My Secret Weapon For Making Aluminum Look Amazing!

Scotch Brite Wheels cjn.mx/pads
★CR250 Parts List www.prymemx.co...
★Tools I Used on CR250 www.prymemx.co...
I came across this rubber sanding drum in the shop recently and it turned out to be my secret weapon for making aluminum look amazing!
-Cameron
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cjn.mx/camequip
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[@Profabdesigns]

Hi Cam, I know your vids are probably a few old with editing, but use parafin(candle wax) because it isn’t as sticky and does not allow the aluminum to break down the aluminum oxide as fast. Also, get a medium to firm rubber sanding blocks will help conform to the shape and produce an awesome finish. Last step is triple 000 or 0000 steel wool pads, and will give the aluminum a crazy brightly polished finished look. Way shiny than what you had(and it looked great too. Scotch bright wheels are 320-400 grit, and can tend to be pretty rough. Light gray scotch pads are 1about 600 grit. That’s why I use the 0000 steel wool pads and a bit of WD-40 or Marvel Mystery oil as it will lube the process and keep the metal from loading up on you. I’ve been a Machinist a very long time(38 yrs). I know how how to polish anything even clear plastic. Your doing a great job, and. The little hints will take you up a level or two. Try the 0000 steel wool pads from Home Depot/Lowe’s just by them selves, you’ll see exactly what I’m saying. Good luck brother, Dean.

[@skylandf9439]

ProfabDesignd Inc. Any advice on how to polish a motorcycle windscreen 93 Honda CBR900RR

[@andries4561]

Replying late but in another video he mentioned that he intentionally did not want a more polished look than this. Also because the polished look requires more effort to keep it that way

[@multishit6664]

With white diamond polished aluminum is easy. Any good polishing compound can make aluminum like a mirror. Even if you just want it brushed looking.. seal it with something to keep off oxidization.

[@thecentralscrutinizer5105]

Sounds like experience here, ok once you get that great aluminum look...How does one _"KEEP"_ it looking great??... there a coating of some type?

[@coryg7154]

@@thecentralscrutinizer5105 cerakote mc-5100

[@endlessprogression9543]

Good lord where would we be without you Cam! 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️ SO Blessed, having such great content available to those like me trying to revive our rides!!!! Forever thankful for your effort.

[@georgeradabaugh3387]

Did anyone elses audio cutout

[@Billy28376]

Yes wtf is that about.

[@dwightschrute3862]

When the audio gets copyright striked, it cuts it out

[@jasonyz2504]

When this build is done it will be the cleanest nicest bike I have ever seen. 💯. Good job man. Keep it up.

[@sciencemilitia1853]

Don't wanna take too much off the top of some cast aluminum parts though. That outermost part of the aluminum is harder than the internal parts, because it cools faster after the casting opens up when its made. Its called the "skin". And it adds a lot to the strength of a part.

[@aido_supermoto]

these build and teardown videos are my favourite on youtube by far

[@djmystery7235]

This bike is probably 10lb’s lighter from sanding alone 😂

[@intoxicatedaer0783]

hey man here's a tip for your finishing. buy a hand held buffer with some cutting paste. you will easily buff out the light scratches in the alloy and maybe even buff off the paint on the swing arm, the friction created is enough to strip paint off cars! Great content as always stay blessed brother peace.

[@jarekalatie5829]

I can't wait what a bike look when it's ready👌

[@trevormcguinness7334]

Keep up the good work on the build!!

[@spencerkipp7123]

Hey I have a good way to get aluminum to shine up almost like chrome. If you use mothers aluminum polish on a rag or on a buffing wheel and go over your parts once you clean them up like you did it will make it look 10 times better!

[@blazbencic5453]

You are a mad man....when this CR will be finished it will deserve to be in honda museum in japan

[@AuMechanic]

I got a belt attachment for the grinder that has a platen on top and a small rubber wheel on the front edge that is great for tight spots Belt change is just flipping the lever on it so I use a bunch of different ones to suit the material. Its got a disc on the side too. They are pretty common and cheap, bolts on quickly. Bit safer then working on the wheel that is attached directly the the motor axle, that rubber one could get a good hold of anything loose. Other end of the grinder motor Ive got a buff taper thread with rag buffs for SS and Ali and various grades of rouge, I use the green on the Ali gives a good finish. Post buffing I spray it with kitchen spray cleaner that washes all grit out of the surface rinsing in water, leaves a mirror finish.

