Polishing Aluminium Engine Covers

[Timbarwell]

great video

do you clear coat it or just leave it, also i was thinking of a beef Randang instead of the vinderloo when the paint stripper is working its that going to effect the end result

[thunzie]

@Timbarwell G'day Tim. Mate, I gotta be honest with ya I haven't tried any Indonesian curries, but I want to! But clearly I can't say a if a rendang will give you the results you're after and mate it's a bloody throw of the dice. Good luck. Coating - no, I don't have to coat because I live in a low humidity area. But I've heard people who live near the coast (salt air) or in high humidity areas eventually get the shit with polishing so they end up coating the finish for convenience. G'luck mate!

[interceptereater]

Hey Thunzie I set this up. You mind if I add your video here:

enginepolishingdiy.blogspot.co­m/

[thunzie]

@interceptereater Hi mate, SO SORRY I didn't reply earlier but somehow I missed this comment. Yes, of course - you have my blessing to use my video, and best of luck with your blog :)

[cmedeiros17]

What did he say?

[WinMeAHarley]

i have a 81 honda cb750c an i have to tell you my engine covers hell my whole engine is dull looking u cant even see any shiney at all how do i get my engine shiney im pretty sure my engine is aluminum an some 1 once told me u cant get aluminum to look like chrome looks like u did it here

[thunzie]

@WinMeAHarley Just do pretty much what I did, if your aluminium is already smooth you won't need to use the wet/dry sandpaper like I did, just go straight to using the polishing wheels. I recently found an amazing metal polish too, which you can use to maintain the shine after you've done the hard work of polishing on the polishing wheels. It's called "Wicked Metal Polish" . There's another brand called Purple, which is just as good. Basically, the more work you put in, the better shine. G'luck!

[WinMeAHarley]

@thunzie ok thank you



[crashleg]

Nice, a chrome front mudguard would set it off...

[whi0019]

hahaha this guys a legend!

[aaronturkey]

g'day mate. nice bike. im also doing up a bike as a cafe racer, cb750. i was wondering if there is any rules i need to keep in mind to keep it reasonably road worthy, such as; having a rear fender fibre glass seats. cheers

[thunzie]

@aaronturkey Hi mate, I'm no expert but having built a chopper I know a little about the ADRs (Aus Design Rules). For a cafe pretty much all you'll need to pass rego is a front and rear guard, make sure the rear guard extends to the end of the rear tyre - this is a requirement but whether your blue slip / pink slip guy decides to knock you back on it is up to him. Sseat shouldn't be a prob. Best u talk direct to a blue slip guy, could save u time down the track. Good luck with it!

[gav240z]

Funny bugger, subscribed to your vids now.

[sixtiksix]

I was watching this in a coffee shop with my headphones on and laughed very hard when you were shaving and everyone was staring......thanks for posting

[thunzie]

@sixtiksix Vielen Dank mein Freund! Glad I could give someone around the world a laugh. I just watched your video, you're a kick ass drummer! Happy new year!

[adriannyasia]

There's nothing prettier than polished aluminum....Let me go eat some jerk chicken.

[thunzie]

@adriannyasia I agree. Hey, would that happen to be home made jerk chicken? if so, I'd like to have the recipe! I'm a huge fan of jerkey.

[Nannestadboy]

what hapens if you aply clear coat over the polished aluminium? wil it still look as good, or is it a bad idea?

[thunzie]

@Nannestadboy A clear coating does seem to reduce the charm of polished aluminium, for sure. And getting a clear coat to actually stick properly to a highly polished finish is a pain in the ass also. If you live in an area where you find you're having to polish it way too often due to the climate or salt air etc check out a product called "Glisten PC" (Google it) I have heard excellent things about it for coating just about anything.

[shawbros]

Step 1 - Use good quality stripper

Step 2 - Polish knob

[thunzie]

@shawbros AAAHAHAHA!!!! Glad I could help.

[spsickfastsupra]

Lol I love Austrailia and its ppl ... I need to move there.. Nice shop man... What part of Ausi are you from... Also what is that u ate for lunch...vindaloo.. was it? is that Austrailian for chili? haha

[thunzie]

@spsickfastsupra Hi mate, yeah come on over theres heaps of room down here for more. I'm in a place called Tamworth NSW. Vindaloo is a very hot curry and I am particularly fond of it... actually it's breakfast time down here, I reckon I might have some a bowl of Vindy and a few tinnies to get the day started, good idea. Cheers!

