Original Message: ----------------- From: Doug Van Cleve dvancleve@cox.net Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2004 13:20:17 -0700 To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]Help: best/easiest way to clean & polish an old Campy high flange hub?
"Howdy folks.
I have a nice rear track hub and a not so nice front road hub. I want to make the front look as nice as possible, but I don't have access to a buffer or anything fancy. What is the best way to get the oxidation off the aluminum and get it shined up?
Thanks, "
This is one of those "you'll get a zillion different suggestions, most of them good" questions...
If the alloy is really bad, I start with a thick past of Barkeeper's Friend (the wonder cleanser) applied with an old washcloth. This stuff cleans a treat, is low abbrasive and loves alloy. Then repeated finish polishings with Simichrome. Nothing is better on alloy than this German polish in a tube. It's wonderful on celluloid, bakelite etc. as well. I find it works best when buffed off before it's completely dry... on alloy it turns an awful black colour which means it's really worked and it's time to buff it off to a shine.
Just avoid anything abbrasive on alloy and that includes, in my experience, any grade or type of steelwool and certainly nothing "guy style" i.e. something attached to some Dremel or power tool. Put "Breaking Away" or something in the vcr, grab a tube of Simichrome and make an evening of it..
Peter Kohler Washington DC USA
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