Engine & Wheel Hub Cleaning Brush Suggestions

[Red_Hen]

Happy New Year Gang!

I'd like to buy a couple brushes to clean between the cylinder fins and the wheel hubs on the R60/5.  Looked on Ebay but really not sure what to buy.  A long handled brush for the hubs and a strong brush for getting in between the cylinder fins.

Also, the engine emblems that reads] R60/5 need to be repainted - my approach was to soda blast off the old paint and hand paint - I recall reading some threads on this but wondering who's done it and what kind of paint you used - I had some POR flat black I'd used on the R65 but when I opened the can, it was all dried up but what I'm after is a gloss black paint for the emblems.  Also, for re-attaching them on the engine cover, what product would you suggest for a permanent attachment? (one was off the bike when I got her).

Thanks much!

[tvrla]

For gluing the emblems I've used that yellow 3M trim adhesive. I've heard of guys using other products, but don't recall what they were.

I'm curious what sort of response you'll get on the wheel hubs - that's one area I've always had trouble with. It's slow going with a scotch bright pad reaching in between the spokes. That's what I use for the cylinder fins. Once they're cleaned up, it's not a big deal keeping them that way. But the first time is kind of a drag.

Heating the aluminum to 100 or 120F helps the paint stick by opening the pores so the paint can really take root! I'm not sure, but think some of the emblems might be chromed - seems like the R90 ones were. In that case I'm not sure what to use - probably a chrome etching solution first, or blast the painted areas tp create a rough surface for the paint to grab on to.

[wilcom]

I'd like to buy a couple brushes to clean between the cylinder fins

It was suggested on another list that .22 caliber brass brushes fit between the fins and clean nicely. It was cautioned to NEVER use a steel brush as the steel will embed in the aluminum and rust later on.

[Barry]

Cleaning between the fins is a real struggle. For the initial clean up I had some success with scotchbright mops but they don't reach into every little crevice. If you are after a concours results there is a sort of propelling pen made up of a multitude of fine fiberglass strands that will get into the places other things will not reach. Anybody who worked as a draughtsman back in the day would recognise them. Googling "fibre glass eraser pen" will find a supplier. Also In the thread linked below there is a another link lower down to some stainless steel brushes which are very similar.

When I wash the bike I use a big stiff scrubbing brush on the barrels and heads which keeps them looking respectable.

http://www.bmwr65.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1265582712/2#2

[suecanada]

Between the fins I use a scotchbrite green older pad wrapped around a wooden paint stir stick and move that around in the fins. For LRB's white hubs which are usually just brake dusted I try not to use anything wet as it smears so I brush with a cosmetic blush brush. Fat brushes that maybe you should ask your wife about. They are very soft and bushy!!!