Removing the clear coat

[Jamtndll]

At the wrench session they were talking about removing the clear coat and then  cleaning up the aluminum.  What was used to remove the clear coat and what can you clean the aluminum with once you get it off?

Jim Tindall#610

[Sledge Hammer]

I'm glad you asked this question, Jim. I was just wondering the same thing myself today since my wheels have a case of the uglies.

[TLRam1]

On the older bikes some use lacquer thinner, on the tougher stuff, paint stripper or aircraft paint stripper from your auto parts store. I have never tried this on the newer clear coats but think stripper would work okay, thinner probably would be too weak.

If all you want is to clean the aluminum Mothers Mag and Alum Polish or something similar would work.

There is a thread on polishing, I will see if I can locate.

[Greg Cothern]

Yep aircraft paint stripper (follow all precautions, strong stuff). 
Sand with progressive grits till ya get to 1000 or finer.
Just about any aluminum polish will work from this point.

[trapper]

I have also used a buffing wheel on my bench grinder along with a buffing compound to remove clear coat and polish aluminum parts.  I followed that with a clean buffing wheel and automotive rubbing compound to get an almost chromed appearance.  With the clear coat removed, the bare aluminum is now unprotected so will require regular maintenance to keep it shiny

[hootmon]

I have been told that John Deere sells a product that works well by someone in the Metal polishing industry.. I haven't tried it, I'm just passing on the info...

[Charles S Otwell]

Silverado Cowboy put me on to a product called Dad's paint stripper from Wal-Mart. It worked great on the aluminum, but my advice is don't try to use any kind of stripper around anything painted, all it takes is a drip or touch to mess up the paint. It's best to remove the part if possible, if not remove the painted parts (side covers ,fenders and tank) and cover the painted frame around the area your working with masking tape.

[packge33]

I have also used a buffing wheel on my bench grinder along with a buffing compound to remove clear coat and polish aluminum parts.  I followed that with a clean buffing wheel and automotive rubbing compound to get an almost chromed appearance.  With the clear coat removed, the bare aluminum is now unprotected so will require regular maintenance to keep it shiny

What is considered "regular maintenance?"  How regular?