Shimano HS-6400 stem restoration

[marbach]

Hi,

I got myself a CIÖCC Aelle bike from the late 80s with mostly Shimano 600 Tricolor parts. I found the missing stem, a Shimano HS-6400, online but it was in worth condition than i thought. I tried to polish the aluminium but it resulted in a way too shiny coating.

Is there a way to spot repair the shiny parts? I would love to keep the decals and everything and thus don't want to sand it or completely redo it.

So do you guys have an idea how to fix this? Doesn't have to look perfect, just a bit better...

best, Josh

 

[Southwestslacker1]

Re:

That stem has a lacquer coat on it that you’ve started to polish off, one way is to polish it completely then rub back with very fine steel wool to give a matte finish then seal with either a wax or a satin lacquer. Aluminium is a tricky customer though and tends to tarnish a bit unless you keep on top of it.