POLISH WHEEL

[Jim Markevitch]

Just bought a 75 SX650 in very nice shape. I'd like to get both wheels in showroom shape. There is no rust but it looks like there is a coat of clear over the entire rim by the factory. What is the best way to remove the clearcoat? Is the wheel chrome or aluminum ?

Thanks for any help.
Jim Markevitch
Gapevine, TX

 

[JJames]

Hi Jim. And welcome. In my experience, the best way to elicit responses is to post pictures, and lots of 'em. pics of the bike the parts in question. I'm sure someone will be along to advise on removing clear coat. I'll just mention one product I've used with great results on spokes. It's called Never Dull. Strips of wadding with what I would guess to be mineral spirits/naptha. Wax, and a mild abrasive.
I used it on my front wheel about six years ago. Not only did it clean up the spokes and rim nicely, but six years later it still looks like it was done last week. Pretty impressive considering that the bike sleeps outside under a tarp and

the amount of salt used on KC roads.

 

[jetmechmarty]

Stock wheels on XS650B are aluminum alloy. Paint stripper removes the clearcoat. You may want to do the job with the tires removed.

 

[Mailman]

If you click on this link, it shows how I stripped the clear coat off my rims and polished them. You’ll have to scroll down to get to it, and keep going until you see the shiny wheels pictures!

https://www.xs650.com/threads/my-60th-birthday-present.47639/page-10#post-486751

 

[halfmile]

Just bought a 75 SX650 in very nice shape. I'd like to get both wheels in showroom shape. There is no rust but it looks like there is a coat of clear over the entire rim by the factory. What is the best way to remove the clearcoat? Is the wheel chrome or aluminum ?

Thanks for any help.
Jim Markevitch
Gapevine, TX

Welcome to the forum and good luck on removing that peeling clear coat. I`ve got a perfect set of 75 rims and have the same problem. The modern strippers that are ECO friendly are nothing more than ammonia or some other BS that takes forever if at all. The days of the good ole Klean Strip Aircraft "cancer causing" paint remover are long gone. Acetone might work, I haven`t tried it. Maybe someone else will chime in with a working solution.

 

[Its been a long time]

I'm using Scotchbrite pad and light oil to do this on my 77 650D alloy rims. Fine steel wool and light oil works too but I found not quite abrasive enough.

 

[siscoken]

Just bought a 75 SX650 in very nice shape. I'd like to get both wheels in showroom shape. There is no rust but it looks like there is a coat of clear over the entire rim by the factory. What is the best way to remove the clearcoat? Is the wheel chrome or aluminum ?

Thanks for any help.
Jim Markevitch
Gapevine, TX

I just purchased a 76 this summer and noticed the same thing.... the clear coat has completely separated and I can basically rub most off with my finger.... but the wheels at this point is pretty far down on my to do list ..... so I will be watching this thread.... good luck with your wheels

 

[Jim Markevitch]

Hi Jim. And welcome. In my experience, the best way to elicit responses is to post pictures, and lots of 'em. pics of the bike the parts in question. I'm sure someone will be along to advise on removing clear coat. I'll just mention one product I've used with great results on spokes. It's called Never Dull. Strips of wadding with what I would guess to be mineral spirits/naptha. Wax, and a mild abrasive.
I used it on my front wheel about six years ago. Not only did it clean up the spokes and rim nicely, but six years later it still looks like it was done last week. Pretty impressive considering that the bike sleeps outside under a tarp and View attachment 360852the amount of salt used on KC roads.

Thanks so much

 

[John Regular]

Wow! I really misinterpreted that title. But I was curious as to what a Polish wheel was going to look like.