[fujums]

I recall SR71 had a detailed write up on how he modded the Raven rims and I'm wondering if Johnboy and Klarowe did the same process or something different. I wasn't that interested when I first saw these, but I have to admit that they've really grown on me and I think that I might go that route. My main questions have to do with everyone's process and whether or not they found a way to "seal" the exposed aluminum after. I'd like to do it, but I'm concerned that the exposed parts will become a maintenance issue later.

Thanks in advance for any tips you can share.

 

[johnboy]

I used a dremel tool with the handheld attachment for really good control. I used the scothbrite wheels and it took the paint off very easily but you will need to buy a few of the wheels because they wear out quickly. I used 3 or 4 per wheel. After that I attached a radial wire brush to the dremel and used it to put a swirl in the aluminum. This also helps to close up any pits or microscopic irregulaities in the aluminum where corrosion can start. Have never had a corrosion or care issue in the year since I did it. I use yamaha cleaner polish to clean the bike and wheels and that seems to work just fine.

 

[klarowe]

Mine was just a temporary solution to see if I would like the look. My entire wheel was the plain aluminum and I just taped off the sections and spray painted it for now. This winter I will be sending both wheels to be powder coated and I'll work on figure something out to seal up the aluminum afterwards (or possibly before if I can)

 

[ktourville]

Any type of aluminum polish will work to keep them clean and corrosion free. I use Mothers aluminum and mag wheel polish when I did the wheels and haven't had to touch them again.

 

[StrykerLiker1]

I used a dremel tool with the handheld attachment for really good control. I used the scothbrite wheels and it took the paint off very easily but you will need to buy a few of the wheels because they wear out quickly. I used 3 or 4 per wheel. After that I attached a radial wire brush to the dremel and used it to put a swirl in the aluminum. This also helps to close up any pits or microscopic irregulaities in the aluminum where corrosion can start. Have never had a corrosion or care issue in the year since I did it. I use yamaha cleaner polish to clean the bike and wheels and that seems to work just fine.

Your wheels look awesome Jb! I'm gonna do the same to mine soon. Thanks for the info!

 

[johnboy]

Thanks Mike

 

[fujums]

Thanks for the info guys.

 

[Rowdy]

I was just wandering what that would look like... Lol I like it!! Mines getting done. ;D

 

[wlfpak65]

Ive been debating on doing ths myself but im a lil chicken $hi7 lol...... Seems easy enough from what johnboy says??? Yo Johnboy.... i just bought a cordless dremmel from Home Depot for $99..... all the things you mentioned you used are the correct terms in regards to buying the attachment parts?? want to know whats up and im thinking of doing this on my birth day this Sunday????

 

[johnboy]

Ive been debating on doing ths myself but im a lil chicken $hi7 lol...... Seems easy enough from what johnboy says??? Yo Johnboy.... i just bought a cordless dremmel from Home Depot for $99..... all the things you mentioned you used are the correct terms in regards to buying the attachment parts?? want to know whats up and im thinking of doing this on my birth day this Sunday????

First of all Wlfpak, have a great birthday! Secondly, I will get some pictures of the dremel attachments later this morning and post for you. Not sure if I have any of the scotchbrite wheels left but i will see.

 

[ROUGH27]

Hey guys, just a heads up. I repair wheels (curb damage & corrosion) for car dealerships. The fastest way to polish small spots like this and keep it CHEAP is a 3m headlight restoration kit from autozone or any autoparts store. Since the headlight kits are designed to get heatlights crytal clear they are perfect for polishing aluminum. As far as keeping it up, the better it's done the first time the easier it will be to maintain. If it's still "foggy" then keep going. The 3m kit comes with a drill attachment. Which, may be easier to control than a drimmel since it's less rpm. Hope that helps.. tip for buffing n polishing: use parts cleaner to wet sand and buff instead of rubbing compound or aluminum polish. You'll get the same glassy finish without the black residue left behind..of course use the aluminum polish after to maintain tho. Good luck

 

[mkohnen]

Got mine done today took a little longer than I planned, probably alot easier with the wheels off but oh well.

 

[schimbo stryker]

looks cool. Do you like it ?

 

[mkohnen]

I really do. Sorta helps it match the mixture of chrome and black in the rest of the bike