Polishing her jugs... the old school way to bring some shine to your

The old ‪@harleydavidson‬ chopped sportster I bought hasn't been loved on in a while, so we are fixing things as we go along, but I decided to shine up on the rocker box covers a bit to try and bring them back. I could always put chrome ones on, but that's more money, and honestly I like the look of polished metal. Does she come all the way back? Eh...
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#HarleyDavidson
#Sportster
#Chopper
#Evo
#DIY
#WadPolish
#Steelwool
#000

[@joezednick3197]

Before the wadding polish, we used "Simichrome" ,,,,,comes in a small tube like toothpaste and works well. If you work it enough it will bring that aluminum to almost a chrome. That was in the 60s,,,,but you can still buy it.

[@proud56]

Joe is right you should give the simichrome a chance. I used it in the 70’s on my sporty. The results reflect on how much you want to put to put into it. Still have it on my shelf as I used it on my shovel before I sold it. Good luck, and get that bike running!

[@LMULLIKIN44]

Used Never Dull in the Navy to shine the brass, great stuff.

[@nbt3663]

Brasso for me. Lol GoNavy!

[@paulgrogan8032]

Me too shipmate😁⚓

[@troyridder2472]

When Monkey showed the can, I could smell it from here! Lots of memories there.

[@johnnyjones6713]

Blue magic has been my go-to for years! Even works on blueing exhaust and discoloration. Also wonderful for plastic and microfiber towels that may fall onto your hot exhaust. Don't ask lol....I just handpolished my lowers with it and a polishing wheel for a drill will save tons of time and your shoulders and hands. I AM NOT a rep for the company but if your listening I'd sure like to be!!! It also leaves a waxed surface to prevent it from dulling again. Once a year in spring I completely do the whole bike. After that ammonia free Windex or F11 will maintain it. ALSO not a rep for F11 but would love to be if your listening......we spoke at Bike Week lol

[@alpetschel69]

That's the way we polish our brass in the Marines

[@alpetschel69]

My privilege

[@GearHead-Moto]

We used braso at Parris Island.

[@alpetschel69]

That's not how I was taught in 1st battalion

[@LadyTam55]

Just got home yesterday here in high desert AZ from 2400 miles on my trike thru NM and all over back roads of Oklahoma. Hot but saw some beautiful green grass and water. It's been dry here for to many years. Lots of fires going here in AZ.

[@PhoenixCustomsWoodworking]

I use very fine steel wool and white diamond metal polish. It works well for any aluminum

[@geronimomadmartin3499]

My dad gave me 000 when I was 8yo so I could polish the spokes and rims on my Mongoose. I thought that everyone knew about it, until now that is.

[@benallen9987]

Beauty before function. I suffer the same illness but she looks gorgeous. Can’t wait to continue this journey with ya after your trip to Sturgis

[@brucestark2458]

They do look nice! much better! Now, the Primary cover! LOL

[@araneaetvelivolum1086]

Great video, thanks for teaching me something I can actually use. I like the character of the covers and wouldn't change them for anything new. Keep the can from your grandpa. I wish I had something that cool from my granddad. Stay and ride safe.

[@jamessexton2423]

I was a pro Harley detailer at a dealership for 6yrs. Never dull was always in detail bay. Im very familiar with the struggle of opening the can. Hahaha. After the never dull if you go back over it with Mothers you could get more shine. Love the vid. Brought back memories.

[@streetmovper9621]

Looks so much better. Love the raw look.

[@gaetanoassetta3341]

Love never dull. I fee your pain with lid welding itself to the container. You almost whip the muscle off your wrist opening it LOl

[@Frostytravels]

Started working on bikes with steel wool and never dull. Man things have changed, but the old stuff still works. Good video

[@vangoodwin7335]

you bring back bad memories to this old grunt. Army and polishing brass! The PX sold never dull brass insignia, was never allowed by command to have that on our uniforms. Looks good Brother. Pride in elbow grease. Hoka Hey

[@HairyMTB]

As long as she looks loved, what more can you ask for.

[@LoRdOfCoRpSeS]

When I was in the navy I found a can of that same brand of wadding polish in some dark corner in the bottom of the ship I polished all(and I mean all) the brass in the engine room. Amazing stuff.

[@mrmatt7210]

Wenol Automotive Metal Polish works well for me. The tooth fairy always delivered polished coins to my house.

[@nbt3663]

Never a dull moment! Really enjoying your perspective on things!

[@UltraLimitedHD]

You were looking for "aluminum oxidizes". Also steel wool can be got in #0000 grade, also called super fine.

[@lts0113]

Thanks for the info. You ARE fun to watch!! Careful of that SPIKE!!! LOL

[@davidfellows6250]

We used to get cases and jugs at swap meets so bad i started out with sandpaper and files. And at the end of that mothers. At least I've been using that for a shitload of years. I don't remember what it was but my neighbor had something he bought from Harley that was very good polish.

[@onlyhereonce7290]

I feel the same way. Nothing better then-polished. To me it has a bit more class. And looks it.

[@kevinbryant6529]

You can use the wadding dipped into mothers mag & aluminum polish to get even better results. Love your videos

[@Hrafn81]

Yup, there is a lot of "lost arts" in maintenance. The wheels on my fxcwc is in aluminium, I don't think the previous owners ever polished them. Elbow grease and Autosol (on a cloth or a sponge) made them look almost chrome. And I finish with wax to seal them, so I can slack a little longer before I do this again. (Also a lot easier to do when the wheels are of getting new tires). I'll admit, it's tempting to try and spray them Blitz Black... (Or the only John Deere black paint we get here in Norway, almost Blitz Black)

[@ricksutton4296]

Polishing on dad's old 78 super glide AMF You got the memories flow

[@steveledbetter9579]

No , rob it slower then faster !!! Oh yeah polish it good LOL .. I worked at a place and we had the machine that I used on my Yamaha it was nice if have one then I sprayed some clear paint on the finish to make it last longer. See you tonight . 😎👍

[@bearmeister9899]

When I was on the Motor Unit I was using that stuff and someone yelled, "Are you using an SOS pad on that??" After they saw the results I got a few guys using this stuff on their bikes. Works awesome!!

[@mitchelladams7930]

1958 Plymouth Fury, Bad to the Bone!

[@coltfontenot7474]

Aluminum foil balled up works great on weathered/ rusty chrome too

[@shanecoker8566]

My first Harley was a 2001 softail standard I bought new and every winter I’d spend hours polishing all the bare metal getting ready for Daytona. Man I miss that bike not the polishing but the bike. 🍻

[@petewoodfine2100]

That stuff does get a bit smelly if its been on the shelf a while. I have used a brand of Brasso, the wadding one is called Duraglit. Whatever you use it stinks. Q tips with the liquid is good for small hard to reach areas. I used autosol cream cleaner on chrome, similar smell.

[@justin.s9783]

i used 000 wool on crankshafts in the factory i used to work at to get surface rust off them or when cleaning the machine slides. good vid

[@NokternaL1]

Wizards polish is where its at.

[@scruffy4647]

Battery tray could use some attention too.

[@halz7]

Have you ever used Simichrome metal polish, it does wonders on polishing aluminum.

[@johnisaz]

Totally called it with the "I wonder how many of you people are laughing at me right now" threw me off because I thought somehow you could hear the laughter lol

[@jackscott1386]

not my bike but I would leave the purple frame, black tins and then you set someone up for a great canvas for some sweet pinstriping! love the videos man

[@Steven1Cicero]

Simichrome and 0000 steel wool works great for that also, Hit it with a new piece of 0000 steel wool dry after the wipe brings out even more shine.

[@toddedson5782]

You can also use a very fine wet and dry sand paper and spray a little kero on the alloy just for a bit of lubricant then rub in one direction. It will come up a treat. Love the channel from Australia

[@mikedanaher3413]

If you want them to polish up like chrome you definitely need a wheel polisher and rouges. You can definitely get them close with neverdull. Great stuff.

[@jimwortham8634]

Thanks so much for video old fart here spent a lot of time polishing triumph motorcycle cases looks much better than chrome

[@Ad3Collins]

I Tip for Glass News paper & Vinegar. cleans really well.

[@ThePNWRiderWA]

We used to take steel wool that was coarse and did it all in one direction and get the brushed aluminum look. Works well if there is pitting.

[@DWinthekeys]

Used 0000 steel wool to take surface rust off my chrome. Spray a bit of water on the chrome and then rub gently. Works amazing!

[@preacheradams5216]

I did not know that. Thank you for passing it on.

[@dougwilson9636]

I agree and also love the look of polished aluminum vs chrome. It has a depth that chrome cannot replicate. My Ultra Limited is all chromed out from the factor and looks good, but the new Electra Glide Standard with the polished rockers and cam cover etc. looks fabulous. I use Autosol paste for polishing metal. One tube will last about ten years and with a little elbow grease, the results are amazing. Thanks for all the great videos!

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

If you ever get the chance try comparing nickle plating to chrome. Way harder to maintain but way nicer. Polished aluminum also depending on the grade and actual polishing process also gets fairly close to chrome. Polished magnesium and titanium are beautiful.

[@ecrusch]

"Simichrome" metal polish dies a better job than wadding polish and is half the work. Promise, Monk.

[@jamessexton2423]

I second that. That stuff is real good on some non chrome aluminum surfaces. Especially with a mothers power ball or power cone. Just be ready for splatter.

[@05RangerXLT]

I used 0000 steel wool on most of my chrome, works great, had good luck with meguiars or chemical guys for polishing aluminum but a drill or polisher really makes a big difference in final results

[@DWinthekeys]

Also, when I was driving trucks, I always kept a can of bartender’s friend handy. Rub the metal polish into the metal, then put some of the powder on your rag when you rub the polish out.

[@fatboyslim95gaming52]

Nice thanks for that cause I’m definitely getting a used bike for my first so this will prolly come in handy

[@jdreyno1958]

Never dull is great stuff!

[@sevensinsvelocityshop7563]

I use white Diamond metal polish with the steel wool and it shines everything up really fast

[@BoDean52]

You had me at polish

[@redneckwithajeep5001]

Well I honestly wish I knew about this when I had my sportster even though I did try polishing

[@toddgittins5692]

Rouge. At a polishing shop they actually start with sandpaper, before they buff. It's high dollar, on old beat up aluminum. Ask me how I know.

[@truckinbiker]

Looks awesome man. I'd leave it just like that

[@HarleyFatBoyJr]

I like um as is. Keep that old school look. 🔥

[@timbarnett3898]

Old school way to get shinny chrome? Get the Favored Lady to get out her soft cloths an chrome polish, haha!

[@rarebreed9208]

0000 steel wool and then polish with Mother's®️ aluminum polish. For really f'ed up aluminum, lightly soap and water sand with 1800 grit sandpaper. The 0000 steel wool can also be used to remove surface rust on chrome without damaging the chrome. Follow with Turtle Wax®️ or your favourite chrome polish.

[@crazyeyez1502]

Gotta do that to my whole bike....

[@beerbottlebaby]

SOS Pads and Dawn, been during that shit for years.

[@ess_glide4427]

Just want to say that I watch all your videos and I don’t always comment but appreciate you.

[@Wind.Road.Therapy]

Great tip. See you tonight

[@animalcajun6121]

I'm ready to party tonight 🤪

[@jeremybrisky7433]

Ready for the party tonight.... in the four corners of new Mexico Farmington area if the old man needs anything

[@peterstewart6186]

This is an awesome tip I have an 08 electra glide standard I've been trying to get shinier lol definitely going to try this thanks Monk God Bless

[@keithmacris2182]

For those spots that are stubborn and don't polish as well as the rest of the area you are shining up use ketchup and let dry then rub clean it works well. And has usefulness in jewelry and other metals. Use on old penny to prove how it works for yourself

[@LadyTam55]

The Oxide in old pant on the older cars and bikes that not been clean forever use goop hand cleaner in the sun as you let it sit 5 minutes or so then just wipe off with a old tee shirt. Try it before you say anything. Be sure to get the goop without the sand in it or whatever that ruff stuff is. Been using on older pant jobs for many years and yes I am getting older.

[@larrycrouse]

Wickled metal polish works amazing you can pick it up at most truck stops a little 3x3 inch square piece carpet works better than ooo steel wool

[@kellumreynolds6113]

Put the never dull in mothers and then rub it on there you will see a difference in the shine

[@paule.maurice1521]

You've got the look down ... Allen screws a big plus Chrome would look ' added on '

[@homegrownson]

I had a 1976 Goldwing in Yellow for 29 years and I lived Old School Wad Polishing until my fingers looked Dark and Bike was Shiny. Then would use Rejex a polymer to seal it so for 6 months could do a Wash and blow with yard Blower and be ready for Show.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Rejex? I am gonna look into that.