[dirklerxstprof2112]

nice video mate, can you tell me where i can get that brand of stripper ( not the one in the tin ) ?, whorrrrr !!.

But on a more serious note, the only slight fault with your vid is it needs more Tooheys, as my dear old grannie used to say ,

" you can never have enough beer dear ", ( oh god i really miss her, never mind, she's getting released in two months ).

keep up the good work thunzie , you've certainly proved that you don't have to be mad to get by in this world, BUT IT CERTAINLY HELPS !

[thunzie]

@dirklerxstprof2112 Whorrrr indeed mate! You're bloody hillarious, thanks for the comments champ. There's no way I'd get by in this world without a little madness :)

[indigestive]

8:35 Hehe whos that little beauty in the background? Good job on the cover by the way looks real good.

[thunzie]

@indigestive haha, she's my security guard. Hottest cardboard cutout I ever seen ;)

[tinoman2007]

 speak english!

[thunzie]

@tinoman2007 As in poofter pommy? Fuck no! :)

[neonknight6]

Great video!

In the country where I live no one does good quality chroming (the last good chroming master died last year).

People have to take their bike parts to Germany or Austria if they want chrome.

So if it's aluminium it is easier and cheaper to polish it.

Now I'm working on my '86 Savages engine cover.

[thunzie]

@neonknight6 Hi mate, thanks. You type excellent English for someone who lives in that area of Europe. Where are you exactly?

[neonknight6]

@thunzie

I'm from North-East Hungary.

I like your Triumph very much. These classic British bikes are beautiful.

I ride a 650 Suzi Savage and a two-stroke Jawa 350cc (638type).

Both need some polishing (and the Jawa will get a new coat of paint this summer).

This (and some other) videos helped me a lot to choose the right equipment for the work.

[Urtaget]

Got the same blanket =]

[jesuslives57]

Why not just chrome plate it? It would cost maybe 15 or 20 dollars.Just a thought.

[thunzie]

Have you ever seen highly polished aluminium next to chrome? Polished aluminium has a lusture and depth to it which is much nicer than the cold steel look of chrome. Chrome has its place, and so does polished aluminium, but the two are very different to look at, so its a matter of personal preference. Hail Satan.

[giulio1982]

@thunzie 100% right±

[maddkraut03]

I forgot to mention I used to use simichrome polish. My german father said only stop when the polish stops turning black. Good way to punish a 15 yr old.

[maddkraut03]

Great polish job, like the video. I am in midwest US, (wet,damp, cold) and have old BSAs to restore. I used to do this by hand and then use a wool mop onto a hand drill. Worked pretty good, but slow as hell. Your methhod looks better. What kind and grade of compound did you dress that grinder mop with? And do you clear lacquer everything to keep the hi polish? Wonderful vid. thanks for your help.

[thunzie]

Glad you enjoyed it mate. I dunno what the grade of that grey compound is but its just regular Josco stuff. Grey first, then white to finish. I didn't lacquer anything because where I live oxidisation isn't a problem but if you're in a humid or coastal area you might need to.

[laurierken]

This guy needs to be my neighbor. Thanks for a great vid.

[musiclovr2]

try wenol it is greaaaaat aluminum polish!!!

great vid, sweet bike

[broken588]

never ever ever use paint stripper on a surface that you have already applied compound to I noticed you have an opegue finish as compared to a show mirror finish..next time use baking soda to remove any residual compound..

[terence20001]

Enjoyed the vid. Good stuff. Greast classic you have there.

[detrimentalD]

so you did the same exact thing with your forks? I want to do that with my old harley evo. Im hesitant about the aluminum quickly deteriorating after I get on the road. Did you clear coat over it or just give it a good wax?

[thunzie]

Hi mate. Pretty much yeah, the forks like I said in the video were fairly rough after the paint was removed and required a fair bit of prep to get them smooth but from there it was just a case of rub back by hand to about 360 wet sand and then do the rest with the polishing mops (wheels) on the bench grinder. I live in a fairly dry climate so no clear coat was required but if you're near salt air or in a humid climate yeah, you might need it.

[detrimentalD]

Ok... I live in the mid-west U.S. so conditions are either really wet or really dry, so I propably will need to coat. I just tested the polishing on a really corroded chain guard peice and I think I need some more practice. one area was farely decent and didnt require any prep, while the rest needed a lot. Needless to say, the good area looks good and the preped area looks... , disappointing after sooo much work. Any tricks or anything Im just not thinking of? Im using mothers alum. polish.

[thunzie]

I'm assuming the chain guard is aluminium? Mothers polish as far as I know is only really for maintaining the shine after the piece has been polished up such as in my video. If it's really rough, start with coarser grades of sandpaper (I only ever sand aluminium wet) maybe something like 180 or 220 and then graduate down through various grades to about 360. If its REALLY rough I've had excellent results using a little mouse sander to smooth out uneven surfaces.

[musiclovr2]

mothers is shit next to wenol!, and i love mothers! , try it, you can get it off ebay, works great on coins as well!

[mal334455]

ha haaaaaaa ive been a metal polisher for 30 years and you did well my friend but put the compo under the mop and not over and before colouring up try opening the mop up with an old spike or something and you will find it come up to the shine twice as good....take care though

[johns1200low]

Hey Bud, Love the vid !!! Who's the cardboard blonde in the corner of your shop, She looks a litle like Uma Thurman???

[britz73]

Hey thunzie....mate a guess you're a Kiwi living in Oz riding a Brittish bike with parts made in Thailand. Your one lucky bugger. I'm from Oz with a Brittish backgroung married to a Filipino riding a Honda GB500TT made in Japan designed for an English TT road race. Just love how the world comes together so we can ride bikes we love. (ps: I really want a Thruxton) Cheers Britto.

[thunzie]

G'day Britto. Nup! Not a Kiwi, you need your accent radar calibrated! I'm an Aussie who's never lived anywhere else but Australia and the bike is one of the British made, a few years before they moved manufacturing to Thailand. Though assembled at the Hinkley factory there are probably a few Thai made bits on it though haha. Cheers!

[britz73]

My bad thunzie! I get up your way a fair bit and last time had the chance to buzz through old mates motorcycle collection. God would have a garage like this! Old fella there was tops except he kept asking me if I wanted a cup of tea? I thought to myself - Fark, I'm not the Queen, but I do wish he would offer me a Beer instead, crank up some tunes and later offer me a ride on the Ducati! Yeah, some reason this didn't happen........Cheers Britto

[Blk63Vette]

I liked your video. Very interesting I will have to try your techinque on my valve covers....I think the woman in the video mis the key. ;)

[hangonforyourlife]

Great video!, Really enjoyed watching it.

[thunzie]

Thanks!

[lyonsy1967]

Gday Thunzie your video was a cracker mate , it helped me heaps. Ive just finished wet and drying my alloy engine covers on my 1977 Honda CB750 four. Im putting them to the polishing wheel tomorrow. I cant wait im stoked. (my wife thinks im nuts)..Thanks again mate you helped me heaps..im now going to chill up some homebrew for tomorrows thirsty work. Seeya mate, Safe riding...LYONSY

[thunzie]

G'day Lyonsy and thanks for your comments mate. Yeah my missus reckons I'm nuts too haha. Hey if it's not a hassle send me a photo of your finished work? I'm a big fan of pretty much all bikes built during the 70's and I've owned a few CBs too.

[lyonsy1967]

Hey thunzie polished up those covers today, they came up bloody magic. Ive taken the old girl off the road for the winter(the bike that is) giving her a face lift with new paint, spokes, a overall face lift. she is coming along fine i will send you some before and after pics. Im also into rockabilly.did you get to see the Straycats when they toured here in Feb? It was a top show Brian Setzer goes off on his guitar..Anyway take care. p.s homebrew went down well.. LYONSY

[thunzie]

Hey Lyonsy. Nah I didn't get to see the Cats but you're right Setzer goes off. I will send you my email address through your youtube profile so you can send me those pics.

[safekyle]

Man, Class Video. Gotta get myself a bench grinder for sure after like 2 secs on that :O it was shiiiiny!

[thunzie]

Yeah its handy stuff to have. I've just started polishing the engine covers on my XS650 bobber project. Polishing is a project that is much more enjoyable with beer at hand :)

[vcaxcem]

great video! i have a zundapp gts 50 myself and i can nou polish my parts, i've already sandblasted and painted things. i'll think i make video's of my things too. thank you very much!!

[harry69koi]

Bloody ace vid m8ty and a ace brit classic you have there :-)

One point though......need to let peeps know about eye protection when buffing as the crap goes everywhere as you may know (i did my bike in the kitchen lol) took days to clean and one peeve wife lol

Lee

[thunzie]

G'day Lee, thanks for nod mate! Yeah it does get messy, but geez sex can too and I'll bet your missus never whines about that, eh? ha!

[riley120987]

haha lol i like the way this man thinks! great vid man! im looking to start polishing my frame, swingarm and forks to put towards a 7/11 fighter. many thanks for the info thunzie man.

kind regards from england.

[thunzie]

Cheers Riley. A frame would be a huge job! Glad it's you doing it rather than me haha. You're gonna need a whole fridge full of Boddingtons to get through that one.

[my60inchplasma]

thanx this has helped me alot! those forks look the part too that you polished up...how did you do them by machine or by hand rub?

Ian from sydney (newtown)

[thunzie]

Hi Ian, I know Newtown well! I love the inner city, and I used to live in Ashfield. As for those forks, I done them the exact same way as the engine covers. Stripped away the black paint, used various grades of wet sandpaper to get the legs smooth and then onto the buffing wheels.

[nospa21]

Fantastic job allover your bike mate.

[deanthemotocrossman]

8:42 wtf look over his shoulder

[kilodiamond]

Man your better off on a reality show Like for the Man with the most buffin JOB just to shining up crmoe. lol FYI gotee

[thunzie]

Ok I've read that 5 times now and still haven't got a fuggin clue what you're on about. Back away from the pipe, mate. Peace & Grease :)

[777Guitarrist]

dude the coffe face was awesome till laughin wile i write this comment

[thunzie]

Glad you got a laugh out of it mate :)

[stlrockin]

I glass bead blasted my primary and sprocket covers....then I used the paint stripper on the cam cover. Had I known how much elbow grease was needed to get back close to the polish stage I would of just used the stripper. Yours looks good.... mine is getting there

[jimmtpicornell]

Jesus Instant Coffee!! lol hehehe nice video sir!!!

[dgm2u]

Great vid ... but remember people ..DONT CROSS YOUR POLISHING WHEELS : eg >> dont use a aluminium polishing wheel on stainless ....use the rite mops too polish ...Dave:)

[thunzie]

Thanks Dave. I've never polished anything except aluminium. Whats the problem with using the same mops between aluminium and stainless?

[calineophyte]

Nice job on the video.

Funny stuff, love the lunch segment.

Seriously though, do you clearcoat after the polish job.

If not, how long does that shine last?

Thanks for the laugh.

[thunzie]

G'day. I hate the look of clear coat over nice polished aluminium and out here in the country where I live theres no need, the shine is still there years later with maybe twice a year a quick polish with Mothers aluminium polish. Though I suppose oxidising might be a problem for people who live closer to the coast and clear coating might for them be the sensible way to go.

[calineophyte]

Thanks thunsie. I agree about the look of clear coat. I guess polishing is out for me. I am within a mile of the ocean in Venice near Los Angeles. I have been living in the area for five years since the move from Canada. I have been watching all my stuff corrode before my eyes. Rust never sleeps. Can't complain though as the canyon roads and weather are great.

I will have to check out the rest of your vids as you are a laugh riot. Scott

[thunzie]

Yes those roads sound pretty damn good. The roads around here are mostly fairly straight! Glad ya liked the vid mate, thanks for the feedback.

[RouteZeroDesign]

Hey great video dude,

Ill be doing the same thing with some car parts but the same principles apply really.

The only difficult part is finding a bloody bench polisher

[thunzie]

Hi mate. Thats not a special bench polisher it's just a standard bench grinder with polishing bits fitted to it. Any decent hardware store should be able to supply that stuff.

[RouteZeroDesign]

Really? Thats brilliant, because i already have a bench grinder, which apart from the occasional bits and pieces, doesn't get used.

