Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

-----

Polishing Aluminum Wheels on BMW r100rs (1981)...help!

I am restoring/rebuilding a BMW r100RS (1981) boxer motorbike. I am having difficulty polishing the wheels as they are so some and fiddley! The rims are no problem but how get right in to the small areas, spokes, etc..it is a semi-solid wheel (thats not the correct term I know but I hope you all get the picture. The previous owner started to wire brush them and the places he did look very smooth and shiny. What should I do to continue?

Thanks for all your help.

Colm Ó hAnluain
- Cloughjordan, County Tipperary, Repulic of Ireland
2003

Hi Colm,
You will be surprised to learn that the BMW wheels were never polished in the factory, they were actually finished in silver paint and lacquered. Whilst wire brushing may restore the surface temporarily, you will actually be removing the paint finish in the process !

Many R100RS restorations I have seen have had the wheels bead blasted and re-painted and lacquered. I hope this information saves you hours of wasted work with that wire brush and Autosol!

Best regards
Doug

Doug Boyce
- Fleet, Hampshire, UK
November 15, 2008

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: