*Badly Swirled/Scratched* Big Dog Custom Bike

[NickP]

Here's some preview shots guys, thought you would be pretty shocked at some of the swirls in this bike. Thanks to the help of Jason at Autogeek, I'll be able to finish this baby Thursday.

Before rear fender.
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v4678/248/83/523277026/n523277026_2281050_3528158.jpg



After Rear Fender, IPA Wipedown under my 750 Watt Halogens

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v4678/248/83/523277026/n523277026_2281051_8161096.jpg

[NickP]

The Aluminum on this Bike is HAMMERED. That's going to be the biggest turn around I think.

I wish some of the Chrome was in better shape. I'm at a loss, I've never been able to get Chrome to clear up well. It seems like the Chrome is just to thin to safely polish it.

[Harleyguy]

The Aluminum on this Bike is HAMMERED. That's going to be the biggest turn around I think.

I wish some of the Chrome was in better shape. I'm at a loss, I've never been able to get Chrome to clear up well. It seems like the Chrome is just to thin to safely polish it.After rideing harleys for close to 30 years i just sold my last harley.One of the man reasons selling it was the chrome after spending close to 10 grand in upgrades the chrome pitted and looked like crap in no time.The bike was kept in a garage cleaned and polished every other week still was no help.I feel your pain with the chrome it has been at least 10 plus years since i've seen some realy good chrome work that lasts more then a year.I know the EPA puts alot of restrictions on the chrome companys so alot of it is out sourced overseas.Good luck a little :offtopic:

[Blackthorn One]

After rideing harleys for close to 30 years i just sold my last harley.One of the man reasons selling it was the chrome after spending close to 10 grand in upgrades the chrome pitted and looked like crap in no time.The bike was kept in a garage cleaned and polished every other week still was no help.I feel your pain with the chrome it has been at least 10 plus years since i've seen some realy good chrome work that lasts more then a year.I know the EPA puts alot of restrictions on the chrome companys so alot of it is out sourced overseas.Good luck a little :offtopic:
Yeah, today's chrome is a LOT less corrosion resistant than chrome from 30 years ago. The original chrome on my 57 doesn't show any new rust unless its totally neglected for 5 or 10 years, but the replated stuff only seemed to last a couple years before it started pitting. I was waxing every 6 months, I think. I have new replated stuff now. I used sealant on it, and will be refreshing it every 4 months or so. Before the Autogeek forum, I used to think that all waxes lasted 3-4 months. Now I know a lot better.

[NickP]

Yea I just feel bad for the owner, because there is nothing I can do about the chrome but hide the scratches as best as possible.

[Blackthorn One]

Yea I just feel bad for the owner, because there is nothing I can do about the chrome but hide the scratches as best as possible.
You might be able to use Poorboys White Diamond glaze to help to hide them. I've never used it, but they say it can be used on chrome.

[NickP]

I may try that out, thanks for the tip.

[NickP]

Couple more shots in the sun, I absolutely love D151 as a finishing polish. Fantastic Product. I did an IPA Wipedown a couple times to make sure the D151 was actually doing work as far as fine scratches... and it is :cheers:

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs093.snc1/4678_88712107026_523277026_2282937_3055375_n.jpg

[NickP]

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v4678/248/83/523277026/n523277026_2282936_7160442.jpg

[NickP]

My Process so far has been:

Wash
Clay
M105 on Edge Yellow.. Wasn't to thrilled
Moved to SIP on Edge Yellow (We have a winner) I was shocked at how little marring was left over even after my Wipedowns.
Then move to D151 on Edge White.

[NickP]

http://www.drketch.com/images/nicksdetailing/FenderRearResized.jpg

http://www.drketch.com/images/nicksdetailing/FrontWheelResized.jpg

http://www.drketch.com/images/nicksdetailing/GasTankSide.jpg

http://www.drketch.com/images/nicksdetailing/GasTankResized.jpg

http://www.drketch.com/images/nicksdetailing/SideResized.jpg

[NickP]

Just about done finally..

[fech]

That's a sweet bike. Love how that red looks.

[HMFIC]

Looking good. I really like that flame job. Never seen one quit like it.

[NickP]

I wish I could have captured the before pictures better, but this bike was worse then most cars I do. I'm going to show the owner how to wash it properly. It took about 3-4 passes of SIP on a Edge Yellow to get the paint where I wanted it.