how to polish/clean up engines and other tarnished metal on trikes

[JasonB]

I have looked around and always wondered about the best way to polish up a motor or any of the related parts on a trike. Does anyone have any real pointers on this? I was hoping to not have to actually get out a polishing wheel and start sanding/polishing stuff if there was an easier way around it. I dont want a mirror finish, just a factory clean look! thoughts? can I use andthing besides sopa and water, like could I use a steel wool pad and then protect it afterwards with a light coat of engine oil rubbed into everything to keep from rusting? I dont know, I have never done this before and Im just trying to be creative about a good way to make the build look good without puling the engine apart to chrome the cases and everything else on the bike that looks dull after 25 years of riding :D

any constructive help is greatly appreciated! thanks!

Jason

[Headsup]

Funny i just was thinking of this about 2 weeks ago, I went out and got some metal and paper 150 80 and 50 and sanded away..

Looks very nice though. Except for the spots i couldnt get. I recomend getting a sander.

[Bretmd94]

Simple Green gets some of the "baked on" dirt stains out real well and it's friendly. ;)

WD40 does wonders on a motor, brings back that shiny black look. Just keep in mind that sand will stick to it.

Pledge is amazing on plastics too

These are just to give bikes a quick shine.

[dream3wheeler]

3M metal finishing pads. used it on all the metal including the engine on my yt175. actually i used it on the plastic as well and then waxed it. look at the pictures on my profile.

[JasonB]

thanks! I have wire wheeled ALOT of stuff for my 83R and now im doing my 86R and I want everything to look great. Still tearing it apart for Powder coating right now. im excited!!!!