Cleaning Motorcycle Parts

Question: I have a small vibratory tumbler (designed for gun casings). I would like to use it to clean and polish small parts from motorcycles as I restore them. This would include nuts, bolts and washers (steel, stainless steel, brass) and some aluminum parts. I assume a variety of media would be needed -- can you please let me know which media I should get?

Response: Small motorcycle parts can be cleaned using either a wet or dry process. Vibratory tumbling the parts with Corn Cob Grit in a dry process will remove the soils (oil, grease, etc.) and leave the parts clean. Depending on how dirty the parts are and what type of surface finish is required, a dry tumbling process can be up to 6 hours or even longer.

A wet process using a Ceramic Media such as a 3/16" x 3/8" KM (general purpose bond) Angle Cut Cylinder with a general purpose compound such as Kramco 1010 will degrease the parts, remove light rust (if any) and leave the parts clean. This process is typically a maximum of 1-2 hours. It is important to make sure that the vibratory tumbler being used is able to handle the weight of Ceramic Media.

Motorcylce Parts Restoration

Question: I'm restoring my '78 Honda. The frame has some small areas of rust that need to be cleaned and repainted. Also, the aluminum engine cases and covers have light corrosion that I'd like to remove and leave a polished effect. What can I use to achieve the highest polish? I have a spot blaster with a 1/4" steel nozzle.

Response: The smoothest, most uniform finished can be accomplished with Glass Bead. By blasting perpendicular to the surface a peened, bright finish can be achieved with the larger grades of Glass Bead. The finer grades will produce a more uniform, matte finish that can be polished to a high shine.

Motorcyle Parts

Question: I want to clean/polish an aluminum motorcycle engine. Would walnut shell be the best media for the job? I want a clean, lightly polished look typical of stock bikes.

Response: Walnut Shell Grit will clean the surfaces relatively well but will not have an impact on the surface finish. A Medium-Fine or Fine Glass Bead will clean the metal and leave a satin-like finish on the surface.