Top Gun Bar Ends

[socalrk]

Anybody else getting rust on the leading edge of the TopGun '303 stainless steel" barends? I tried some polish with cloth, no help. Have not tried steel wool yet. Not a big deal, just curious.

 

[gypsy]

I have had my TG bar ends for over a year and my bike stays out in the elements all summer. Haven't gotten any rust.

gypsy

 

[black mamba]

Stainless steel can certainly rust. The use of some high quality metal polish should quickly restore it to its original luster.

 

[Warchild]

Stainless steel can certainly rust. The use of some high quality metal polish should quickly restore it to its original luster.

Yep, stainless can rust if exposed to the elements over time... particularly if put away wet.

Some extra fine steel wool, a little wd-40, and you can get it looking new again....

 

[BrunDog]

Yeah, stainless just means it will stain less. Less than what, I have no idea.

If there were a material that was meant not to rust, it would have been called "Stainfree".

-BD

 

[socalrk]

Thanks guys. I'll try the wd40/steel wool first. Weird thing is that my bike is stored in garage and barely ridden in wet weather. Me thinks, since only the leading edges are rusted, it was the occasional seaside runs(salty air) this summer to beat the heat.

 

[Vstar2FJR]

The 303 grade stainless is one of the lowest grades of commercial stainless steel. Not as much chromium nickel or molybdenum content, hence less corrosion resistance. It's not till you get to the 317 grades and up that have higher chrome, nickel and moly alloying elements that you get true corrosion resistance.

 

[HondaCBX6]

303 is the easiest to machine. This is why it is used. I would clean it up with fine steel wool like others have suggested.

And to keep them looking good.....stroke them with your hands. The oil in your hands will keep them looking good! Stroke, stroke, stroke...... Not too much though. Your wife/GF will think your nuts! But you bike might like it!

 

[Gryphon]

If you use regular steel wool on stainless steel you will get rust no matter the atmospheric conditions or rating. The abrasive you use (iron wool) will transfer to the stainless and cause rust.

Go into any welding shop and see how they segegate their tools according to steel or stainless. From torches to polishing everything is clearly seperated between steel and stainless steel.

To clean up the rust, use a navel jelly first to dissolve the iron oxide deposits, that will get most of the surface discolation off. Next use a stainless steel polishing device. If you use metal, make sure the rating is equal or higher than than the base metal. 3M makes nonmetallic polishing pads in varying grits that will achieve the desired finish. grainger.com or mcmaster.com

Follow the polishing with a good coat of wax. Stainless means just that, less stains, but it will stain

 

[RTSR1/FJR]

Use Scotchbrite & WD40.