I'll have a poke around some hardware stores tomorrow during lunch and see what i can find.

Thanks for your help mate, ill let you know if my search turns up anything good : )

[thunzie]

No worries mate. Also, I recently built a pedestal for mine (bench grinder) which is an old car rim as the base, a length of heavy square steel tubing and a small platform on top to mount the grinder onto. This allows me more room to move the piece around the buffing wheels, and because it;s on a wheel rim I can move it anywhere I want. Pretty cool.

[RouteZeroDesign]

ha ha, nice one, good use of an old wheel there. Might have to make myself one too.

I went to the hardware store today beside college and found the equipment that i need....i think!

I bought 3 mops and 2 compounds.

I also bought an arbor for my grinder to fit the mops to.

Not sure if its the right one, but the guy said i can exchange if it doesnt work : )

Thanks for the advice mate, it really helped me get the finger out

[thunzie]

Yep, 3 mops and 2 compounds with the arbor is the same setup as I use. Have fun with it mate.

[PEASHOOTERTONE]

good old boy thunzie. i took your advice,had a beer and a curry,cheers mate ,

[stevenmc87]

(Speed triple) sorry I'm dyslexic... hahah

[thunzie]

Hi mate, yeah I caught your meaning :)

I reckon the Speed Triple headlight would look way out of place on a Thruxton, but hey thats just my opinion and opinions are like ass holes eh? Everyones got one. They're a great bike, I hope you enjoy it.

[stevenmc87]

Hey love your Thruxton.. I'm getting one in a few weeks and i was wanting to put the newer triple speed head lights on mine, do u think this is possible? and look good?

[thunzie]

Hi mate, glad you enjoyed my vids. The XS is not too far from running so I plan to shoot another vid when it's ready to ride. Good luck with the GSX project!

[inthewired0000]

Cheers thunzie just started a project on a 86 GSX250 this will definately come in handy... engine case is black so keen to get it back to polished alloy :)

Watched a few of ya vids ... wheres the bobber update? :P

[inthewired0000]

Cheers thunzie, just started a (my first) project on a 86 GSX250s. This video will definately come in handy. Engine case is black so keen to get it back to polished alloy :)

Enjoyed watching a few of ya vids ... wheres the bobber update? :P

[thunzie]

Thanks Mike! Much appreciated.

[MikeAdorff]

Thank you four that interesting and funny video!

(I'm sorry for my poor english)

[maicojames]

I polish some parts for vmx bikes, just a few here and there. I know the OZ vmx blokes thorugh the web-great spirit and great humor. BTW where do I buy a stripper like the one at 4:44? Here in the US, I have only used aircarft stripper. LOL

Thanks for the video.

Cheers.

[thunzie]

Glad you enjoyed it mate. Yeah I'd much prefer THAT stripper too. Let me know if you see her around, eh?

[TonySkraba]

that was a greeat video man!! I luved it!!

[thunzie]

Thanks Tony

[19Phil78]

Awesome video mate.............too right about the vidaloo mate! I can't wait to polish my parts now

[braaup]

Looks nice! You should next do your carb! (When you sand, you want to sand in straight lines only, and its best to sand it wet, just to make the outcome smoother, but as you seen for yourself, its not needed however.)

[thunzie]

Thanks mate! Yeah I've heard other people say that about the direction of sanding and I've tried a few ways. I don't think it makes much difference in the end. I only ever sand aluminium wet, and with a little detergent in the water.

[bankai1007]

Thats cool as!! im getting a thruxton when i get off my P's cant wait!! >: )

[thunzie]

Glad ya liked it mate! I sold that Thruxton about a year ago but they're a great bike if you like air cooled twins, and I love em :)

[NewArtSchool]

Loveed it, just about to start my first restoration including polishing so this was really helpful. Big question, what was the brew you were drinking and is it available in the states?

[thunzie]

I'm glad you found it informative mate. The beer is an Australian brew called Toohes New. It's basically the beer of the working class down here, and it's a bloody good drop too. Sorry, I have no idea if it's available in the US. But Coopers is abvailable in the US, it's more like a premium beer - keep an eye out for Coopers Sparkling Ale, has a red label. It's about 5.8% and is brewed in the bottle, tastes beautiful.