[@homegrownson]

@@ProfessionalMonkey Goes on Easy comes off Just as easy and you will get 6 months to 1 year of protection, then its just rinse and yard blow and go for shows cruises and not spending your life polishing but once or twice a year, Think true value stocks it

[@animalcajun6121]

Awesome 👌

[@lesfowler9812]

If you had a new can of never dull it would almost look like chrome. I use it on my Spotify all the time.

[@adventuresofmattyb1386]

When you are doing the steel wall, are you doing that dry?

[@ronisley9716]

Your Dad used that Never Dull also. Us Marines know it well.

[@qthebikeahaulic]

Navy too like me

[@ALPALBURKE]

we all are a little sick from time to time well most of the time, and did i see a hint of your Nerd side on your tool box or should i say (Dark Side), Maybe you are Lord Vader.

[@bj2294]

You know simi.chrome is good too. Use right on the steel wool.

[@BamaTraveller]

To me the best choppers are sweaty! No polished chrome just simple, efficient and somewhat reliable. Okay, fixable...

[@HarleyFatBoyJr]

Damn looks good.

[@JoeBlow-lt5bq]

I use steel wool and wd 40

[@hookdog8640]

You better hope that chopper is no Christine. That movie car freaks me out

[@antoniostitches]

I see that Vintage Vinyl sticker in your toolbox…St. Louis?

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Born and raised!

[@southernstyle067]

When the never dull dries out. Put some brasso on it.

[@donaldwelch3831]

Armenhamer tooth paste will work also

[@guttyt2609]

Used Met-all Aluminum polish

[@RyDawg1904]

The mothers polish smells good. But don't leave it in a hot garage.

[@Droop_Moto]

annnnnd to take it to a more polished/chromeish look, 800 grit wet sandpaper, 1000 grit, then 3000 grit all wet, then polish with aluminum wad polish, or an all metal polish compound on a small buffer wheel attached to a speed control drill/buffer again, I'm old skool body/paint guy with a slight OCD issue....

[@toddgittins5692]

That's how the pros do it!

[@hookdog8640]

Use emery clothe it will even it out

[@jafo7909]

Don't drop that steel wool on your battery or leave it next to any battery. It will catch on 🔥

[@davehuber6296]

Lmao 🤣

[@davidbreen4727]

doesn't help me, i don't have a Harley, but that was funny, ha, goats ass, gotta say, never been that close to a goats ass. see you in about 15 minutes.

[@1eyedwilly632]

Whats the best way to polish up corroded forks?

[@rickyhawkins7407]

You were looking at it. .00 or .000 steel wool then some good quality metal polished to seal it. If you want more shine put a buffing pad on your drill and go at it. If they are raw aluminum they will look almost like chrome when done. Just use a good quality metal polish , Never Dull, Mother’s, Brasso, etc. Good luck.

[@jasondavis5456]

Forks will likely have a clear finish. If they are super rough hit with 800 then 1000 grit wet sandpaper then 0000 steel wool and wd40 before mothers mag and aluminum. I have yet to try brass wool but will be ordering some when I pull and polish the chrome spokes. Spokes are a real pain but you can never go wrong with a good pull and polish lol

[@1eyedwilly632]

@@rickyhawkins7407 thank you!

[@1eyedwilly632]

@@jasondavis5456 thank you!

[@ilovecarnitas]

So steel on aluminum? Hmm

[@scottjones5013]

I’m polishing my rocker box covers because my bike don’t run or turnover

[@Droop_Moto]

please... for the love of all things Holy, or Evil, swap out the rusted allen head bolts for black anodized!

[@Droop_Moto]

I say these things because I would like to do the same to mine, but cant afford them...

[@indianbill3123]

pull the engine already….do it right

[@hookdog8640]

O my jugs feel better. Lmao

[@Horazzify]

I like less refined looked. Looks more fun bike less show bikes

[@hookdog8640]

Someone send monkey an A/C unit for his Garage.