Rocker cover polishing

chrisjw

I'm looking at polishing my rocker cover up. Got a set of three mops for a drill but now need some polishing compound. Anyone done it before and got any advice?

Hareng

It will take you absolutely ages with a drill powered mop, even then probably will be patchy.
Even 1/2 and 3/4hp bench grinders converted will easilly slow down with the slightest pressure.

If thats all you have i would hand rub with silicon carbide paper down the grades to at least 800gr, 1000 or 1200 if fresh. Then and only then use the bench or drill powered mop to get a finish- just give it a lick.

To give you some idea think these two items were only 5" diameter.
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL15/728 ... 047521.jpg
Using various narrow and turned down mops with less surface cutting area, decent 1/2hp grinders really struggle.

If you are somewhere local you can borrow my 3hp 10" polishing mop that spins at 5700rpm in oppsite direction, just hang on 😃 Got some red soap, watch the sparks fly cry..

chrisjw

Did wonder about the patchyness issue. It's how you get into the recesses with it not just being a smooth surface.

That's quite a polisher!! Sadly I'm not local.

Have seen a few people's covers which are really clean. Not necessarily after it being dead shiny just want it clean.

So you reckon start with the paper to get a smooth surface? (Makes sense as mine is pitted after 6 years of never being cleaned).

vocky

takes ages :roll:

baldie87

omg that looks proper sweet :shock:

any where , where you can just buy them from?

vocky

best bet is to buy a spare and do that, then swap them over 🙂

chrisjw

That's what I'm looking at doing.

How did you do it Vocky? Any help much appreciated!!!

vocky

solvol and an electric drill with a small polishing wheel, plus some elbow grease :roll:

chrisjw

You just used Autosol and a wheel!!! I have plenty of both of those. What you've got is exactly what I want. Well actually it's when I saw the photo of your engine bay that it made me want to do it in the first place!!

What did you do? Autosol on the wheel or on the cover? And then how long did it take?

Thanks for the help!! What I've really been wanting to hear. (I.e. low cost)

vocky

spread the autosol onto the cam cover with a cloth and use the wheel to buff it 🙂

I did a bit at a time, but maybe a couple of hours

chrisjw

Great. Just need to get my new one through then I can sit and do it.

Thanks for all the help!!!

Hareng

Watch you dont clip anything with the spindle or chuck :roll:

If you just want a shiny finish run over it with some paper 800 may be 1000 grit it will be quicker long term. The pitt or casting marks will show through but will look ok from about 3 feet away. Then just use the mop to get the polished finish. Dont bother with calico or mop wheels that spread and flatten out a semi hard one that you can put some pressure on.

Its going to be one of those jobs where you will have to draw a line somewhere on whats acceptable, you will find out what i mean notsure.gif ie spend ages polishing an area only to find pitt marks, grooves etc that a polished finish would only show up, just sand it and start again and keep repeating.

I hate polishing, that reminds me got to do a little bit in the morning before the anodisers. Why cant everyone have a bead blasted finish.