07-25-2016, 02:46 PM
(07-22-2016, 04:25 AM)zippooriginal_imp Wrote: Has anyone used "Simichrome" on the headers, and to what effect?
I have used Autosol, Optiglanz and Mothers mag wheel polish and all will make the pipes shine again with varying levels of effort and frequency. However since using Optiglanz the bronzing and ugly brown spots seemed to re appear more quickly?
The problem looks like a thin veneer of surface oxidation or rust forming on the stainless over a period of a week or two even forming whilst left in the garage unused after a ride. Stainless steel can still show oxidation depending on the mix of metals, minerals, finish etc in the final product.
I recall reading in another post another rider using WD40 with some success. So over the last month I have simply sprayed WD on the pipes after each ride when the pipes are cool. I wipe the excess off with the same cloth that is now wet with WD and leaves a thin film. Takes 30 seconds and an easy task.
The result so far is only light bronzing and no brown spots after a month, around 6 rides and 800 klms. Never been able to achieve this before.
I cant afford any fancy coatings and have a cupboard full of expensive metal polishes left. So I will keep using elbow grease for now and buy some more WD40. I hope that the new method keeps extending the period between polishing. Hopefully reducing the effort needed as well.
The pipes are a beatiful feature and many riders come up to admire the CB every time I park at the local gathering spot down the coast. Even old timers sometimes ask about my restoration or have never seen a CB1100 before as we have very few in Australia.
The only other CB I have seen on the road was Pterodactyl's when we caught up for a ride about 12 months ago. I have been unable to ride since then due to an injury and am just getting back in the saddle. At one stage it looked like riding was out for good.
I am enjoying riding and polishing the toy once again. The extra time and effort with the WD40 on the pipes is another excuse to go out to the garage, admire the CB and escape the household chores.