I've got a polished engine, swingarm footrests etc on my SS. I've got a set of DP cambelt covers for a MHe and clutch cover that are mirror polished that look too shiny, almost like chromed plastic. Plus they don't match the rest of the polished casings that were done a few years ago. Anyone know how to dull the new bits a bit? I thought about leaving them in soapy water?
Ride around through winter when there is loads of salt down on the road, that will soon age everything
Are you sure it's not lacquered or clear anodised, this does make polished ali look chrome like. Neither of these finishes conduct so you can use an ohm meter to check.
But only touch the surface gently with one of the probes, with the other on definite exposed metal (eg thread), so as not to break through any lacquer. If not lacquered, then maybe something acidic like vinegar or lemon juice might accelerate oxidisation, or just get some gentle staining? possibly try on the inside first, just in case...
there are loads of aging fluids available in the restorations market...photoetch fluid (used for etching circuit boards) ages metal parts, but you have to be very very careful with it. i would experiment on some old alloy, or try diluting..it will eat through chrome in a matter of minutes...look up antiquing fluid on google, or etching solution.
Try using salt water as this is known to bugger up polished ali fairly quickly but is not too agressive as some chemicals would be. You will need to keep it on for a fair time so perhaps a salt water soaked cloth draped over the cases would work. Wash off with clean water and finish with solvol autosol if required. hope this helps
MY SS belt covers polished up nicely and not too chrome like......ordinary household polish keeps them that way; whereas paulk563 polished his to the same shine; used it in bad weather and they are still shiny-ish, but have gone sort of grey. AL
