Re: [CR]Polishing those hard to get to parts?

(Example: Framebuilding)

From: "Questor" <questor@cinci.rr.com>
To: <nickzz@mindspring.com>
Cc: "classicrendezvous" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <Springmail.0994.1019080972.0.54819100@webmail.atl.earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [CR]Polishing those hard to get to parts?
Date: Wed, 17 Apr 2002 20:32:56 -0400


I apologize in advance to anyone who declares me a heretic for altering the original finish on a Campy part... I like the shine on a new-looking part that requires additional polishing effort over the dull glare of a original finish.

Please correct me if I am wrong, but I thought to "anodise" Campy parts meant to coat the alloy metal in a protective black coaating. The anodised finish is a real bear to remove manually or by chemical means - unless there is a constant rubbing motion that literally "wears off" or scratches the finish. The protective coating applied to Campy parts appears to be a thick clear chemical that almost seems to bond to the metal.

However I have a question about how to completely and easily remove the clear protective finish applied to 70s era Campy parts... In the mid 1970's, Campy started to apply a protective finish to inhibit Campy alloy parts from dulling. I have several older parts that have "gone gray" in color because the alloy has discolored with the decades, even though the protective finish remains. I have only been able to remove this dull finish with extended use of fine steel wool. Alloy polishes such as "Mothers", "Simachrome", or "Met-All" do not seem to have any impact in polishing the alloy because they cannot penetrate the Campy protective finish. I wonder if a semi-abrasive like "Brasso" for alloy parts may give better results... any suggestions?

Thanks, Steve Neago
Cincinnati, OH


----- Original Message -----
From: nickzz@mindspring.com
To: chuckschmidt@earthlink.net
Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2002 6:02 PM
Subject: Re: Re: [CR]Polishing those hard to get to parts? (fwd)



> Yea I just got home & read the label.However aren't most Campagnolo components anodised?This layer of protection might be ruined by the Wenol.Then I guess you could continue to use it on the base aluminum material.I have used it successfully on many items but have not used it on anything made from aluminum.
> Anodising is a chemical process which basically seals the aluminum surface from harmful corosive elements,which can deteriorate the aluminum material.If this seal is already nonfunctional then treating the aluminum with Wenol would restore the shine but not act as a protective barrier as would anodising.
> The question is does Wenol attack the anodising
> & thus leave the base aluminum more susceptable to corrosion.
> I am not a chemist.Just seat of the pants logic here.
> Nick Zatezalo
> Atlanta,GA
>
> On Wed, 17 Apr 2002 14:46:24 -0800 Chuck Schmidt <chuckschmidt@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
>
>
> nickzz@mindspring.com wrote:
> >
> > Hey Chuck!
> > I am not positive,but I seem to remember the label on Wenol states:That it is not recommended for use on aluminum.I'll check for sure when I get home this evening.
> > Nick Zatezalo
>
> It says not for use on _anodized_ aluminum. Not the same thing!
>
> Anodizing is a sealed surface that polish doesn't do a thing to. It
> works _GREAT_ on aluminum!

>

> Chuck