesionaly? I can sand it down on the flat surfaces, but how will the welds turn out? I'ts a lot of hassle for me to get it remowed here in Norway......
Anyone got any tips how to make the swing look good..?

Thanks!

[LWC82PE]

either paint it  a matt aluminium colour silver paint or you can strip it back using caustic soda and then polish the swingarm with wet and dry paper and then a scotch bright pad.

[ola_martin]

I like the caustic soda plan! How strong mix, how long bathtime etc?? I've never used it since i cleaned the head on my moped when I was 12, the coolingfins disappeared.......

[LWC82PE]

search this forum for 'caustic' and you should find info on how to do it. ive never done it, i just send the part to the annodizers and they strip the part.