Author Topic: Rust, chips, and preserving patina  (Read 362 times)

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Offline zabzob

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Rust, chips, and preserving patina
« on: September 16, 2023, 10:38:33 AM »
I've got a survivor 1975 CB750K5 that is mechanically in excellent condition after a complete engine rebuild, harness replacement, etc. But I've got some chips in the tank paint with some rust, and significant surface rust on the frame. I've replaced the side panels with ones from Yamiya which look great even though the new panels don't match the 40 year old Planet Blue Metallic on the tank.

I've toyed with the idea of painting the tank, and I might still do it. I could paint the frame but that means removing the engine, and I don't have a garage at the moment. I think what I'd like to do is preserve it as it is, if I could, stopping the rust from progressing. I was thinking about sanding the rusty parts and applying some boiled linseed oil over the bare patches. This is probably okay on the frame, but what about the tank? What are my options for preserving it as it is?

I'm not opposed to repainting the swingarm necessarily, and I'll have to rechrome the headers at some point too. But I do like the idea of aging gracefully in general.
1975 CB750K5

Offline calj737

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Re: Rust, chips, and preserving patina
« Reply #1 on: September 16, 2023, 11:00:49 AM »
You could shoot those areas with a gel-based rust solvent. Shouldn’t hurt the paint then treat the areas with clear coat brushed or sprayed on.
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Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Rust, chips, and preserving patina
« Reply #2 on: September 16, 2023, 07:25:46 PM »
I have had and still have a lot of bikes in similar condition.  To me a bike like that says that it it gets used as intended and it's got a lot of stories to tell.  Do you garage your bike when you are not riding it?  If so, all it takes is some frequent detailed cleaning to preserve it.  I have found just good care and maintenance and the bike will just get nicer.  I like to use wd40 to clean the frame and greasy stuff.  Chrome polish on the chrome and aluminum polish on the 'luminum stuff.  Auto parts store is gonna have a panorama of stuff for the tank.  Soft rags, nimble fingers and maybe other special tools to get into the nooks and crannies, maybe some 0000 steel wool for the chrome is mostly all you need.  Just take good care of it and it's not gonna rust more.
« Last Edit: September 16, 2023, 07:27:51 PM by seanbarney41 »
If it works good, it looks good...