Mountain Biking - Help:cleaning and possibly polishing my frame

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xxdrubloodxx
09-20-02, 11:43 AM
I have taken everything off the frame and i want to make it nice and clean for the new parts. What should i use to clean it first, and is it safe to use any type of aluminum polish to try and get back the original look.

Its the same finish as this zaskar on ebay:


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1859646300#DESC

Monkey Spud
09-20-02, 01:17 PM
Originally posted by xxdrubloodxx
I have taken everything off the frame and i want to make it nice and clean for the new parts. What should i use to clean it first, and is it safe to use any type of aluminum polish to try and get back the original look.

Its the same finish as this zaskar on ebay:


Well, clean it with soap and water, real good. Use a good alum polish (I use mothers for my Drag Lite Wheels on my car). once your done with that.. follow it up with stickers (if needed) and a good coat of carnuba wax. (boat wax lasts longest). Your bike will shine nicely and the wax will help keep the dirt off (or at least make it easier to wash).
xxdrubloodxx
09-20-02, 01:28 PM
I just asked a guy at my LBS, and he said that my bike has a clearcoat or something rather, and you cant use polish on it. For some reason i think hes wrong.

Monkey Spud
09-20-02, 01:49 PM
Originally posted by xxdrubloodxx
I just asked a guy at my LBS, and he said that my bike has a clearcoat or something rather, and you cant use polish on it. For some reason i think hes wrong.

Well if thats the case, soap and water, PAINT polish (clearcoat safe, automotive style), and then wax.

Or to be quick (only do this if your stickers are under the clearcoat), use soap and water, and then WD40 to lube the frame and paint (makes cleaning easier. I do this on one bike each ride and wax it once a month).
UKmtb1974
10-15-02, 12:51 AM
Originally posted by Monkey Spud
Your bike will shine nicely and the wax will help keep the dirt off (or at least make it easier to wash).

The vegtable oil spray for frying, when sprayed onto the frame make it really easy too clean. No crud sticks too it.