stripping tunnel paint

[nickleuci]

Has anybody ever tried to strip the black paint off their tunnel so it has the natural alum look? If so do you need to put a clear protective coating over the alum after stripping, and what have you used to strip the paint?

 

[patsxr700]

All i have to say it takes alot of time and alot of beer!

 

[Madmatt]

Permatex Decal & Paint Stripper

This stuff comes in a spray can. Spray it on and walk away for about 10 minutes. Come back and the paint will literally wipe off with a rag. Stubborn spots will need a few more applications. It's a dirty, messy job.

Madmatt

 

[horkn]

use "aircraft remover" instead.

works REALLY well, it even removes POR15 and powdercoating. it is extremely easy to use too. it is available at most auto parts stores. I know Advance auto has it.

 

[97srxXT]

Does anyone have any pics of after they did this? What about the foot well area how well can you get in there to get the paint out?

Thanks,
Nick

 

[srxeater]

I used the "Aircraft Remover" on mine, be sure to strip as many parts as possible off the sled as it may damage them(seat, gas tank, rear bumper cover,ect.) just brush on a thick coat and walk away for a while, then wipe off. there will be a few small spots that will need re-application. very easy to use. i'll try and find some pics i remember taking a few during the process.

 

[racerrob6m]

I agree, if ya use Aircraft paint remover...darn aggressive stuff so protect ALL plastic-rubber-painted parts ya want to save!!

I used both, started with aircraft paint remover & ended up with a NAPA paint remover that was less $$ & worked almost better!!

But, no matter what ya use...hard work & elbow grease to get the aluminum to shine good. If ya want the shine..it is worth it.

Here are a few pics of my 94 Vmax4 ST project I did Dec 06-Feb 07.
Before..during...& after.

The after pics are from a spring ride late last May so the tunnel could use a bit of polishing to brighten it up a bit. But, I am real happy & I think for a 14-15 year old sled..she looks pretty good yet!!

Will be doing the same to my current boondocker project sled starting right after Christmas.!!

Have fun!!
Rob

 

[yamahaSX]

I was thinking about doing this to my sx. Do you need to do anything other than polish it? And what do you use to polish it with?

 

[srxeater]

I use Mothers mag and aluminum polish. i didnt get too crazy stripping the paint off the edge rails because i have edgerail grips on mine.

 

[97srxXT]

Thanks guys, looks like Ill be doing this soon.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[racerrob6m]

Aluminum Polish

I used Wizards Metal Renew which is a liquid that I would apply with my fingers & just rub in circles then rub down with good terry cloth rags.
I feel is a bit "stronger" than Mother's.

I have been a fan of Mothers for years & still use it for small clean-polishing jobs, but I am truely impressed with the Wizards products.

When doing the really dull stuff such as the "new" unpainted areas, the Wizards seemed to be a bit more aggressive in removing the dullness with less elbow grease in my opinion. JMHO !!!

 

[srxeater]

I used Wizards Metal Renew which is a liquid that I would apply with my fingers & just rub in circles then rub down with good terry cloth rags.
I feel is a bit "stronger" than Mother's.

I have been a fan of Mothers for years & still use it for small clean-polishing jobs, but I am truely impressed with the Wizards products.

When doing the really dull stuff such as the "new" unpainted areas, the Wizards seemed to be a bit more aggressive in removing the dullness with less elbow grease in my opinion. JMHO !!!

Have you tried any sealing products such as ZOOPSEAL? they claim you can polish it and it will keep it that way for a year. kind of pricey tho.