Cosmetic preferences

[BGoat]

Man, this is a great site! I've been working on a new to me 2002 DS V-Glide. Thanks to the search feature and an explanation TahoeDawgZ71 posted in another thread, I finally figured out what the diode on the solenoid is for. I know what a diode does, just didn't why it was there. Well, kinda there, mine doesn't have one. The snubber is there though.
My question is on cosmetic preferences. This cart is really dirty, (been used on a poultry farm) and I will be taking it apart to the frame for a good cleaning. I found wheel cleaner was recommended for getting the frame cleaned up good, but what do folks do from there? Leave it bare aluminum or paint?
I plan on painting the cart after a few body repairs and wonder what do folks do about the no step pads on the rear of the body? Leave them, or remove them and fill the holes? I really don't mind either way, but don't want people thinking "what a stupid move that was, cleaning the frame and not painting it?" or "Why did he go through all the work to fix and paint the body and leave the no step pads there?" Just trying to figure out what the "cool" thing to do is. Told ya' in my introduction thread I would be asking some dumb questions!

[TahoeDawgZ71]

Congrats on your project. Generally I'll pressure wash the frame really good and knock all the heavy dirt off of it. Then I'll take a wire wheel on a side grinder and polish the frame to a like new appearance. Your choice of painting it is totally up to you. There's no reason for paint except for cosmetic purposes. It's aluminum, it's not going to rust.

[scottyb]

No Rust but, they do oxidize and tarnish and soon your shiny work looks years gone by A clear sealer can keep it shiny but it can fail and flake too... what to do - what to do

[hardway]

Rat that cart. Saves time , money, and you don't feel as bad when you roll it.It hurts physically but not fiscally.

[AceKH]

I painted the rear scuff guards (no step pads), access panel, and bagwell with spray on truck bed liner... they came out pretty nice after 2-3 light coats. Then got some new plastic rivets to reattach everything.

[dundeebarnbuggy]

What are you going to use the cart for? Is it going to be in corrosive environments? Around here wire wheeled aluminum will corrode faster than untouched.

[BGoat]

Mostly around the local neighborhood and campgrounds. Reading what I have have so far, it seems like a good cleaning then paint will be my way to go. I'm certainly not going to polish and clear it, and oxidized aluminum looks pretty nasty to me.
Now trying to figure out about keeping or removing the scuff guards.

[NCPW]

I cleaned mine really well using the pressure washer but didn't clear coat the frame or use a buffer to polish anything. I did however coat the batter tray and surrounding aluminum with truck bed liner (3 good coats).

As far as body. I rattle canned and clear coated then did as Ace mentioned and coated my no step pads, access cover and bagwell with truck bed liner also (4 light coats). Replaced the old plastic push rivets with new ones.

It's all personal preference. Keep us updated. We love build threds around here

[TahoeDawgZ71]

Originally Posted by dundeebarnbuggy

What are you going to use the cart for? Is it going to be in corrosive environments? Around here wire wheeled aluminum will corrode faster than untouched.

That's a good thought. I never thought of that. Here in Augusta, Georgia we almost never see snow and we don't have any salt on our roads, nor are we close enough to the coast for the sale to make it corrode even worse. I can see how that could be a problem in other environments.

[Dlab]

I scuffed my whole body and rolled it with Black Bed Liner. Came out really good! Looks Stealthy, and 2 years of banging around in the woods and no chips.......