Triumphrat

02-02-2007

I have a tiny pit in the primary case of a 68 T100 which I am restoring. I am afraid to sand any deeper, and it is still there. Any ideas on how to fill it? It is so small it may not be noticable after buffing, but I'm trying to get it near perfect. If JB Weld was silver it would probably work.
Thanks

GrandPaulZ · 02-02-2007

JB weld dries a very much darker gray than the polished or even dull aluminum cases will be.

I'd have a competent welder run a bit of bead on the dimple, then send it down to final smoothness flush with the rest of the cover, then polish.

Seeker · 02-02-2007

What are you all using to polish those cases anyhow? I mean...what polishing product and what type of polisher (if not by hand)?

02-03-2007

I sanded out deep gouges with 80 grit paper on a round sanding disc that attaches to a drill, then went over case with 120 disc. After that I wet sanded with progressively finer paper, 400,600,800,1000,1200,1500,2000. Then used jewelers wheel with medium rouge, then fine rouge. I buffed with very fine polishing pad on the drill again, using Busch Aluminum Polish. I am not sure if I like the polish yet. There may be better products to polish aluminum. I 'm learning as I go, (not much experience). Anyone have ideas for polishing.
Thanks

GrandPaulZ · 02-03-2007

I don't have the energy or the patience for that much work in polishing, so I never gained the experience and expertise. That's one of those areas where it is more worthwhile to me to send them out to a reputable polisher (which I do).

Kinda like painting, I'm sure I could do it, I just think it would be a long time before I could do it to the degree that it would be worthwhile to stop sub-letting that task out to reputable professionals.

I stick to mechanics and electrics, my formal training; (thanx, Uncle Sam / USN).

quagmire · 02-03-2007

On a side not, were any of the aluminum parts really that shiney when they left the factory, or were they a dull finish?

Seeker · 02-03-2007

On standard models, they weren't highly polished but also not dull either. Some models were eithetr chromed or highly polished (like a Jubilee)...I'm not sure which but they shined much moreso than the standrad ones.

Thanks for the info.

I don't have pitting or gouges on my chain case side but it does look like a fine spray of something got on it that "stained" the aluminum. It's only on the horizontal area so it could be condensation from being stored in an unheated area.

KADUTZ · 02-03-2007

quag
timing, primary,gearbox cover were polished as were the plugs. edges of fins on head and rocker box MAY have been I don't remember. These parts will oxidize (go dull ) as a natural part of life and are really easy to bring back.

68tri
aluminum is a very soft metal I don't know how bad the problem you had was but I feel 80grit is way to coarse.
since I don't know where you are in the world my following comments are on the assumption you are in the US.
Eastwood restorations sell excellent products and have whatever you need to learn about metal polishing. Pay their price for what they have and to learn. My local Home Depot(tool dept)has a good selection of the polishes and buff pads go there after you know what you want. Also go to your local library look for books on Jewelry making polishing silver,gold, aluminum all basically sameo sameo.
By the way should you have a set of cases that are rubbed smooth where it should be sand cast use 80 or 60 grit to repair this. take a piece of sand paper place it over the smooth (damaged area). Take a rubber faced hammer and hit the paper with the proper force to score/ruff up/dimple (whatever you want to call it) the surface until it matches the surrounding area. The hitting process is a feel thing.

Seeker
a polish is a polish everyone has their own favorites.
mine are:
1 Happich Simichrome, you local cycle shop should be able to get for you
2 Never Dull, obtain from above location or my Walmart has it in automotive as does Ace hardware in polish area
3 Tarnite , I have only found this at Ace Hardware in pint cans

I use Tarnite & old tshirts to remove blueing from exhaust pipes with out scratching the chrome. (it ain't fast but it works)

I rub Never Dull wading onto the sand cast areas of the engine cases. remove the residual polish with an old sock turned inside out (on your hand) or terry cloth towel

I use Simichrome and Tarnite on previously polished covers,carbs,etc with 00 or 000 steel wool for the first pass. Second pass is an old tshirt with same products.

Polisher other than by hand?
Me I use and old electric drill with an arbor and buff wheel(parts on bike) or an old furnace motor with a drill chuck and an arbor and buff wheel(parts off bike).

[ This message was edited by: KADUTZ on 2007-02-03 16:05 ]