[NuckaMan]

I'm about to start a winter project by stripping my ol' trusty mountain bike to the bone and rebuilding her, from the ground up, new paint included.

One idea I'm playing with is, keeping the frame unpainted.

Other then a couple healthy coats of clearcoat....anything else I need to protect the frame from the elements. I've seen bare aluminum frames before, from the factory, and I always thought it looked pretty cool. From what I could tell, all they did was clearcoat it....true?

Also, what would you recommend as a paint stripper? Chemical or good ol' fashioned elbow grease and sandpaper.

Thanks.

 

[sausagedog]

i got mine stripped then polished with very fine wire wool then next all iam going to do is just put the stickers on it then try and work out the carnuba wax idea, some say this is all thats needed.as it coats the ali.

 

[NuckaMan]

whats the carnuba wax idea?

thanks for the response

 

[IWantanFBody]

Not to be a tool but there are quite a few threads that were started regarding this and actually I've considered doing this. Haven't started yet so I really can't offer any advice.

Is Paint Stripping OK?

Clearcoating a Raw Aluminum Frame

How should i finish a "raw aluminum" frame?

Paint stripping/works finish

Hope all these links worked out and that they all help. If I find more I'll let you know.

 

[NuckaMan]

IWantanFBody-

Thanks for doing the leg work for me. Good links to help me out.

 

[ColonelCash]

i got mine stripped then polished with very fine wire wool then next all iam going to do is just put the stickers on it then try and work out the carnuba wax idea, some say this is all thats needed.as it coats the ali.

I'd look at Collinite's Metal Wax, it's a great product and will fare much better than the carnuba wax in the elements. Collinite is known around the boating and car detailing world as one of the longest lasting waxes on the market. This one is liquid form, should run you about $15 for a bottle.

http://www.collinitemarine.com/products.htm#850

 

[savagemann]

my buddy uses Never Dull. neat stuff