best product and method to clean fins.

[Aristotle]

Hello: I would like to know what some of the members here are using to clean thier fins with as this has been a problem ever since I bought the bike.

Taking a small brush and trying to scrub the fins doesn't do the trick. Getting the grasshoppers out and flies and what-not that gets lodged in there is difficult enough. That is inaddition to trying to get the fins back into a nice condition.

As of right about now, the fins have been dirty since I first bought the bike over 20 years ago. This has been a problem since then.

What kind of products or methods do some of you use. Please don't say  bring it to the car wash as that method is out of the question, I am sure you know this.

What I'm looking for is getting the air head back into a clean looking and more of a shiny look. Comparable to how the fins looked like after having purchased the machine.

thanks in advance for your answers.  

[chewy4x4]

Look up metal wax. I havent used it but it looks cool.

[Barry]

I've had some success with scotchbrite rotary mops both purchased and made up from sheet material.
Wish they looked this good now. I'll need to do them again come spring.

[steve hawkins]

Take them off and get them media blasted.

Its the only way to do a full on job.  Although Barry has almost got there.

Steve H

[plc]

Barry,

Those fins look awesome. Just need to find some scorch brite mops in Aus now.

Thanks,
Paul

[MrRiden]

Poverty riders version of the scotch brite mops is to glue scotch brite to a tongue depressor or Popsicle stick and work it in between the fins. Time intensive but a good result as well.

[Lucky_Lou]

I've had some success with scotchbrite rotary mops both purchased and made up from sheet material.
Wish they looked this good now. I'll need to do them again come spring.

Where do you get them from Barry??
ta Lou

[Barry]

Lou

I picked up the large rotary mop and the sheet material from one of the stands at the local Classic car and  bike show. They are fairly widely available though. If you search ebay with scotchbrite that will turn up any number of mops and sheets.

[montmil]

Lou, for the sheets of Scotchbrite, try an automotive refinishing supply house. Different grades (grits) are define by the color of the S'Brite pad. Lots of uses for these around the shop.

Monte

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

You guys are sick.

[caci]

Woodcraft sells the Norton version of Scotchbrite in 4 grades - Green (coarse), Maroon (medium), Gray(fine) & White (extra fine).

My local Woodcraft sells an assortment of 2 each for about $12.

NAPA Auto also carries one brand, or the other in their paint aisle.

The green is pretty gnarley, the white can remove rust from a gun, without damaging the bluing (used with oil, of course).  I think that the maroon or gray would be best for cleaning aluminum - they both are grat for "brushing" stainless.

Again, the white is similar to 0000 steel wool - will remove light rust from chrome- followed by a polishing agent.

[Barry]

You guys are sick.  

Yep ... often wish I had a hack bike to ride and not to worry about.  Trouble is I'd probably clean it up.

[bruce_launceston]

Check out these clever Australian made wire brushes designed for refinishing alloy on classic motorcycles.

When they wear you can cut them back for a fresh start.

This is a very informative web site with photos of the brushes being used on classic motorcycles.

They look like they need a lot of elbow grease and patience but the results are impressive!

http://www.machinerycleanery.com/index.htm

I haven't tried them myself as they are expensive but they may also be good value, you can spend a lot of money on various cleaning products hoping that they might work. If you follow their 'Street Cred' link there are magazine reviews and even the National Motorcycle Museum UK use them for restoration work.

Cheers Bruce

[Lucky_Lou]

You guys are sick.

This what happens when were forced to ride on salted roads white fins dont cut it......must polish my chrome clean the wheels and frame i may find time to go to work eventualy now i feel sick the W word
Lou

[Aristotle]

I've had some success with scotchbrite rotary mops both purchased and made up from sheet material.
Wish they looked this good now. I'll need to do them again come spring.

Would such mops be available in a hardware shop, for example??
Your fins look good.
Also, how exactly would you be using those to clean the fins with, if I may ask.

EDIT: Never mind, most of the answers are above my post.