[@giorgiotarga8865]

Cameron the type of dude to use scotch brite on his girlfriend

[@keithtarrier4558]

Maybe she would like it... :)

[@hreindustries]

maybe she need a trip to the ER

[@TNTMOTO]

after he dunks her in Mag wheel cleaner. :)

[@firstmkb]

But not the coarse red grade, the softer gray one!

[@marcspencer800]

Now that’s love

[@tonyd7164]

I just ordered another batch of your red 8 inch scotch brite pads. I friggin love those things. I ran my last batch down to the nub on my bench grinder. They really do make aluminum look awesome. I refinished the forks on one of my bikes and then clear coated them. Looks killer! glad I found your videos. Thanks!

[@CameronNiemela]

Thank you Tony! Happy to hear feedback on the pads, I've been using them for years and glad I could source them for you guys.

[@addsxxx2727]

What r these grit or size grade r these pads. U said u use 2

[@tndeere]

I cut those scotch bright pads into about 2 inch diameter circle and use them with my Dremel tool to get into tight spots

[@jacksoncollins7776]

Hands down the BEST bike build channel on KZbin! You go over the top, keep up the amazing work!

[@aaronhowe3523]

Couldn't you lacquer the parts to prevent oxidation? I wouldn't expect them to stay looking like that for very long without it. It would make them a bit shinny but better that than losing all the hard wok you put into them.

[@saltysealion]

I just discovered your videos. DAAAAMN. I love your work, very helpful. Keep it coming! Do you use any liquids when sanding with the power tools?

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks Kevin! Occasionally I'll use a lubricant with certain abrasives.

[@bryce86777]

Good attention to detail. I like you you just got in there and did it. I stripped a cbr 900rr by sanding what I could, used oven cleaner on the swing arm. Sanded through 2000 grit and polished to a mirror. Looked good, but I will never do that again!

[@TNTMOTO]

Nice to see you kept the aluminum look. I think it looks better than the polished mirror finish that a lot of people go with.

[@tater2597]

Love the list of supplies in the description! Very helpful.

[@CafeRacerGarage]

This is awesome brother, I will definitely do this on my current build and give you a shout out when I do, thank you for the tip

[@64maxpower]

As a first step I used a 4 1/2 inch grinder with a scotchbrite. It was easy moving the tool around the part rather the other way around. Still needed hand work but got the nasty finish off quickly

[@tigtrager6923]

Not bad. About 10 years ago I did similar when I ported and polished the plenum on my 1988 TPI Corvette.

[@anything7441]

I used to do TONS of this. It does matter which direction you sand for various angles. If your going to polish. Besides that : McGuire’s. Aluminum rim spray works well after sanding. Then ZEP 5 Star polish and buff it off. Then rim sealer for brake dust. Really depends. If you try to do a great job it will look bad. Just do a fine antiquing. You always keep going back to your effort for touch ups bi weekly it’s a big hobby.

[@fzlsalim]

Can't wait for the mad Honda to be back in one piece!

[@huskymoto4713]

Love those Video Style because no One is shouting or talking 2 minutes of shit which doesnt even bother others youre the man boi🔥

[@paulmader1052]

They came up awesome I love doing stuff like that as well

[@andrewb2474]

Much respect for how you are very picky with your work!

[@chrisarmstrong7678]

Can’t wait to see the bike when it’s done!

[@fearless4590]

Question for Cameron and everybody else. How would you get rid of a minor scratch on the swing arm of a Honda CBR? I heard you saying the swing arm is anodized so I’m not sure if I can fix only a small area and treat is somehow afterwards. How would you fix it? Im thinking that using the cartridge tools should be enough. Thanks

[@mitch9186]

Can you do a vid on your pressure washing cabinet. Did you make it yourself?

[@wayneflint8077]

Finish off with 8" felt wheel and green compound then a soft cotton polishing wheel. Craytex rubberised abrasive wheels are a handy gadget.

[@bloodfox567]

i enjoy watching the transformation. keep up the great vids, i watch them all!

