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AL417
06-06-2007, 04:03 PM
My Honda VTX has cast aluminum rims. They’ve been nothing but a pain to try to make look good. I like the style so instead of replacing them I’ve recently considered getting them chromed or powder coated. I tried to use DG 831. This product removed the oxidation on my rims but also left behind streaks. I followed the instructions but still got streaking. Then I saw that AG started carrying the Mothers PowerBall so I thought what the heck. I got a Mini PowerBall, Mothers Billet Metal Polish and went to work. I know the rims are aluminum but research on my bike forum showed that the best results came from using the billet polish.

Out of the Box – Easy enough to attach the PowerBall to the extension using a 10 mm wrench. Put it on the drill and its go time.

Mothers Mini PowerBall – this thing worked wonders on my rims. It was easy to use and I could reach into places where my hand wouldn’t fit. I had to hold on to the extension and guide it where I wanted it to go. It can get tricky and kinda hoppy so I held on tight.

Billet Metal Polish – this stuff did its job. It turned the dull rims into shiny rims. I was very pleased with this product. All I had to do was buff it off.

Hindsight is 20/20 – The front rim went really well. Both sides shined up nicely and the Mini PowerBall held up well. The back rim was another story. By now the PowerBall was getting loaded with the polish and kind of junky. It was time to flip it over. For the life of me I couldn’t unscrew the PowerBall off the extension. I tried all different ways to unscrew it but it wouldn’t budge. So I kept going on the back rim. As time went by pieces of the PowerBall were strewn across my garage floor. I guess I’m kinda stubborn (understatement?) because I just kept going. I got through the second rim and I think it looks good but I know it can look better.

Bottom Line – I liked how the Mini PowerBall worked and that it could reach into places my hand can’t reach. It’s much easier than trying to hand polish. Trust me I’ve tried this too many times. I wasn’t happy that I couldn’t flip the Mini PowerBall. Actually I was kinda pissed that it wouldn’t come unscrewed. It probably wouldn’t have started flinging pieces around my garage if I had been able to flip it. But in the end I have to say that despite the problems that I encountered I am going to get a replacement Mini PowerBall and try it again. Now if I could only get the damn thing to come off the extension!

Before
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i143/AL41759/rims/100_2305.jpg


http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i143/AL41759/rims/100_2305.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i143/AL41759/rims/100_2307.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i143/AL41759/rims/100_2314.jpg

Afters

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i143/AL41759/rims/100_2311.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i143/AL41759/rims/100_2322.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i143/AL41759/rims/100_2313.jpg


http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i143/AL41759/rims/100_2320.jpg
Rsurfer
06-06-2007, 04:17 PM
Nice job Al. Try using a vise grip on the extention and the 10mm wrench on the pb shaft. Guess alot of torque was applied while polishing. This should work, just don't apply too much pressure to the extension, just enough to keep it from spinning.
Truls
06-06-2007, 04:19 PM
Great write up.

I enjoy the power ball to, great on rims and as you say, hard to reach places (no more scratched hands)

Did it brake apart?
hispeed
06-06-2007, 04:21 PM
Nice wheels
AL417
06-06-2007, 04:41 PM
Great write up.

I enjoy the power ball to, great on rims and as you say, hard to reach places (no more scratched hands)

Did it brake apart?

Yes it started to fall apart. But I think if I had been able to reverse the PowerBall it would've been OK. Scratches would be good, I usually end up with scrapes and bloody knuckles. Not this time.:)
Thanks for the compliment.
Meghan
06-06-2007, 04:46 PM
Looks great, very nice review! Wheels are looking sweet.
Al-53
06-06-2007, 05:21 PM
WOW...real nice improvement in the wheels..those spots just disappeared...and shine nice now....very nice job...

AL
sparkie
06-06-2007, 06:12 PM
Outstanding review, you done good. I love all my power ball, a must have detail tool. Your work is always perfect. :applause:
trl2112
06-06-2007, 06:36 PM
Nice job. If I did not have one already I would think about buying one. Good results! I really like my mini.
Gary Sword
06-06-2007, 06:43 PM
Great Job! Looks like new AL.
ScottB
06-06-2007, 06:54 PM
Mothers now sells mini-replacements (2 per box) which work well for wheels as the ball gets quite coated with black tarnish. I find a quick twist with a set of pliers (robo-grips) is all that is needed to unwind ball and replace with another on the go.
Nica
06-06-2007, 06:58 PM
Every where I go I see these little power balls but I keep ignoring it...I guess I enjoy bleeding knuckles hahaha no I don't actually. Great review and the pictures speak for the selves very nice.

Thanks for sharing.
AL417
06-06-2007, 07:28 PM
Mothers now sells mini-replacements (2 per box) which work well for wheels as the ball gets quite coated with black tarnish. I find a quick twist with a set of pliers (robo-grips) is all that is needed to unwind ball and replace with another on the go.
Oh if it was only that easy! ;) I plan on getting the replacement pack for round 2.
joe.p
06-06-2007, 08:06 PM
nice work AL..you did a great job on the review..now all i have todo is use my Mini...it is a year old..never broke the seal
NorahCRV
06-06-2007, 08:37 PM
That was a quite a turn-a-round on that front wheel, Al! :applause:
Thanks for the great review, I've been looking at PowerBalls for over a year & now you've talked me into adding one to my next order!

PS - I just have to compliment you on your signature line, too!! :iagree: