Cool, first one to post here!
One of the projects I plan on doing this winter is cleaning up the handlebars.

I have already replaced the housing and buttons from the stock black to pretty shiny chrome ones :D

I want to now buff and polish my lever brackets and brake resevior, from the black which it is now. In the process, i will put a new steel braided brake line to add on.

Anyone done any buffing to these parts? Time consuming? I think it'll have to be done mostly by hand. Should look good if get it like the mental picture I have.....

Thanks!

Hi Walt try with a dremel or similar rotary tool should make life easier but will still be a time consuming job.

Good idea, will try the dremel for sure, esecially when using the buffing compound to build up heat... Thanks

It is gonna suck. Polishing aluminum is tough and better left to the experts. Somehow those large polishing wheels just do the job better. Considerer a big wheel on a bech grinder for this job and hold on real tight so you don't shoot your parts across the room.(from experience) Use dremel for corners you could not reach. It will look great when done but getting there will take a while. Also suggest using aircraft stripper on paint. Dont get it on the site glass orelse you will never be able to see though it again. Just a few words of caution. If you don't have a lot of time to do it right you might want to look from chrome pretties on ebay instead. You might find your labor was $1 and hour savings when done. Good luck

I give all the Parts to a shop to be chromed. Its not expensive and look better then polishing all the small stuff

There are plenty of polished replacements around as well if your trying to stay away from the chrome

Chrome parts for Harley are so plentiful, and polishing parts is such a pain in the buttocks. Although I know the value of a good, time consuming winter project (I'm Canadian), for the hassle and cost, consider chromed parts.

Ok, in that case You are right. The only Problem is to get that polished parts shiny all over the year. I remember my first Harley's ( Shovel BT's) I ever had this Problem. To chrome them costs me Complete with Reservoir, Levers and the Housings about 100 $.

Great input...thanks. I knew it was going to be a pain and time consuming, but I didn't mind the time consumming part so much, good excuse to get outs the house, and demonstrate some effective time managamnet! :D :D :D

My buddy (where my bike is stored) has his project sportster tore apart and is about 70 % finished with polishing his frame, and it's looking sweet! Guess I kinda got the bug from seein his finished product.

I'm already thinking about my winter projects...maybe new bars and chromed control covers with braided steel cables. Also thinking about raking out the front.

You had to go really far in the way back machine to find this thread. November 2004. That's gotta be some kind of record.

Sorry, Mr. Peabody...That's what happens when you search and drink...

http://beyondtherim.meisheid.com/wp-images/wayback.jpg