[@jaredmartin3930]

Good work man, you have way more patience than I do. I know it’s very minimal but I don’t know how I feel about taking material off of my swing arm and linkage.

[@BuickDoc]

Try Trizact abrasives from 3M. Amazing finishes on steel. Have not tried it on Al...

[@justinbouillon4204]

Hi Cameron. Love the videos man . I'm busy working on a 1981 rm250x (complete restoration) . I have cleaned up various parts making them look new . Would a clear coat be useful in rust prevention? If not what do you use? I want to keep the look of pollished metal on some parts

[@roberttownsend3821]

This bike is going to look so good it's going to look better than it did brand new stock can't wait for the rest of this bike build great videos

[@coreypierce4888]

powder coat the triple clamps red

[@gabewilliams5993]

yessssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@andyyates2807]

pink

[@primetime1445]

Wheelie Everything yes

[@ThCrunch]

You might want to clear coat the parts so they don’t dull/tarnish. The casting texture helps to hide that

[@Arunry17]

Man, you put a lot of work, can't wait the final product

[@CamRSaws]

Always enjoying the videos

[@naomiclanton6967]

I prefer flap wheels on the buffer either 220 or 320 grit to knock down casting.Flap wheels on the dremel will also avoid most of the tendencies to cause an uneven surface.Its good to see different way to obtain the same outcome. Good vid.

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks! I'll give that a shot next time.

[@handsolo6241]

F.y.i, you can buy scotch Brite belts for a belt sander. Place it in a fixture and use it for a more consistent finish on large flat surfaces, like swingarms and frames. Love you videos. I really like restoring a.t.vs. Wish they had aluminum frames!

[@wvangus82]

KFX450R

[@l.r2330]

Powdercoat your tripleclamp too

[@kane401nz5]

I can’t wait to see the finished bike

[@kratcliffe5680]

Looks spot on bro 👍 Suprised you did this with the bearings in though. what you going to seal it with? otherwise that lovely finish is going to oxidise and your going to end up right back where you started

[@robertbuehler4619]

What would you recommend for preserving your work. I have polished up a few aluminum parts to a beutiful finish but was reluctant to spray on a coat of clear because that is what I typically have to remove before I polish. What would you recommend. Can you clear powder coat?

[@michor10]

I just recently discovered this channel. Great stuff, Cam!

[@CameronNiemela]

Thank You!

[@JB-xp8xl]

Use a cloth spiral wheel with Tripoli compound to finish to a mirror shine

[@michaelhafke4742]

Cameron, you are such a freaking perfectionist...I love it! Another killer video. 😊

[@johnslaughter7110]

I have the only existing Penn aluminum stepvan in the universe and would like to polish it out. How the heck would you tackle a job that size?

[@cameronciancanelli2944]

You should do a before and after on your tools set up

[@trainbuff3959]

Try a Scotch Bright Flap wheel next time. It will eliminate the sanding wheel process since it's a combination of sand paper and the Scotch Bright Pad itself in one product. It comes in various grits obviously and will make this job much easier and faster.

[@toddhowland890]

Hello. I’ve purchased your course and fine scotchbright wheels. Being new to buffing, what criteria do you use to determine when these wheels are worn out? I’m primarily polishing aluminum. Thank you.

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks for supporting the store Todd! The cleaning wheels will last as long as there's material left. They will wear down over time, but this exposes fresh material so the wheel works effectively as time goes on. Hope this helps!

[@bmocaby9747]

I bought both of the scotchbrite pads off your website last week and got too use them today. Honestly its mindblowing lol. It just drives me nuts because I can't get a consistent finish all the way over what I'm trying to do. Its gonna take some getting used too

[@CameronNiemela]

What kind of part and material are you using the pads on?

[@bmocaby9747]

Cameron Niemela triple clamps and swingarm. I'm thinking about getting some 600 grit and wet sanding them to get it even and then hitting them with a scotchbrite pad for the brushed machine look hopefully

[@CameronNiemela]

@@bmocaby9747 It's a bit tougher to get a consistent finish on larger parts with the wheel on the machine so try using the pads by hand for the final finish to get consistency.

[@quadeericsson7857]

You should powder coat the triple clamps the same red as the spring. I reeken on it will look awesome

[@hintzofcolorconcepts]

Brasso works great for polishing aluminum into a shiny chrome like finish.