[markinson72]

Nice vid mate. Nice comedy interludes as well.

How did you get into the smaller parts of the engine casing though and what speed is your polisher.

[thunzie]

Hi mate. I have no idea what speed my polisher is, but it does the job well enough for just a cheap little Ryobi bench grinder. For the tighter areas I used a Dremmel tool with the same grades of paper and polishing compounds and various soft buffing heads.

[lehoom]

polishin brit bikes? Better sort out mechanical issues that brittons suffer i.e. fit a japanese engine and suspensions etc. :-))) cheers.

[cycloneCJproducts]

Dude super nice video I like the "stripper part"

make more vids... : )

[thunzie]

Thanks mate! Yeah....gotta have a good stripper.

[jamesbgreat]

GOOGLE "NEW BONNEVILLE RIDERS"

[Kirkscivic]

hey boss you should edit this video and use your polished part to shave in to prove that this has an amazing outcome

[thunzie]

I housld have thought of that! Top idea man.

[SKULLFU6C6K6ER]

but, I CANT get a beer out of your fridge!

[thunzie]

Right-o, well grab one out of YOUR fridge, and I'll drink one out of my fridge to make up for it. Which kinda works out like you shouted me a beer and I shouted you one back. Shit we could do that all night, so long as neither of us runs out.

[RealHimura]

That bike is awesome. Great vid.

[thunzie]

Thanks!

[sanshuz]

Hey man you should now polish your face after the shave. Lol......

[paulolferreira]

I've got a 1952 triumph and the clutch cover is really badly treated. I tried sandpaper and I'm getting nowhere, what would you do?

[thunzie]

Mate, sandpaper is the cheapest AND best way to get it done. If you start with a really heavy grit paper (wet is the best option, like I did in the video) maybe start at about 80 or 100 grit and just get stuck into it. When it looks like it's done as good as can be, go to lighter grit papers, right down to about 400 grit, then let the polish wheels do the rest. I've seen covers that looked like they should have been thrown out come up like new - stock the fridge with beer and get crackin' on it!

[lunmad]

A great vid there thunzie cracking humour :-D

keeping them like that is a hassle over here!! in the UK more rain than sun :-(

I have owned my Bonneville for twenty odd years. I have just knocked up a set of side panels from an old baking tray ( vid on here) and just at the polishing stage working down from 80grit :-O

They don't look bad.

keep up the good work.

[thunzie]

Yeah living out here in a mostly dry climate away from the sea air is definitely an easier environment to maintain the covers. You could always get them clear coated, clear powder coat is the best I hear but still, I think the finish kinda loses something once it's coated. But - it's still better than having to work your ring out with the cloth and polish every weekend just to keep them looking good.

[DIOSpeedDemon]

Brilliant Video, mate. Very well done and your bike look like a work of art. Please make more videos. DSD

[thunzie]

Thanks mate!

[dullfoxz]

Thanks Mate! That's a useful video!

[bloomingboris]

Right were did you get that stripper from?

Coz my local garage told me i cant have her as she is there best stripper..........

[thunzie]

Get yer own! She's mine! haha...geez....I wish.

[johns1200low]

Vindaloo, Do You make yours with Chicken, Pork, or Lamb and do you include Potatoes or not??? Sounds pretty tasty :)

Later, John

[thunzie]

Used to use beef but these day I use pork, it's heaps better for a Vindy. No taters, but I do chop up about 5 each of either large red chillies or jalepenos and throw em in. Brings it to life. Oh, and beer - ya gotta have beer. Beer and vindy is a good thing for a saturday afternoon. Ride in the morning, beer and vindy in the arvo - thats heaven on earth.

[johns1200low]

Cool Vid man, The Bike looks GREAT ( VERY OLD SCHOOL :) What was that stuff You were eating, whats Your dogs name??? He seemed to like it :)

[thunzie]

G'day mate - Were you watching with the sound off or are your ears painted on? It's VINDALOO! And yeah somehow Bon (thats the dogs name) seems to be able to eat it without it burning his arse hole out, he's a phenomenon!!

[johns1200low]

Hey Bud :) I had to turn thesound down cause my girlfriend was bitchin, What is Vindaloo made of??? never mind i'll look it up :)

Your vids are pretty cool, informative and funny.

