cyclopolisher Has anyone used one to polish their kirkham

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by PANAVIA

I am wondering if they ever tried to "clear" powder-coat the bodies.

In the video, they mention that they had to remove the clear coat from the Airstream first in order to re-polish it. So, yes, you could clear coat it.

[ng8264723]

Bill,
I don't think that the consensus was that they were a handful and difficult to use. It must take some getting use to. The car in the above hotlink is amazing. I wonder what steps he used?

[RedBarchetta]

For me personally, the more I polish (and re-polish) aluminum, the more I like the brushed finish look. See my engine compartment pics for an example...all those pieces started out polished.

-Dean

[RodKnock]

The Cyclo video makes it look easy, assuming you're already at the Nuvite S level. What a nightmare if you have to start from the beginning (file finish) on a Kirkham. If it's been polished already, then you're way ahead of the game.

Just like polishing paint.

[Bill Wallace]

A point of clarification re. my earlier post: I said the Cyclo was a "handfull" to use. The machine works well, my problem was securing the loose ends of the large cloth. I didn't have slots in the fleece like the the guy in the video, nor did I have have a cable clamp like he had to grasp the cloth, so the fleece cloth flopped all around and that was my biggest problem. I wish I had seen the video when I polished my car as it would have saved me a lot of grief!

Thanks for posting the video RodKnock...it was very helpful to me!

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Bill Wallace

A point of clarification re. my earlier post: I said the Cyclo was a "handfull" to use. The machine works well, my problem was securing the loose ends of the large cloth. I didn't have slots in the fleece like the the guy in the video, nor did I have have a cable clamp like he had to grasp the cloth, so the fleece cloth flopped all around and that was my biggest problem. I wish I had seen the video when I polished my car as it would have saved me a lot of grief!

Thanks for posting the video RodKnock...it was very helpful to me!

I finally broke down and bought a Cyclo polisher. The video convinced me that even I can do it.

So who would like to volunteer their aluminum Kirkham (or CSX) so that I can practice?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

So who would like to volunteer their aluminum Kirkham (or CSX) so that I can practice?

Maybe this guy. He was the original "cyclop-olisher."

[tkb289]

Rodney ... The video was cool, an amazing transformation. If it takes 200 hours to polish the trailer with the power tools, I would hate to think how long it would take to polish it entirely by hand ... would probably be like cutting your lawn with a pair of scissors!

Before you attempt your car ... maybe you could first practice on part of an Airstream trailer, then try it on your car. Might be easier that attempting to find another Krikham or a CSX to practice on ...

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by tkb289

Before you attempt your car ... maybe you could first practice on part of an Airstream trailer, then try it on your car. Might be easier that attempting to find another Krikham or a CSX to practice on ...

I should be an expert by the time your ERA arrives, so let know you need my paint buffing services, though I'm not cheap.

[Hexnut72]

Fly to Provo and spend a day practicing at the factory. I will buy you lunch.




The problem with clear coat, is that if you chip it, you can not repair it. The clears that stick to aluminum do not bond well to themselves after they are dry. So as long as it never gets a chip or scratch, it is fine. If you do get a chip or scratch you have to strip the entire panel. If it is anywhere on the main body, that means the entire car. The problem with stripping the clear is that there is no way to get it off without ruining the polished finish. That means you have to start over.

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by tkb289

Before you attempt your car ... maybe you could first practice on part of an Airstream trailer, then try it on your car. Might be easier that attempting to find another Krikham or a CSX to practice on ...

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I should be an expert by the time your ERA arrives, so let know you need my paint buffing services, though I'm not cheap.

Rodney ...

Just might take you up on that ... can pay you in the coin of the realm ... Hi-Protein Honey Wheat Pancakes with strawberries and bananas !

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by tkb289

Rodney ...

Just might take you up on that ... can pay you in the coin of the realm ... Hi-Protein Honey Wheat Pancakes with strawberries and bananas !

Oh yea. Dem be good. Though Doug doesn't like Hobees anymore.

[Ronbo]

Originally Posted by tkb289

Before you attempt your car ... maybe you could first practice on part of an Airstream trailer, then try it on your car. Might be easier that attempting to find another Krikham or a CSX to practice on ...

Actually, I did pick up some 6160 aluminum plate on ebay a while back to practice sanding on.

Doesn't hurt to have some 1/4" x 2" or 4" stuff anyway for a bracket or two that you may need to make.

[BOBBYCOBRA62]

Who's the best person to polish aluminum items,(i.e:wheels,intakes,etc.)?

[PatBuckley]

FYI

I recently learned that not all microfiber cloths are the same. I had some yellow ones that left scratches (!) I found some blue ones that are much much better.