Topic: Correct finish for forks and side covers?

[Scott S]

 I know (or think I know) that the engine covers, fork lowers, etc., we're clear coated. How polished were they when brand new? How shiny?
 I've polished them before to a near chrome like shine, but is that TOO shiny?

 This clutch cover has slight "sanding " marks in it. Is a shiny but slightly satin finish more correct?

 **EDIT ** can't get pics uploaded from my phone. I'll add them shortly.

[ekpent]

Satin would be a good word to describe it.

[Kelly E]

I duplicate the factory look by using directional sanding with 400g

[MauiK3]

Nice finish. High polish can look great but the original finish was a bit more satin, as others have said.

[Shtonecb500]

I feel like scotch bright pads would give the desired look then clear.

[Scott S]

 Excellent.  I actually get that satin finish while prepping for push.
 I need some fresh, white 3M pads and I'll start on the 500.
 I'll keep you posted.

[seanbarney41]

The original finish was machine brushed and then clear coated gloss.  No one seems to know what kind of machine or media was used...and what to use for clear?  lacquer? urethane? dipped? sprayed?

[seanbarney41]

Kelly is one the right track

[jlh3rd]

The original finish was machine brushed and then clear coated gloss.  No one seems to know what kind of machine or media was used...and what to use for clear?  lacquer? urethane? dipped? sprayed?

fwiw....I've tried to research this. I find no official documents that explain how they did this. The only article I found (and didn't keep) was that honda had porosity issues in their early bikes. So they developed a clear coating for the interior engine cases. (like glyptol maybe?)....
Their touch-up mini can paints (70's) have a strong lacquer vapor. But, I have never come across a honda "clear" paint.

[jlh3rd]

I know (or think I know) that the engine covers, fork lowers, etc., we're clear coated. How polished were they when brand new? How shiny?
 I've polished them before to a near chrome like shine, but is that TOO shiny?

 This clutch cover has slight "sanding " marks in it. Is a shiny but slightly satin finish more correct?

 **EDIT ** can't get pics uploaded from my phone. I'll add them shortly.

these are pics from my unrestored'75 550F..

[Scott S]

 I went back and "un-polished" my fork lowers. I used some fine 3M pads and 0000 steel wool. Got them close to the unrestored clutch cover, then clear coated them.
 If you look closely, you can see the directional sanding marks, but from anything more that a few inches away, they have a satiny, semi-polished look.

[seanbarney41]

that is about the right look imo.  Very well done!  What did you use for clear?

[Shtonecb500]

here is a nice unrestored/stock sample. Bike is listed on ebay.

[Scott S]

 Some leftover Dupli Color engine paint.
that is about the right look imo.  Very well done!  What did you use for clear?

[Scott S]

 Well that makes me feel pretty good about my finish! Any pics of the engine covers?
here is a nice unrestored/stock sample. Bike is listed on ebay.

[Rookster]

The maroon scotch brite pads are about 400 grit and give a nice brushed finish.  Here is a rear hub I did with 180 and 240 grit sandpaper followed by the maroon scotch brite pad.  I did not clear coat the hub.





Scott

[Mark K]

The maroon scotch brite pads are about 400 grit and give a nice brushed finish.  Here is a rear hub I did with 180 and 240 grit sandpaper followed by the maroon scotch brite pad.  I did not clear coat the hub.

Scott

What method did you use to clean the inside, grooved area of the hub? Did you a special tool to get in those grooves?

[Shtonecb500]

more

[Rookster]

   What method did you use to clean the inside, grooved area of the hub? Did you a special tool to get in those grooves? 

I used a stainless steel brush, sandpaper and then finished with the maroon scotch brite pad.  The inside part of the ribs are rougher cast finish so I just wanted to remove any old clearcoat and dirt.  I used some laquer thinner with the stainless steel brush.

Scott

[Scott S]

 I found these pics from 9 years ago. This was my one owner 1975 550F. The end cover was NOS and I used that as a guide to clean up the side covers.
 It seems like shiny but not TOO shiny was the original finish.

[Mark K]

   What method did you use to clean the inside, grooved area of the hub? Did you a special tool to get in those grooves? 

I used a stainless steel brush, sandpaper and then finished with the maroon scotch brite pad.  The inside part of the ribs are rougher cast finish so I just wanted to remove any old clearcoat and dirt.  I used some laquer thinner with the stainless steel brush.

Scott

Thanks Scott, I'm working on cleaning a set of hubs I de-spoked, pulled from a junk frame I bought with an eye to sell or possibly keep to set up with the black rims/spoke kit from 4-into-1.

[Scott S]

 How's this look?

[Fezzler]

Look excellent to me.

[Shtonecb500]

How's this look?

I would wet sand it with 1000 grit