So I was cleaning the Fx1...

[Smokin'FX-1]

and I decided to remove the fuel selector, replace fuel and water lines, and do something about the faded coating on the factory pipe. At least it looks a bit better now. Only had this a few weeks and loving it, wish I could have rode this week, a bit cold and too much to do, maybe I'll get it back out Sunday.

[WaveDemon]

wow. shiney.

[Motorheads5]

Clean ! Gotta love fresh water

[showmepro1200]

Is there a good way to clean up the B-pipe chambers without affecting the coating on it or is that just the way it goes?

[SXIPro]

That B-pipe is like a friggin mirror. How'd you accomplish that?

[yz250fpilot]

My guess would be that it has been stripped and polished. Looks sweet!! :brap:

[infamy]

its amazing how much better an engine compartment looks with new fuel/water lines and a clean chamber. i had a nasty old chamber that i stripped and polished, now it looks better than new. it doesnt take that much time/work to make it look good.

[showmepro1200]

Stripped and polished - what's the best procedure here or should I go search?

[Smokin'FX-1]

Well, it's not perfect, some light swirls, but my polishing pads and wheels were shot but I figure the pipe will be out enough to finish it eventually.

Strip Factory coating with Tal-Strip II (found at auto parts store)
Clean with a good soap to remove residue
Wet sand with 1500 or finer sand paper to remove light scratches
Apply metal polish starting with a grittier one and ending with a billet polish (this requires a high speed buffer or drill with some higher rpms)

Not too hard...just a little time consuming.

[showmepro1200]

What kind coating could possibly be put back on to keep the shine? I figure if it was possible then FPP would already be doing it.

[Smokin'FX-1]

nothing really. Basically every couple of rides you just do a very quick polish with a fine or billet polish. Maybe 2-3 minutes total. Anytime the pipe comes out hit it with a polishing wheel on the spots you could never get to while it was installed.

[PrickofMisery]

What kind coating could possibly be put back on to keep the shine? I figure if it was possible then FPP would already be doing it.

Clear it

[Wetracer]

Actually after you polish it have it powder coated with clear.

[Smokin'FX-1]

Haven't tried the powder coat clear. Tried clearing polished aluminum before in a few different applications and found I prefer to just deal with quick wipes and an occasional good polishing. Seen little drops of misc contaminants that sometimes etch/stain the clear.

[infamy]

i got an aerosol can of paint remover at wally world for about $5. used two coats then sanded with 600 grit (that was the finest i had at my house, but would have gone finer if i had some) then used some aluminum polish that i got at the auto parts store. rubbed it on by hand. i know there are way better ways to do it , but just doin the half-arsed job i did, it turned out pretty good. i only spent about 20 minutes on it.

[infamy]

oh , and you only have to do the top half :bigok: