Oxidisation... How can i get get rid of it?

[Kimmeh]

So neka and i bought my first bike a couple weeks ago, clearly the moron that owned it before never washed it or kept it clean!

So on all the wheels etc all has oxidisation...

How do i clean it up?

Some people have said water and a scowrer. Some have said a polisher...

Im at a loss, i don't wanna make it worse if i try it.... any suggestions?

[Smitty]

removing oxidation on alloy wheels?

Autosol metal polish...and elbow grease

[Bogan]

removing oxidation on alloy wheels?

Autosol metal polish...and elbow grease

+1

And one of Neka's old flannos.

Use it just like car polish, but with more effort when you're putting it on.

[Ratmick]

Autosol metal polish...and elbow grease

What Smitty meant to say was

Autosol metal polish...and a Dremel Multi-tool with a buffing wheel!

http://www.dremel.com/en-us/Tools/Pages/CategoryProducts.aspx?catid=13
http://www.dremel.com/en-us/AttachmentsAndAccessories/Pages/CategoryProducts.aspx?catid=66&catname=Polishing+Wheels

Mick

[photomike666]

removing oxidation on alloy wheels?

Autosol metal polish...and elbow grease

Autosol is the best!

[Blurr]

same thing and just as good is Brite shine!

[Kimmeh]

Thanks guys. hahahah neka doesn't have any flannos, i've got heaps of rags n stuff to get it on there.... Right so autosol u reckon.

Swwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!

[lifeofcrimeguy]

Warning. Relevent thread hijack alert.
Works for aluminium too? Not for oxidation obviously but for getting rid of that baked on dirtiness?

[Smitty]

Warning. Relevent thread hijack alert.
Works for aluminium too? Not for oxidation obviously but for getting rid of that baked on dirtiness?

...yup

[Slow and wobbly]

Warning. Relevent thread hijack alert.
Works for aluminium too? Not for oxidation obviously but for getting rid of that baked on dirtiness?

...yup

Will make it appear brighter but will not remove it.

[Slow and wobbly]

In answer to the first post.
How do you clean up the wheels? depends.
Are they still a factory finish with a clear over or have they been polished and left raw?
Simple answer - Wash them first with soap and water to remove all dirt and grime. If they have a clear coat on them that has yellowed, lifted and peeled then now is the time to stand back and enjoy the best finish you are going to get unless you want to take it further.
The least amount of dicking around and a factory finish can be had for under $50 with minimal maintenance by removing both wheels and then the tyres. Strip off any existing finish - if there is one - with a can of paint stripper and a cheapo paint brush. Rub all over with 80 grit emery paper, clean with a high flash point solvent and apply VHT cast aluminium caliper and rotor paint. Re assemble and enjoy.
Polishing alloy parts is involved and requires knowledge, experience, persistance and specialised equipment to achieve a satisfactory result. For those that go down the wet and dry and a bit of autosol route you will find that they are the people that bitch about have to regularly maintain this so called "polished alloy". Polishing, as the term implies, is about making a surface smooth and removing microscopic highs and lows in the surface to give a mirror finish equal to or greater than a mirror.

[6maniac]

S & W - is there a case for powder coating ?

And how do you maintain a powder coated finish ?

[Slow and wobbly]

S & W - is there a case for powder coating ?

And how do you maintain a powder coated finish ?

Powder coating will give an easily maintained painted finish. It is reasonable in price - expect around $200 - $250 for a pair of wheels. Strip them of tyres, discs, bearings, wheel weights, spokey dokeys etc to make the powder coater happy.
Maintanance is simple.....Soapy water.

[6maniac]

Ta - will look into it.

[lifeofcrimeguy]

Warning. Relevent thread hijack alert.
Works for aluminium too? Not for oxidation obviously but for getting rid of that baked on dirtiness?

...yup

Will make it appear brighter but will not remove it.

So Won't remove the dirty crap huh? I don't want it just looking shiny from a distance, I'm wanting it (my pipe) looking as new. Ideas anyone?