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| Polishing cast aluminun rear brake lever and kickstart lever http://kawi2strokes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=13213 |
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| Author: | ChrisKawi [ Thu Dec 14, 2017 10:18 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Polishing cast aluminun rear brake lever and kickstart lever |
Recently started to "tune up the appearance" of my "new" 1974 H1E. First up the rear brake lever. Was painted gunmetal grey and I decided to remove the paint and maybe chrome it. The paint came off ok and to my surprise it was not chrome but polished aluminum. This is good news as I have lots of practice on my 2001 Grand Prix. The part is not perfect with some warping/distortion on the back side, but good on the side you see. Second up ordered and received a used kickstart lever and it was advertised as small rust spots but good condtion. Same matetial as the rear brake lever, cast aluminum. The kickstarter is in good shape (compared to the rear brake lever) so the polishing is easier. Just thought folks might like to know as bad chrome damage cannot be polished out normally and must be rechromed. Cast aluminum however can be polshed/sanded for as long as it takes. I would post pictures if the forum provided a workable way. PS have polished stainless steel which is similar to cast aluminum (way more easier than chrome). There is a reason for chrome being harder but not realative. |
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| Author: | Stev-o [ Fri Dec 15, 2017 10:29 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Polishing cast aluminun rear brake lever and kickstart l |
I dont believe the levers are cast aluminium [if they are stock?] Got pics? |
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| Author: | ChrisKawi [ Fri Jan 12, 2018 8:17 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Polishing cast aluminun rear brake lever and kickstart l |
Can not post pics but used sand paper and did not go to copper so? |
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| Author: | Jim [ Fri Jan 12, 2018 8:37 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Polishing cast aluminun rear brake lever and kickstart l |
A magnet should answer the question. |
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| Author: | Ja-Moo [ Fri Jan 12, 2018 9:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Polishing cast aluminun rear brake lever and kickstart l |
Yes, a magnet, the triples did not come with aluminum levers. |
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| Author: | H2RTuner [ Sat Jan 13, 2018 4:12 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Polishing cast aluminun rear brake lever and kickstart l |
Offered as info only, the R series bikes came with cast steel brake and shifter levers. We had problems with them in the usual ways, bending, etc. We ended up building them from thick wall mild steel tubing, worked a lot better. There may well have been/are aluminum levers from earlier dirt bikes that fit. We never looked into them. John has it, magnet, even works to ID the car distributors I work on. |
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| Author: | ChrisKawi [ Sat Jan 13, 2018 3:08 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Polishing cast aluminun rear brake lever and kickstart l |
I will check with magnet (good idea before you start machine polishing-I know better). Took the shift lever off and is same as kickstarter and rear brake lever. Wish I could post pictures but present system not good. |
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| Author: | Jim [ Sat Jan 13, 2018 3:49 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Polishing cast aluminun rear brake lever and kickstart l |
ChrisKawi wrote: Wish I could post pictures but present system not good. It works well, I don't know why you're having trouble. You select the file attachment function below the text box, browse your computer to find the photo, upload it, and choose where to put the attachment in your post. Attachment: 129_0_1024.jpg
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| Author: | ChrisKawi [ Sun Jan 14, 2018 2:22 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Polishing cast aluminun rear brake lever and kickstart l |
Used the magnet and is steel. Amazed at how high a shine is acheivable on steel. So all three (kickstarter, rear brake pedal and shifter) are polished steel. The shifter is currently being finished and I will try the picture thing one more time. PS. tried to attach "file to big" from my bloody phone no less. |
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| Author: | Jim [ Sun Jan 14, 2018 3:41 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Polishing cast aluminun rear brake lever and kickstart l |
Unfortunately, if the plating is gone and you polished the steel, it'll need a clear coating of some sort to prevent rust. |
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