BaBolt or someone else who wields a mean polishing wheel,

I got a rock stuck between the two tips on my Bassani cat-back and it appears that it was there a while since I now have some nice scratches. Since they are between the tips you don't notice them but I know they are there so I was wondering what the best method is for polishing stainless steel. Can I get away with a 1000 or 1500 grit followed by some Simichrome or other metal polish or is there a better route to go?

Thanks in advance,

Dan

 

Dan,
I've only recently started dabbling in polishing, so I can only speak slightly intelligently-take it for what it is worth. Those are stainless steel, so you will need to start with an agressive buffing compound-depending on how deep the scratches are, you might also need to start with very fine emery as you suggested. Once you get the deepest of the scratches out, progress to a finer and finer compound and finish with a rouge. Since you are gonna be working BETWEEN the pipes, you will need to use something small like a Dremel or die grinder. You also need to be VERY careful, or you will make it much worse than when you started. I am finding it is an acquired skill, you might start on a piece of scrap SS to see if you are up to it.

Kent

 

Crap...I figured it wasn't going to be that easy and now you have confirmed my suspicions. Thanks for the info and with that knowledge perhaps I will just see if I can hunt down someone who does polishing in Phoenix. Thanks for the help K_Schmidt.

Dan

 

i would not mess with it, you might remove the scratch but the mirror finish cannot hide the uneven spot you will creat. the buffing or polishing will make the scratch wider and basically make a big smooth divot. i have had chrome platers buff things for me and never got the result i was looking for.

 

I think most of the other guys gave you the low down (stainless is a lot of work). If you can catch you finger nail on the scratch you better start with 180 grit sand paper just don't bare down, you can then work your way up to 400 grit. Compound and a wheel will do the rest for you. If you have access to a wheel you should be able to get in there even though it is tight. Good luck.

 

Struck,
I'm sorry, I must have failed to show you my show piece Banshee. I did all the show quality sanding, rubbing, and polishing to bring all cast aluminum parts to a chrome like finish. Grasshopper, I shall guide and teach you.
Ah, wait a minute, I think I have a sample pic of my work. Hold on, lets see, can I do it, yes, here we go:


"I can fix it, my old man is a television repairman, he's got an awesome set of tools"--Jeff Spicoli

 

Yo Pete..teach me too!!!!! I been thinkin about polishin some stuff on my 300EX just for fun.

 

Peter,

It appears that when you have some spare time I'm going to have to hit you up...the Hayabusa's frame is screaming to be polished!

Dan

 

Hey Peter B, sweet quad!
But, where in the heck do you show a four wheeler? At car shows, MX races?

Just wonderin'

 

Can anything be done to the stock pipes??? I use the eagle One never dull, it does OK, but nothing spectacular. Is it one of those things where you should just keep rubbing and rubbing and rubbing........?????

 

Slapshot,the best thing I've found so far is to clean them with with Ceramabrite from the appliance section at Home Depot and then polish with Mother's Polish.These were suggested on here by others and after trying it,I agree.