I just bought an '85 K100RT that shows that the wheels have never been cleaned. There's lots of dirt and oxidation caked on the wheels.

What is the recommendation for cleaning them? Mothers/Flitz buff ball?

BMW sell an alloy wheel cleaning spray on liquid. I have used that with some success,
Regards,
K-BIKE

I am using a kit that includes disks for a rotary tool, two grades course and fine, and aluminum polish. Don't know if the ball would get in the recesses. The kit I got came from Auto Zone, should find em at any auto store. One wheel took the better part of a day to clean good. And I will probably need another kit for the next wheel. Getting the pits out and smoothing in those recesses takes the longest. A friend with a similiar wheel uses a Dremel and polishing disks. I am planing on having the wheels painted and have just the trim polished. Mostly to avoid cleaning them again but also for a K1 look.

Have fun!

Steve

Hi Mikey

Sorry for the late reply. But...

I have been rebuilding an 1986 K100 and was concerned re the wheels. After many months deliberating and at the time of getting new tyres I:

1.Wet and dry sand papered the rims
2. painted with undercoat auto spray can
3. painted with automotive spray can a colour called "alloy wheels" - whick was similar to the original allow colour
4. lightly wet and dry sandpaperer 12200 grit
5. couple of coats of clear automotive spray can over the top.

It came up very well. I thought I might need to use cutting compound and/or automotive polish but I was more than happy with the result.

When the tyres were put on ther was one slight giuyge to the paintwork on the rims but it was easy to mask up with tape and repaint.

The only thing I was fearful of was the fear of committing and having a go...

Regards

Mal Wells

Cablebeacher,

I don't contest the fact that your way may result in a nice cosmetic effect, but I have my doubts that the paint will stay for a long time.

For me, the only way to repaint the rims is to powder coat them. It is more expensive, but it last for ever.

Its seems that the price of powder coating is now affordable. I found companies here in Canada repainting the rims for $150 (2 rims).

Bert

I know I'm gonna have to pull the rear in the next couple of months to replace the tire, so I will really get into it when I have the wheel/tire off.

When I have it off, what about media blasting it to get it really clean before applying the final finish to it?

Mike

Heres a link to a site that has the buffing kits. And some tips.

http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=854&itemType=CATEGORY&iMainCat=688&iSubCat=854

Steve

Crazy Frog wrote:Cablebeacher,

I don't contest the fact that your way may result in a nice cosmetic effect, but I have my doubts that the paint will stay for a long time.

For me, the only way to repaint the rims is to powder coat them. It is more expensive, but it last for ever.

Its seems that the price of powder coating is now affordable. I found companies here in Canada repainting the rims for $150 (2 rims).

Bert

Hi Bert

You are assuming I have a powder coating place in Broome...LOL The nearest is 2,500 in one direction and 3,500kms in the other direction.

Yeah I was a little concerned as to the longevity of the paint job but will just have to wait and see... If it peels off I have just wasted a (lot of) hours and a few bucks on spray cans...

Regards

mal

Dawn Dishsoap and Toohbrush..




Sprocket"

Mal, you would be surprised; with the mining and engineering shops around powder coating things, I imagine, should be reasonably common.

Give someone who builds equipment (industrial engineering or welding) a ring and ask, you may be surprised.

I was thinking of doing rocker covers ... the paint is peeling.