[@SlipDior]

Great video once again! Can’t wait to see the build done. Do you have an estimate on when the build will be done?

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks! Man, I honestly have no idea. Still waiting on a lot of parts to show up.

[@noah_rides8260]

Can’t wait to see the final product of this project

[@jonharvey4295]

You could really benefit from a foredom rotary tool for the detailed bits. Nicer to use then the drill. Looks good tho keep it up!!!

[@tylerscott8173]

Good job brother. Looked hella good. Thanks for the klx clutch plated I ordered from your website. Definitely good quality used product for a good price. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for used parts that are in good condition!!!

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks man! I appreciate the kind words, happy to hear you're satisfied with the purchase.

[@hreindustries]

Have you sourced a seat cover for the build yet?

[@SalopianBivvyman]

So how do you keep it polished? I have a 1990 gsxr, completely polished to a mirror finish all over, in EVERY nook and cranny, its a pain keeping it clean using the bike. So what do you suggest to keep it looking good from road crud and mud etc?

[@blanedumas3892]

Really like the videos on the aluminum! Maybe next time the engine???

[@itsmesavage7371]

You should powder coat swingarm black or red!!! I think it should come out amazing !🔥

[@thatdesertmoto4923]

This bike going to look great

[@colesasso8877]

Cr 15 I know right

[@williambeck1858]

You shore your not strength out of the welds sanding the welds down like that should look sweet though once finished can’t wait to see it

[@razvanpascu6771]

You should use some cerakote clear aluminium on top

[@matthewpowell5789]

Hey cam what grit sand paper are you using? I have a swing arm that I'm trying to restore with some pretty bad road rash.

[@gunner1387]

What grit is the cartgidge roll your using?

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

15:00 you’re getting a lot of abrasive residue in those bearings, I hope you cleaned or replace them?

[@Hts427]

Please tell me where you get the drill bit scotch Brite I need that so bad!!!

[@jyelittle5884]

do another rm125!!!!!!!!! A tear down video.

[@Aspired329]

Now need buffing wheels and rouge to finalize, well and another days time.

[@Andrey-hv4co]

How long it would stay in such shape ?

[@dirtbikevlogs5572]

Great video Cameron keep up the good work

[@mikemaxwell3005]

To take paint off aluminum you can use oven cleaner just don't leave on too long it will dissolve your aluminum.

[@fire2fuse]

Nice vid man. Do you plan on doing the frame and subframe?

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks! The frame and sub frame have been cleaned up in several other videos.

[@fire2fuse]

Oh ok cool

[@jurajkovac1770]

i really looking forward for bike build itself, i hope i will see it soon. :D

[@Justin-mo6uv]

Amazing...how Shiny! Its better than new👍👍👍

[@jackwormald6379]

you should spray the swing-arm chrome it would look insane

[@brentanco]

I’m so keen to see this bike finished ahha, can’t imagine how you feel

[@riderrm2505]

Wow that’s a lot of work but it’s looking awesome!

[@Madskills810]

Cameron, Great videos as always. Can you tell me where you can find a sanding wheel like the one in this video? Thanks,

[@P081756]

Wow, the result is amazing 👍

[@dominicvitale7866]

Love the cleaning videos really helping me know how to floss my new used 03 cr125 that is filthy 👍good stuff

[@socalxr811]

What brand vapor blaster do you have? Where did you get it?

[@matiassiffredi1096]

Que bueno que traduzcas los videos a español mr encantan tus videos seguí así saludos desde argentina,buenos aires

[@blowme5150]

Whats that black polishing wheel called?

[@chadrack7617]

You should powdercoat the clamps the same candy red as your hubs!

[@thareal1318]

Can’t wait for the next video!!

[@gijsdekruijf6000]

Really good video an greetings from holland!

[@Illusive23]

how do you remember what nut a bolt goes where when rebuilding a bike I find it hard to remember where everything goes

[@madddog1411]

great stuff man wish my bike would have parts that clean

[@nicholashayes2]

great job on parts!!

[@aussiedigger1441]

Damm that Shogun Honda is gunna look a million bucks! Great vid Cam.

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks!

[@wrenchone5003]

Braaap ...so clean bro.

[@2wheelpeel664]

CAMERON IS AWESOME