Anodising used aluminium motorcycle frame

[mangocrazy]

I'm toying with the idea of getting my old VFR 750's aluminium frame and swingarm anodised black, or possibly even hard anodised. I've been doing some research on t'internet and it seems like the recommendation is to only anodise 'new' aluminium. Has anybody any views on that?

Also I realise that I will need to do a fair amount of prep work on the frame/swingarm. I'm pretty sure that most Jap aluminium frames have a pretty tenacious lacquer applied to them that will need completely removing before anything else can be done. Any ideas on how to get rid of this?

And once the lacquer is removed, will it be necessary to polish up the bare ali to get it to a uniform finish prior to anodising (assuming the anodisers will tackle something like this)?

Or should I just forget it all...

 

[pedrobedro]

If you don't know what it was welded with you may get a nasty surprise when it is anodised, not all welds will take colour. The tenacious clear coat could actually be anodised.

 

[rikrobson]

Why not powder coat it black

 

[mangocrazy]

Why not powder coat it black

That would be the simpler option, undoubtedly. I just prefer the look of anodising. But powder coat would look good as well.

 

[Shox Dr]

As pedrobedro stated you don't know the grade of Alloy used, or the rod used to weld it with, plus the headstock and swingarm mounting will be cast. It will all end in tears

 

[mangocrazy]

As pedrobedro stated you don't know the grade of Alloy used, or the rod used to weld it with, plus the headstock and swingarm mounting will be cast. It will all end in tears

You're absolutely right, of course. I just needed to have it spelled out to me, I guess... My only concern with powder coat would be that the frame number would be obscured, but I guess they could mask that area?

 

[Shox Dr]

Dont mask it serial number just ask them not to blow as much powder over it, that or mask it and then have the whole frame clear powdercoated as well. Makes the colour better

 

[mangocrazy]

Clear powder coat sounds an interesting option. If I was going for powder I'd probably go for a satin black or gunmetal grey. Is clear coat by definition a gloss finish?

 

[Shox Dr]

I'm not sure, if you can get matt