Aircanuck's Budget Restore

Discussion in 'Builds & Projects' started by AirCanuck, Mar 23, 2019.

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  1. AirCanuck

    AirCanuck Member

    Aug 3, 2018
    70
    18
    Canada
    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...

    MVIMG_20190323_184018.jpg

    MVIMG_20190323_184028.jpg

    MVIMG_20190323_184216.jpg

    MVIMG_20190323_184225.jpg

    MVIMG_20190323_184302.jpg

    MVIMG_20190323_184415.jpg
     
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  2. AirCanuck

    AirCanuck Member

    Aug 3, 2018
    70
    18
    Canada
    More photos

    15533790828812646198726676922499.jpg

    15533791302964574092823632443916.jpg
     
  3. AirCanuck

    AirCanuck Member

    Aug 3, 2018
    70
    18
    Canada
    Last photo... Sorry!

    15533791713127970193447053733862.jpg
     
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  4. AirCanuck

    AirCanuck Member

    Aug 3, 2018
    70
    18
    Canada
    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?
     
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  5. Hamburg

    Hamburg Senior Member

    Dec 12, 2018
    788
    193
    Oxford, UK
    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.
     
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  6. AirCanuck

    AirCanuck Member

    Aug 3, 2018
    70
    18
    Canada
    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!
     
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  7. dilligaf

    dilligaf Guest

    Loads of cleaning and restoration stuff on YouTube :)
     
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  8. Hamburg

    Hamburg Senior Member

    Dec 12, 2018
    788
    193
    Oxford, UK
    If you really want to keep it simple, I’d attack it with paraffin and wire wool.
     
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  9. Callumity

    Callumity Elite Member

    Feb 25, 2017
    3,358
    800
    Nr Biggar
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  10. The ST

    The ST Active Member

    Dec 10, 2018
    117
    43
    West Midlands UK
    Rolled up aluminium foil rubbed on some of the less pitted chromework helps smooth it down and gives a little more shine
     
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  11. mpllineman

    mpllineman First Class Member

    Feb 12, 2018
    826
    500
    Pearl,Ms.
    #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!
     
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  12. Callumity

    Callumity Elite Member

    Feb 25, 2017
    3,358
    800
    Nr Biggar
    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.
     
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  13. AirCanuck

    AirCanuck Member

    Aug 3, 2018
    70
    18
    Canada
    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:

    IMG_1281.JPG
     
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  14. Callumity

    Callumity Elite Member

    Feb 25, 2017
    3,358
    800
    Nr Biggar
    Your choice but I think you would be horrified to see the pile of bits you could reduce that to in 60 mins!
     
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  15. AirCanuck

    AirCanuck Member

    Aug 3, 2018
    70
    18
    Canada
    That's encouraging. Just need some help from a friend with know-how as time is definitely a factor!
     
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  16. AirCanuck

    AirCanuck Member

    Aug 3, 2018
    70
    18
    Canada
    are you talking mixed with any cleaning product or just on its own?
     
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  17. AirCanuck

    AirCanuck Member

    Aug 3, 2018
    70
    18
    Canada
    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
     
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  18. AirCanuck

    AirCanuck Member

    Aug 3, 2018
    70
    18
    Canada
    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

    MVIMG_20190323_184415.jpg
     
  19. Hamburg

    Hamburg Senior Member

    Dec 12, 2018
    788
    193
    Oxford, UK
    They’re aluminium with a polished finish and then lacquered, the recesses in the spokes are painted black.
     
  20. Callumity

    Callumity Elite Member

    Feb 25, 2017
    3,358
    800
    Nr Biggar
    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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