Letter 12001

Battery acid corrosion on swingarm 

I had my battery leak acid all over my swingarm (piece of aluminum that holds the rear wheel in place on my motorcycle) So now the swingarm is discolored where the acid hit. How would I be able to remove these blemishes while having the finish match(original finish is a dull aluminum color)? I need a list of what to use so I can do this job, what works best and easier.

Thanx,

Antonio Reis
- Union, New Jersey

Toni,

When the battery acid (sulfuric acid solution) leaked on to your swingarm, it removed an aluminum oxide layer, which provides the "dull aluminum color" to the part. The only way to bring the surface metal of said swingarm back to some degree of uniformity is to remove it from the bike, then remove any bushings/bearings, etc., then have it stripped and re-anodized at a finishing shop. It's really not that big of an operation for a facility of this nature. You or your mechanic would be doing all the knuckle-busting stuff. There is a company in Union that I know would help you out either through their services or their recommendations. The internet yellow pages are a wonderful thing.

Lead Setter's Note: Please visit our Shops directory, several of our advertisers specialize in automotive refinishing for the hobbyist.

Randy Fowler Metal Surface Technologies, LLC   Cleveland, TN, USA

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