I also enjoyed the "fender mod" vid. Although I might have placed my turn signals somewhere else. it gave the Thruxton a nice look.

I have given serious thought to getting a Thruxton for a second Bike, How does your run?

Later, John

[RTS1957]

Hey mate. Life's too short to drink instant coffee. Nice vid!

[thunzie]

haha thanks mate. Yeah, it tastes like crap but geez it does the job! Merry Christmas mate.

[caferacermac]

Bought my bike in the middle of 06 after working at Triumph as a contractor and looking (drooling) at the beutifull thruxton, but now after last winter and now heading into this winter the side panels are starting to go crappy, looks like they are going to get the polishing treatment, they are a stunning bike though

[tuzzzy]

aussie? fuck yeah :D

[thunzie]

Fuggin oath, Tuz!

[tuzzzy]

good to see us hitting up youtube :D great video btw, one of the best on here, keep it up! buff it up with some mirror finish metal polish, itll look even better again ;)

[thunzie]

I use MOTHERS brand aluminium polist - works a treat.

[Alisterwolf66]

Mother's makes some good stuff! Love their carnuba.

But, in my experience, there's better stuff for aluminum. I like Autosol and Blue Magic really well.

[Bullettube]

It's funny, but we used to do this to our Hondas back in the 60's to make them look like Triumphs! The Brit bike makers all had polished, pure aluminum covers instead of the cheap painted alloy the Japanese used. Now it's the other way around. Great job and good fun.

[thunzie]

Thanks for the comments mate! Yes it's interesting how it's all evolved over the years. Glad ya liked my vid anyway - take care mate!

[BorgCymru]

Hello from Real South Wales, nice vids mate, and yer that face crap didn't suit you.

[evoermine]

Hey Thunz, great vid, made me laugh. Thanks for the lesson in reheating curry in the microwave, lol.

I live near Hinckley, England where the modern Triumphs are made. They are great bikes, such an antidote to Japanese bikes. Don't get me wrong i bloody love bikes in general but it's great to see bikes like yours. My Dad had an BSA Bantam back in the day, the old bastard!

Anyway, cheers for the vid.

[thunzie]

Thanks mate! Glad ya liked the vid. Ya reckon I'm gonna give away my Vindy recipe thats taken me years of testing and development and countless hours on the shitter to develop? Well, yeah, of course I'll share it; I'm a curry whore - if you want the real recipe it's all yours and trust me mate, it's fuckin' great! haha. It doesn't burn my ass but crikey, it's good for a flush out LOL

[alflurin]

Great! How to Polish Aluminium Engine Covers with a large amout of great humour! You should have your own tv show! I learn a lot! First and mainly polishing covers but also what is vandaloo and I learned in your rear fender mod about the Brit Iron Rebels Worldwide! Thanks

[thunzie]

Thanks man! Vindaloo is a curry - go to your local Indian Restaurant. It's great stuff but be warned, it can be hot. As for the BIR, yes if you're into Brit classic new and old you should check out that club for sure.

[SuperSneakySteve]

I want to see more of the stripper please!

[Ericj3742]

Nice job, how long did the clutch cover take A-Z?

[thunzie]

A to Z - If you were to start in the morning and dedicate the day to it, I reckon you could knock it over in maybe 6 to 8 hours.

Cheers, mate.

[interceptereater]

Do you clear coat your covers after polishing?

If not what do you use to protect the shine?

Jeremy

[thunzie]

G'day Jeremy. I live out in the country away from salt air so oxidization isn't a problem for me. Here it is a year later and the alloy still look as good as the day I done it. I have some Mothers brand aluminium polishing cream but haven't had to use it yet. As for coating, I hate the look of it - I think polished alloy just looks so much better uncoated.

Cheers, mate.

Thunz

[interceptereater]

What was that you were making for Lunch in the vid?

Can I have the recipe? lol

[thunzie]

Vindaloo! Beef, Pataks sauce and paste, lots of extra chilli to give it some character :)

[interceptereater]

Awesome thx, I am going to have to try that.

Jeremy

[StrangelyBrownNo1]

What's that forum you mentioned?

[Hawkenz]

brilliant, want the recipe for the "vindy"!!!

[bradm75]

Very cool video Thunz!

[thunzie]

Cheers, mate!