Topic: Honda CB550 and CB750 - Am I just throwing money and good usable parts away?

[Stev-o]

10 years is my limit on tire age, bikes and cars.   

[BenelliSEI]

10 years is my limit on tire age, bikes and cars.

I must be older than you? Just changed the ones on the K1 at +8 years. Probably the last set. My son can buy the next ones!

[MauiK3]

I suppose tire degradation depends on a lot of variables.
Heat
Sun
Storage method
Seasons
How many burnouts
Etc

[kyle750]

Finally finishing up the Honda CB750 rear.  Replaced original vintage fender, new DID wheel, new Yamiya spokes, refinished hub, new NOS Honda brake shoes, new Dunlop K70 tire, vintage aluminum body KONI shocks,  and new Yamiya #2 pipe 

[MauiK3]

Looks great
The old #2 pipe looks like it had battery acid blowing on it.

[kyle750]

Looks great
The old #2 pipe looks like it had battery acid blowing on it.

Mahalo Bro!  Not sure why the rust is in a wide swath across the bottom  The chrome on the header pipe is in excellent condition and the other 3 exhaust pipes the chrome is still in OK condition (but not perfect).

Quick question for the Honda Community.  I did a quick sanding of the rust on the #2 pipe and it came right out.  Rust has made the surface uneven but it is not deeply pitted - surface rust only.  I am wondering if it would be worth the time and expense to have the back 1/2 of the exhaust rechromed.  It is my understanding that many chrome shops don't like to do exhausts because the carbon deposits contaminate their stripping tanks.  In Thailand where I live there are lots of rechroming shops - perhaps this would be a good part to test??

[Stev-o]

Looks great
The old #2 pipe looks like it had battery acid blowing on it.

 I am wondering if it would be worth the time and expense to have the back 1/2 of the exhaust rechromed.  It is my understanding that many chrome shops don't like to do exhausts because the carbon deposits contaminate their stripping tanks.  In Thailand where I live there are lots of rechroming shops - perhaps this would be a good part to test??

I would definitely look into getting it rechromed, prolly not too expensive where you are? The #2 pipe can be sought after, it seems that is always the one that rusts out first. [at one time, there was a "#2 club" here on the forum, guys looking for a #2 to replace theirs]

 I've had a couple exhausts rechromed here in TX, he complained about it but did it and turn out great.

[turboguzzi]

Are you aware of the stupid rust removing process on chrome with water and aluminum foil? ..... takes some elbow grease but saved me many parts

[Don R]

 I always heard aluminum foil and Pepsi, I might have tried that once but like 0000 steel wool, heavy aluminum foil and/or turtle wax chrome cleaner. 

[MauiK3]

I've used Griot's glass polishing compound with good results. Chrome is actually a bit vulnerable to anything very abrasive.

[jonda500]

Chrome is indeed very vulnerable to damage from nylon scourers, abrasives, even dirty sponges. However, chrome is harder than steel, so steel wool and steel wire brushes cannot hurt it, I use a rotary wire brush in a drill for really rusty chrome - unless the chrome is starting to peel anyway it can't hurt it! I was loathe to try it the first time - but it works amazingly well. (I wouldn't use stainless steel pads/brushes - or do a test first!)
Glass polish sounds like a great solution!
John
n.b. finger nails work well for the little rust pimples & spots..

[kyle750]

Thanks Gentlemen.  I'm still learning how to best clean the old Honda chrome and greatly appreciate the helpful hints.   Many of the chrome parts are still in very good shape (amazing considering they are over 50 years old and spent most of their life in a hot and humid climate).  On many parts I used autosol metal polish and cloth and they polished right up.  I did make a mistake and used a green scrotch brite scouring pad on a dirty chrome rear chain sprocket cover and it scratched the chrome finish.  Chrome is strong but I agree very vulnerable to scouring pads.

Here is a photo of the heavily rusted #2 pipe after sanding.  Surface rust came right out but the chrome underneath is gone with some deep pitting.  No holes and pipe is still solid.  Surprising the chrome on the front header pipe is still in great shape.  I might try to rechrome the back 1/2 of the pipe at another time in the future.  I coated the sanded area with heavy gear oil to prevent rust and wrapped the pipe in plastic and stored it away.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Not sure if you can find it on the other side but my first line of chrome defense is NevRDull. Non abrasive. Not going to do much on heavy rust or corrosion. Works great on beginning rust staining or general metal cleaning. 

[kyle750]

CB550 - it's come a long way since I first got it - still has a long way to go

[MauiK3]

Very nice