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I've got some old XT cranks which could do with some smartening up. I've seen a few people who have got good results from polishing shimano cranks, mostly XTR, and I'd like to give it a go. Any ideas on the best method to polish tham, what drill attachment etc..? Also, I do I finish them and protsct them, if at all? Ta.
A few different kits [url= http://www.mandp.co.uk/searchResults.aspx?style=0&kw=polishing ]HERE[/url], but I think [url= http://www.mandp.co.uk/productinfo/507031/Bike-Care/Polishing-kits/Mr-Fastner/4-Piece-Metal-Kit ]THIS[/url] is the one I used to good effect a few years ago....
It will lose its shine if not kept buffed up, but you can coat with lacquer from a car spares shop, but it takes a bit of the shine away.
Do you need to do anything to take off the exisiting anodising?
Yes. 800 grade wet n' dry.
Forget the drill, 3 wet rides in the peaks will do this.
800 will leave you with a fair bit of polishing, might be quicker to use 800 to get the anodising off, then 1200 to get the 800 scratches out, then solvol autosol or brasso....
I did my XTR.
Sanded off the ano using 240, 600, then 1200 grit. Buffed them up with a polishing wheel and compound in a drill, then final polish using autosol.
A pack of various grades of wet and dry, some metal polish and several cups of tea for me:
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What about one of them wire wheels in a drill?
Wire wheel will prob be too harsh and end up leaving deep scratches.