Motorcycle Detailing Advice Needed

[PandaSauce]

I'll be detailing a client's Indian motorcycle on Monday. It's a beautiful bike but it lives in a salty environment and hasn't been maintained all that well.

I'll have access to power on the job site but no pressurized water. I can bring 15 gallons though.

I'm planning on mostly using 3M chrome polish on a hex logic orange and/or white hand applicator as far as the chrome goes.

I need some tips for the wheels and areas that will be hard to reach with polish.

And what do you think about the seat? I'm thinking steak clean with a microfiber towel and trying a combination of zymol leather cleaner, conditioner, and HD Protect.

For the rust I'll probably use some 00 steel wool followed by 3M chrome polish again.

Any input would be much appreciated. This will only be my 3rd bike detail.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[custmsprty]

Better get a Mother's Power Ball. Man that bike is trashed! That chrome is history. Honestly I'd pass on that job. If you use steel wool on the rust you will regret it. That is pitted rust and the chrome is gone from road rash. You most likely end up removing the chrome where it's rusted. That's a basket case and if it were me I'd run, not walk from that job.

If you decide to do it make sure you get the guy to sign a blanket release absolving you of any damages as the bike has been severely neglected.

PS what qualifies me to say that?

My chromed out 1996 Custom Sportster / custmsprty:

 

[PandaSauce]

Better get a Mother's Power Ball. Man that bike is trashed! That chrome is history. Honestly I'd pass on that job. If you use steel wool on the rust you will regret it. That is pitted rust and the chrome is gone from road rash. You most likely end up removing the chrome where it's rusted. That's a basket case and if it were me I'd run, not walk from that job.

If you decide to do it make sure you get the guy to sign a blanket release absolving oyu of any damages as the bike has been severely neglected.

PS what qualifies me to say that?

My chromed out 1996 Custom Sportster / custmsprty:

Unfortunately I'm too new to this to reject jobs. This is also a return client who is motivated to have some other vehicles done so it would be a shame to turn all of that away with it. I've been realistic in telling him that things like the rust won't get much better, but I can apply some protectant to help prevent it from getting worse for a while.

 

[custmsprty]

Unfortunately I'm too new to this to reject jobs. This is also a return client who is motivated to have some other vehicles done so it would be a shame to turn all of that away with it. I've been realistic in telling him that things like the rust won't get much better, but I can apply some protectant to help prevent it from getting worse for a while.

Have you ever done a bike with the the chrome rusted out like that before? The chrome is gone on the forks tubes and when you hit that rust you will flake the surrounding chrome off and it will only get worse as you go along. Their is no protectant known to man kind that I know of will stop rust from getting worse, it's rust. It needs to be sand blasted and re chromed. I was a USAF Crew Chief and I was trained in rust inhibitors etc. But hey, you came here for advice you got mine. Good luck. Get that release signed.

 

[PandaSauce]

Have you ever done a bike with the the chrome rusted out like that before? The chrome is gone on the forks tubes and when you hit that rust you will flake the surrounding chrome off and it will only get worse as you go along. Their is no protectant known to man kind that I know of will stop rust from getting worse, it's rust. It needs to be sand blasted and re chromed. I was a USAF Crew Chief and I was trained in rust inhibitors etc. But hey, you came here for advice you got mine. Good luck. Get that release signed.

Don't get me wrong, I definitely appreciate the advice and will take it. I'm confident that I can get the pipes and headlight looking good. The client is aware that the rust won't be doing much without getting completely redone.

 

[custmsprty]

Don't get me wrong, I definitely appreciate the advice and will take it. I'm confident that I can get the pipes and headlight looking good. The client is aware that the rust won't be doing much without getting completely redone.

Bro, were all good. No worries at all. And I'm sure the pipes etc will be fine. My bike is 20 years old and I have pitting on the chrome front lowers from years of road rash but since I maintain it I don't have any rust problems but the chrome is gone where the pitting is.

PS I use the 3M product you're referring to on a both sized Mother's Power Balls with my Ryobi one Drill. It works great.

 

[PandaSauce]

Bro, were all good. No worries at all. And I'm sure the pipes etc will be fine. My bike is 20 years old and I have pitting on the chrome front lowers from years of road rash but since I maintain it I don't have any rust problems but the chrome is gone where the pitting is.

PS I use the 3M product you're referring to on a both sized Mother's Power Balls with my Ryobi one Drill. It works great.

It went better than expected. Obviously the rust remained, but most of the surface oxidation came out and the seat looks great. The owner was extremely satisfied.