Windshield posts on BE--how to get them shiny.

[Bruce_B]

I'm replacing the side posts on my 59 BE. The set I bought of ebay are in good shape and because they're sandblasted, they don't have the same look at the originals.

Is there a to buff them up saying using a wheel and rouge? Part of me wants to paint them the body color, I've seen that done and it looks good, but I'll probably keep it original if I can get some kind of shine of them. A shine being like a set of SU's that hasn't been polished.

 

[motofiaccone]

Do you want them fully polished to slightly matted?

Either way, I'd WET(!)sand them with 600-->800-->1000-->1200 grits, then hit them with a polishing wheel on a bench grinder. I forget the proper rouge to use, but I always just use red.

If you want them matted after that, wet sand them with 2000 grit. Use a bit of dish soap in the bowl and try to keep the sandpaper as clean as possible.

--Chris

 

[jlaird]

They are supose to be clear anodized but look real good polished.

 

[bugimike]

I did mine by first sanding them down with 1600 grit sandpaper, then I used Barkeeper's Friend to clean them up and followed that with polishing compound and a buffing wheel! They came out like this....

 

[jlaird]

And they did come out lovely Mike. Now I have an extra pair I could send you and...................

 

[tony barnhill]

Knox Custom Chrome in Knoxville, TN

 

[kcbugeye1275]

I vote with Tony, any Harley friend can get lyour post cromed.

 

[Whitephrog]

I'm having Knox Custom Chrome polish (not chrome) my cockpit surround and windscreen pillars.

 

[jlaird]

Good move Ray, did not know they could/would do alum.

 

[msoylemez]

I chromed mine. Very happy with the way they turned out.

 

[Bruce_B]

Thanks everyone for suggestions. Got All winter to deal with it.

 

[Mio]

Is there a to buff them up saying using a wheel and rouge?

Yes, they can readily be polished. I did mine with a Porter Cable random orbital buffer, different types of pads, and several of the products in the Wolfgang Metallwerks product line. They turned out rather well.

Mike

 

[jlaird]

Mio, can I send you mine. Wow, what a nice job.

 

[jvandyke]

Are you serious? That's a polish job, not chromed? That's amazing. Looks like I have a winter project now too!

 

[GB1]

Wow, I am jealous

 

[bugimike]

And I thought mine came out nice!! ...back to buffing!

 

[Mio]

Wow, what a nice job.

Many thanks, Jack! If only I were as proficient with the mechanical aspects of the car.

Stay well,
Mike

 

[Mio]

And I thought mine came out nice!!

Mike,
Actually, yours did come out exceptionally well in comparison to how they were when you started. As you know, all it takes is persistence, patience, and proper tools and a greater shine can be achieved.

Stay well,
Mike

 

[Bruce_B]

Milo...I'm with Jack. Expect my set to be sent your way the beginning of
November!! Think it's time to get to Harbor Freight for some buffing eqiupment.

 

[bugimike]

And I thought mine came out nice!!

Mike,
Actually, yours did come out exceptionally well in comparison to how they were when you started. As you know, all it takes is persistence, patience, and proper tools and a greater shine can be achieved.

Stay well,
Mike

I agree, no substitute for perseverance and elbow grease!!