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Message started by Gulfstream on 11/12/06 at 09:54:41

Title: New Owner Questions
Post by Gulfstream on 11/12/06 at 09:54:41

Just bought a 96 for the wife to learn on, it has been neglected in the past so we're in the process of doing a restoration of sorts. The engine/tranny covers have a lot of corrosion, what is the best way to clean then up? I am thinking of bead blasting them, has anyone tried this? Would it require a clear coat afterwards? Also, lots of the other metals like the handlebar switch housings, fork lower sliders, etc are also corroded (typical white bumpy corrosion) any preferred (easy) removal methods or products? Any insight or hints from those who have been down this road would be appreciated!

Title: Re: New Owner Questions
Post by barry68v10 on 11/12/06 at 10:06:43

If it hasn't been cared for the fuel system is probably in bad shape. Drain all the gas out of the tank and inspect for rust, etc. You can fill the tank with marbles and shake them around then shop vac/rinse all the debris out if you see rust/crud in there. That would be my first step, might consider doing the petc0ck conversion described in here as well. 11-year old vacuum diaphram may not be trustworthy...

Title: Re: New Owner Questions
Post by Paladin on 11/12/06 at 10:53:48

Personally I see no reason to ruin a perfectly good Rat. However, IF I were to be wanting to clean/polish/restore anything automotive (or motorcycle) the first place I would check would be Eastwood (http://www.eastwoodco.com/index.jsp).

Title: Re: New Owner Questions
Post by sparkett on 11/15/06 at 05:32:54

You will have to experiment. neverdul works sometimes,ooooo steel wool gently! or nolox ( in a green bottle) and lots of sore fingers,LOL.covers should clean up pretty well. good luck and happy rubbin!

Title: Re: New Owner Questions
Post by sparkett on 11/15/06 at 05:35:02

oops , almost forgot 2000 sand paper. on the forks go with the grain, not up and down!

Title: Re: New Owner Questions
Post by Holodeck on 11/15/06 at 08:46:28

I replaced my 02 bent forks with some scratched and
corroded ones from an 86 ( e-bay ). I used wet and dry
sandpaper, 400 to 1500, then went with rubbing compound and finished with polishing compound. They
came out almost like new. try the compound first and see how it goes. These bike are a lot of fun to fiddle
around with. Get a Clymers manual, the best thing I did.

Title: Re: New Owner Questions
Post by Dr_Jim on 11/15/06 at 16:35:15

Title: Re: New Owner Questions
Post by Gulfstream on 11/18/06 at 20:47:58

Thanks for the info! I'm going to try bead blasting the engine covers next week...I'll post up some pics of the before and after. I disassembled the carb, did the spacer mod and cleaned it...running a LOT better. Found a pretty big oil leak where the previous owner had the rocker cover off...he didn't have the bolt grommets in the right places. I'm going to also install one of my take-off mufflers from my Dyna Superglide...hopefully it will sound better than the stock can...it's wimpy! I also bought a Sportster seat and Dyna handlebar off of eBay, so I have my work cut out for me! Anyway, again thanks...lots of good info here!

Title: Re: New Owner Questions
Post by azjay on 11/19/06 at 05:06:03

it sounds to me, like your right on track! :D