Restoring 1982 Pro-Link swingarm aluminium finish


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Nylundarn
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Restoring 1982 Pro-Link swingarm aluminium finish

Post by Nylundarn »

Hi!

Any good advice on best way to restore the aluminium finish on Pro-Link swingarms?

Is it clear coated or just "brushed"?

Was thinking of doing : paint stripper --> polish/brushing --> clear coat.

Some pics:
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Jeff Bennetts
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Re: Restoring 1982 Pro-Link swingarm aluminium finish

Post by Jeff Bennetts »

I’m guessing the swingarm is clear anodized aluminum but maybe someone else can verify or deny that!

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Re: Restoring 1982 Pro-Link swingarm aluminium finish

Post by Nylundarn »

Interesting! Seems like there are many pre built kits for restoring clear anodized aluminium.

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Re: Restoring 1982 Pro-Link swingarm aluminium finish

Post by NobleHops »

Clear gloss Cerakote would work well for this.
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Re: Restoring 1982 Pro-Link swingarm aluminium finish

Post by Nylundarn »

Sanding/polishing and finish with Ceracoat?

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Re: Restoring 1982 Pro-Link swingarm aluminium finish

Post by Jeff Bennetts »

Nylundarn wrote:
Sun Aug 25, 2024 5:25 pm
Sanding/polishing and finish with Ceracoat?
Depends on the finish you’re looking for, brushed or chrome, you polish it its going to resemble chrome, they make different abrasive scotchbrite wheels to get a brushed finish closer to stock.

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Re: Restoring 1982 Pro-Link swingarm aluminium finish

Post by CBX-tras »

When I put a ProLink swingarm on my 1100F, I gutted it and had it ceramic (silver) coated. Provides a shiny finish that lasts. Yes, these are anodized, new.
Perhaps Jan will chime in to say whether he likes it or not.
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Re: Restoring 1982 Pro-Link swingarm aluminium finish

Post by Nylundarn »

CBX-tras wrote:
Mon Aug 26, 2024 8:19 am
When I put a ProLink swingarm on my 1100F, I gutted it and had it ceramic (silver) coated. Provides a shiny finish that lasts. Yes, these are anodized, new.
Perhaps Jan will chime in to say whether he likes it or not.
This looks great! Thanks for the pic, will have too look around for someone that does that process around me.

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Re: Restoring 1982 Pro-Link swingarm aluminium finish

Post by Nylundarn »

Did some testing, bought myself some common drain cleaner and threw it on with a brush. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes and then rinsed with water.

After that I polished a test patch lightly with Autosol, looks promising so far!

Did the same with my upper triple tree, does anyone know if the footpeg brackets are anodized as well?
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Re: Restoring 1982 Pro-Link swingarm aluminium finish

Post by Devonian »

I have a friend who does lots of vintage restorations. He vapor blasts aluminum parts for a super clean matte finish. Anything polished is done with wet sanding, followed by a buffing wheel. I was amazed to find that he protects the finish with " Mop & Glo" floor wax. He claims it's incredibly durable. I've seen his bikes still looking spotless after several years, so he seems to know something.
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Re: Restoring 1982 Pro-Link swingarm aluminium finish

Post by Nylundarn »

Devonian wrote:
Mon Sep 02, 2024 9:23 am
I have a friend who does lots of vintage restorations. He vapor blasts aluminum parts for a super clean matte finish. Anything polished is done with wet sanding, followed by a buffing wheel. I was amazed to find that he protects the finish with " Mop & Glo" floor wax. He claims it's incredibly durable. I've seen his bikes still looking spotless after several years, so he seems to know something.
Sorry I missed your reply! This seems like a good option, not sure if I could apply " Mop & Glo" with a straight face though :lol:

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Re: Restoring 1982 Pro-Link swingarm aluminium finish

Post by Devonian »

The guy who uses it, posits that it's floor wax, so it's a wax polish, designed to stand up to the wear-and-tear of being walked on. He doesn't do any other type of treatment on engine casings he polishes, and they seem to stay shiny and corrosion free for years.
1982 Honda CBX, 1975 Yamaha MX-175, 1985 BMW R80RT, 2013 Moto Guzzi Stelvio, 2016 KTM 1290 SA

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