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08-05-2009, 10:19 AM
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#1
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Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 5
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Help -'86 450 Wheel damage
Are these wheels aluminum or stainless steel?
I just bought this '86 Rebel and while cleaning it up, it was sprayed with an acid wash that immediately turned the spokes rough and black and the rims now have a white film. I have been using gasoline on steel wool to TRY to remedy this mess, but it is very tedious and not 100%. I'm hoping someone knows of a better solution to clean the spokes and rims up and remove this acid damage. Since I am not sure exactly what the rim & spoke metals are, I sure don't want to use the wrong thing again. Thanks.......PJ
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1986 Rebel 450
"Catch A Little Irish"
Baltimore, Maryland
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08-05-2009, 10:27 AM
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#2
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Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Monroe, LA
Posts: 9,027
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Welcome to the forum.
They are chromed steel. Not sure that anything will "remove" the acid damage, because it sounds like the chrome coating is gone. I'd stay away from the acid wash....
__________________
I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!
2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!
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08-05-2009, 01:32 PM
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#3
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Roanoke, Va.
Posts: 1,005
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Um, prep for paint......
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08-06-2009, 12:44 AM
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#4
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 3,445
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If that stuff will eat chrome, I don't think I'd want it anywhere near my bike. Or me!
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08-06-2009, 01:38 AM
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#5
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Fruita Colo
Posts: 407
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I would try a good chrome polish and if that dont work your next step is to follow Henry's advice.
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08-07-2009, 03:25 AM
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#6
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Hueytown, Alabama, U.S.A.
Posts: 600
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I actually did this once to an old bike of my daughter's. I was trying to clean it up for another kid. You can get it back. Use a good quality chrome polish. You will need to devote the better of a day for this, and eat a big breakfast. After a buttload of rubbing, the shine will come back. However, you will need to clearcoat the wheels to keep the shine. Yes, it wil be easier to paint them.
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TOYS'R'US KID for life!
1986 Honda 250 Rebel
Bobber project done for now.
2007 Shadow Spirit
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10-19-2010, 01:42 PM
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#7
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Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 5
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Just ran across this post & realized that I didn't offer an update on all the recommendations. I did get the wheels back to where they were before the "acid attack". Like the Alamaba Rebel said.....big breakfast & a buttload of rubbing! It took about 3 days, lots of fine steel wool, and then I polished them with Flitz. They look great! Thanks everyone.
__________________
1986 Rebel 450
"Catch A Little Irish"
Baltimore, Maryland
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10-19-2010, 02:59 PM
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#8
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Horn Lake, MS
Posts: 785
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Do you have pictures?
__________________
Every ride is a joyride on a Rebel
1986 CMX250C "Miss Triplehorn" 17K miles
1984 GL1200A 106K miles
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10-19-2010, 03:59 PM
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#9
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Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 5
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I do. Bought the bike in July 2009 & did some work on it trying to "dress it up". This winter I am supposed to have celtic graphics painted on the tank & fenders & lighting added. Have attached a picture of what it looked like the day I bought it & one a year later (with saddlebags off) 86 Rebel 450-Before.jpg
IMG_0476 (2).jpg.
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1986 Rebel 450
"Catch A Little Irish"
Baltimore, Maryland
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10-19-2010, 04:32 PM
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#10
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Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Monroe, LA
Posts: 9,027
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Can't see any wheel damage at all! Looks sharp. Gonna polish the front forks?
__________________
I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!
2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!
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