Just bought my first SKS (Thanks Snobooger!) and am looking to really make the tunnel shine.

I've heard to start with Speedy Metal Polish and then clean up with some Mothers.

What do you guys suggest?

Hey, glad i could get you on a longtracker! :fluffy: :fluffy: :fluffy:
:banana: now i get to have fun and do some shopping too!

what, the sled wasn't clean enough already? :wut60:

i didn't really have a chance to clean her up for you, but i used to just spray some carb cleaner ona rag and rub the tunnel. usually takes off most of the oxidation. however, your method would really make her shine...never really thought of trying that!

(maybe on the new Switch!) :div20:

No offense intended Josh! Sled was awesome, however I want to be able to see myself in the tunnel once I'm done polishing it!

I've heard this speedy metal polish is awesome and they've got a couple of products that really can clean up aluminum.

While you're reading this Josh, when was the last time you cleaned the power valves? Should I inspect/clean before the first ride?


Anyone else? What's your method for making the tunnel shine?

I never checked them this spring. i cleaned them probably 4 times last winter, but im sure after the occasional start-up this summer, they are likely gummed up a bit. I would pull them, check and clean them and you will know for sure that things are A-OK! careful with the gaskets...they can be tough to get loosened and tear like paper!

mothers polish and a whole lot of elbow grease :div20:

i like to use flitz,and a power buffer with an old wool pad.

White DIamonds and a smaller buffer and a few Power Balls both big and small versions.. the buffer eats up a lot of pads but gives a good finished product..

metal armor polish. www.metalarmor.net. little more spendy than mothers but worth evey penny . a lot less rubbing than mothers. and a lot less work to mantain the shine.

I will have to give that stuff a try

Get anywhere on that thing yet? Im curious to see what results you get. I may have to do sime rubbin' of my own!

Thanks for all of the tips boys...

Project "Tunnel Mirrorization" is underway but as you all know takes a long ass time to complete. Not to mention I've worked 17 hour days this whole week at work... I started last sunday on the project and the polisher is sitting in the same position since I set it down sunday night!!!!

A tonne of work to do still, but I've got a case of beer, the Tigers game (come on VERLANDER!!!!), and an oxidized tunnel to keep me busy tonight... sounds PERFECT!!!!

FYI. The process will be Sled Brite aluminum cleaner from Rec Leisure(the guys over there swear by it), then some "Trucker's Choice Aluminum cleaner" followed by Speedy Metal Polish and then Mothers wax to seal it! I'll be able to check my look in my tunnel before I head into the Moose Jaw Junction when all is said and done...


Josh,
I'll post pics as soon as she's complete. You'll want her back once I'm done with her. How's the new 600 Switch?

the swtich LOOKS good! waitin for snow, ya know! i got lots planned for her, but need to make the time to get down there and get it all decked out. Install windshield and bag, can, maybe the SLP airbox and flowrites, all my GPS crap, gotta get a 12V outlet on there, oil caddy's courtesy of JCM700, perhaps a little polishing! you know, the basics!

I did mine in a ltitle over 1 hours time with 0000 steel whool and finished it with mothers.

Steel wool? I would be afraid to try that, but if you say it works good?! I might try it underneath to see if the scratches show.


What are you guys using to seal the finish so it doesn't get all funked up right away? Are you sealing with a lacquer or a wax?

44 days til we can legally ride here.

Well, the Tigers shit the bed last night, so I had lots of time to clean it up. I think it went pretty well and the tunnel is really shining. I'm just wondering how long that shine will last!!!

Next step: either shine up the heat shield or get the entire pipe/can ceramic coated...decisions, decisions...

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What does sks stand for?

Snow King Special

Not just steel wool, 0000 steel wool. It is super fine. A lot of antique wood refinishers use it between coats of polyurethane. I usally wet sand it a bit with 1000 grit as well. The steel wool just helps to remoe the dirt, grim and oxide before getting after it with the polish.

Below is a picture of my 440 after I poished it.

Well, I might need to give it a trial .

Although I feel much more comfortable trying brass or bronze wool first. just the hardness of steel bothers me compared to a rubbing compound based polish.

I had real good results polishing an aluminum boat with a low-speed buffing wheel on a drill with some off-name metal polish once, But the boat only cost me $100.00 not near $10,000.00

The old SKS looks pretty damn good! you may have to elaborate on your technique!

Alright, here goes.

Started with Sled brite aluminum cleaner. Just spray on and wipe off. It gets a lot of the surface dirt out of the way. That's about all though.

Then used Trucker's Choice aluminum cleaner from the Speedy Metal line up. Just apply with a moist rag and then wipe off after a few minutes with a clean rag. This stuff gets all of the dirt and oxidation out. Works incredibly well.

Finally, Speedy Metal polish to get the shine. Same thing, clean dry cloth to apply and then polish out with another clean dry rag.

I used a power buffer in places I could (mostly the inner flat part of the tunnel) and it worked really well but if you can stand it, by hand will do just fine!

Took me a couple of hours (and a case of beer) with a buddy as we did both of our tunnels. Both sleds look mint and we don't want to get them dirty just yet! haha

Be sure to tape off all stickers on the tunnel... sorry Josh, Calvin just had to go!!!

Best of luck with the new Switch... I expect to see spotless tunnel pics up soon! haha

All we need now is snow!

http://www.speedymetalpolish.com/ --> great stuff, ships to you in about 3-5 biz days.

I've talked to a few guys that have used a product called Zoop Seal after polishing. Sounds like it might be something to consider.
Zoop Seal