Aircanuck's Budget Restore

AirCanuck · Mar 23, 2019

See my previous thread to learn why the engine is out of the frame

https://www.thetriumphforum.com/threads/hi-from-canada-here’s-a-question.15193/

I need some tips on cleaning up a frame, wheels, pipes etc while I have the engine out for repair.

Everything has some rust. I don't have the time or know-how to strip it down to the bare frame, so I don't intend to 100% this. I am looking for the best way to clean it up as much as possible short of blasting and painting etc.

Also looking for the best way possible to clean up chrome without blasting and redipping. Looking for products to restore chrome that is in rough shape, cast aluminum wheels, rotors etc, best way to degrease and clean a frame etc. I'll be the first to admit I don't know a thing about it but basically looking to bring this bike as much we possible back to a nice state. Photos attached...

AirCanuck · Mar 23, 2019

More photos

AirCanuck · Mar 23, 2019

Last photo... Sorry!

AirCanuck · Mar 23, 2019

Dozers Dad said: ↑

Hi Mate,

My suggestions are...

Header pipes = Try Harpic Max strength bleach but they do look too far gone for that?

Wheels = Lots of Autosol & even more elbow grease.

Discs = Wirewool

Shocks= Look beyond hope but try Wirewool soaked in WD40?

Upper left fork (where keys have rubbed) = A piece of sticky backed black vinyl. Or try heat resistant satin finish BBQ paint? The current paint looks to be a very similar paint finish?

Swingarm = Wire brush it then sand it. Followed by a coat of black Smoothrite.

Grab rail (I think?) = Try Wirewool soaked in WD40

All of the above are only cheap work around solutions. Not all will produce "as new" results. But they all fit your budget restoration criteria.
Click to expand...

Does the wire wool with wd40 just clean off the rust or will it hurt the chrome finish as well?

What do I apply the autosol with?

Hamburg · Mar 23, 2019

Autosol with wire wool will get rid of the surface rust.

Harpic is a good tip for the downpipes (only the Americans say “headers”) it really does work.

AirCanuck · Mar 23, 2019

Dozers Dad said: ↑

The WD40 doesn't stop the wirewool doing its job but it does cut down on the amount of scratches it might otherwise leave on the chrome.
Some of that rusty chrome might need a more aggressive approach initially?

Only use wirewool on the discs. Not WD40 as well or if you do. Use brake/clutch cleaner & a clean rag to get the WD40 off.

Apply the Autosol with any old bit of rag. An old cotton t-shirt is ideal mate.
Click to expand...

In that case a couple more questions. The Harpic, two things - what would be an equivalent Canadian product? And how do I apply it? Just scrubbing with a rag?

Finally, any advice for de-greasing in general? There is a ton of chain-lube on the frame.

Any way to help the rust that is already there around the ignition?

Apologies for all the simple questions and thanks for all the help. I haven't ever done anything like this before, so I'm truly starting from the very basics.

Thank you all!

dilligaf · Mar 23, 2019

AirCanuck said: ↑

In that case a couple more questions. The Harpic, two things - what would be an equivalent Canadian product? And how do I apply it? Just scrubbing with a rag?

Finally, any advice for de-greasing in general? There is a ton of chain-lube on the frame.

Any way to help the rust that is already there around the ignition?

Apologies for all the simple questions and thanks for all the help. I haven't ever done anything like this before, so I'm truly starting from the very basics.

Thank you all!
Click to expand...

Loads of cleaning and restoration stuff on YouTube

Hamburg · Mar 23, 2019

If you really want to keep it simple, I’d attack it with paraffin and wire wool.

Callumity · Mar 24, 2019

The active ingredient you want is phosphoric acid.......like in this stuff

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/rust-remover-0477924p.html

Generally cheaper if bought as a household cleaner. Check the labels on toilet and surface cleaners in the Household aisle....

The ST · Mar 24, 2019

Rolled up aluminium foil rubbed on some of the less pitted chromework helps smooth it down and gives a little more shine

mpllineman · Mar 24, 2019

#0000 steel wool will work wonders on the chrome bits. Before you rush to judgement, try it. I'll bet you are surprised and pleased. n old time Harley rider told me about this and it works!

Callumity · Mar 24, 2019

On reflection....and budget is good......modest outlay can be better.

If you strip the bike fully then getting the frame, swingarm, headlight ears, mudguards etc., (all the black bits) blasted back to bare metal and powder coated should cost about 250-300 of your fine dollars. It will be a far better job than you can accomplish and leaves you free to attack chrome and alloy.

I reckon you will feel happier with the result than a relative cat lick. Just protect the head and swingarm bearing with tape or better still a piece of threaded rod holding protective washers to blank off the hole.

AirCanuck · Mar 24, 2019

Callumity said: ↑

On reflection....and budget is good......modest outlay can be better.

If you strip the bike fully then getting the frame, swingarm, headlight ears, mudguards etc., (all the black bits) blasted back to bare metal and powder coated should cost about 250-300 of your fine dollars. It will be a far better job than you can accomplish and leaves you free to attack chrome and alloy.

I reckon you will feel happier with the result than a relative cat lick. Just protect the head and swingarm bearing with tape or better still a piece of threaded rod holding protective washers to blank off the hole.
Click to expand...

I'll have to have a think. The bike is still largely together other than the engine .I'd have to get my mechanic pal to help me take it apart further and out it back together. I am due to move soon with the military so I want to have it back together by a certain date. Current bike state:

Callumity · Mar 24, 2019

Your choice but I think you would be horrified to see the pile of bits you could reduce that to in 60 mins!

AirCanuck · Mar 24, 2019

Callumity said: ↑

Your choice but I think you would be horrified to see the pile of bits you could reduce that to in 60 mins!
Click to expand...

That's encouraging. Just need some help from a friend with know-how as time is definitely a factor!

AirCanuck · Mar 26, 2019

mpllineman said: ↑

#0000 steel wool will work wonders on the chrome bits. Before you rush to judgement, try it. I'll bet you are surprised and pleased. n old time Harley rider told me about this and it works!
Click to expand...

are you talking mixed with any cleaning product or just on its own?

AirCanuck · Mar 26, 2019

seems there are a few contenders for the chrome, what is best?

Wirewool in WD40
Wirewool in Autosol (which I will be buying for the wheels anyway)
coke and aluminum foil

plan for the rest:
Bleach on headers (paint on, let sit, wash off)
autosol w rag on wheels
wirewool on discs

couple questions
with the bleach, how long should it sit on the headers and does it get wiped off or just rinse with water? Should it be thickened somehow into a paste to help it sit on the pipes?

Slowly this project is taking shape. Thanks all for your help and suggestions - I am watching lots of videos, too.

cheers,

AC

AirCanuck · Mar 27, 2019

Dozers Dad said: ↑

Try test patches mate. See which method gives the best results for the least effort?

Regarding the bleach. Same as above really.
See what results you get after 10 mins, 20 mins, 30 mins etc
Rinse the bulk of it off. Then wipe down with a wet rag.
Click to expand...

This might sound stupid but I've read like 5 articles on my bike and can't find the answer. What material are the stock wheels? And should they have a shiny chrome like finish or what? At this point they are grey and dull looking

Hamburg · Mar 27, 2019

They’re aluminium with a polished finish and then lacquered, the recesses in the spokes are painted black.

Callumity · Mar 27, 2019

To look like that ......a mass of aluminium oxide .....the lacquer has failed.
To answer your question directly, I suggest a two stage attack. Physically remove the worst of the corrosion with wire wool - medium then fine, before polishing up with product. You then need to re-lacquer or use some other protective product to keep oxidation at bay.

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