Scratch repair on alloy bar ends

[gmcampy]

Just picked up a pair of barends from the bay and I noted they are REALLY scratched. Can the scratches be polished out with fine cloth, or would filling and repainting them be a better idea?




http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Suntour-Barcon-Bar-End-Shifters-Japan-/111551182539?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=LyLKl%252BbET46Oeq79%252Bp3ml4al4%252Bk%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

[oliver1850]

I would probably start with a file, then sand and polish. There's no anodizing to worry about. That's a great deal despite the scars.

[JWDR]

I would sand and polish, while taking care to stay away from the Suntour markings while sanding. They won't be original but should be pretty.

[thunderworks]

What do you polish with?

[Peter P.]

I wouldn't use a file. While it would certainly cut deep enough to remove the scratches, it will remove the smooth surface curvature of the shifter pod and I don't think it will be easy to restore it.

Accept the fact that you won't be able to remove ALL the scratches, but you WILL be able to make it look quite nice.

Use progressively finer grades of sandpaper, going as high at 800 or more. The coarser the grade you start at, the better your chances of removing the deepest scratches while keeping the shifter pod profile untouched. Understand that anodizing, if any, will be removed so the pod may dull over time. Also, the sandpaper finish may be brighter and smoother than the original product, if restoring to original is your ultimate intent.

Take before and after photos; I'd be curious to see how successful you are.

[alancw3]

i had great results using steel wool on similar sratches on brifters. started with double 00 and finally ended with 00000 (extra fine) steel wool. works particularly well on aluminum. sold at home depot, loses and local hardware stores. good luck.

[gmcampy]

Thanks all for the input! This bike is a winter beater ;) Not worried about a great restoration these are going on to my 1986 Raliegh Marathon to replace the stem shifters. I have added a Record Triple Crank and Record 8 speed drive train to replace teh 7 speed freewheel.