Topic: Cleaning.

[ASCSurveyor]

The bike I'm getting has sat for about 5 years, from what I gather.  So there's rust, but not too much of it.  Everything that I'm not replacing, I'd like to start cleaning up.  What do you guys use to clean things like the wheels/spokes, engine, chrome pieces, etc?

[Gordon]

For the most part, soap and water.  For any dirt/grease that won't come off with that I use Simple Green or WD-40 or Nev-R-Dull cotton wadding.  I've had good results with Naval jelly for rust removal and Mother's polish for rust removal and polishing.  Rust on chrome is the hardest to deal with because you don't want to destroy the shine.  For slight rust pitting on chrome you can use some 0000 steel wool and WD-40, but go easy on it.

[OldSchool_IsCool]

I use pretty much the same products as Gordon mentioned.  Add to it some sponge-backed green 3-M scouring pads for the real nasty stuff (use carefully on chrome) and some foam make-up pads for use with polishing compounds.  Another "handy" item are some clothe gloves.  I put those on and my hands become sponges!  Great for all over soap washing.  A bottle brush and a toilet brush (non-metal ones) work great for washing fins and reaching into deep and/or cramped areas.

If you have a 99-cent store near by, just walk up and down the isles and look for things that might be useful.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

I always start with Nev R Dull on slight rust since it has no chance of scratching the chrome like products such as Semichrome and steel wool plus it leaves a really nice shine. The WD40 idea is good.

[ASCSurveyor]

What about cleaning the engine?  It looks pretty oxidized.  Is there anything I can do about that?

[seaweb11]

Do a search for "engine cleaning" and you will find losts of threads on cleaning

[grumburg]

For the most part, soap and water.  For any dirt/grease that won't come off with that I use Simple Green or WD-40 or Nev-R-Dull cotton wadding.  I've had good results with Naval jelly for rust removal and Mother's polish for rust removal and polishing.  Rust on chrome is the hardest to deal with because you don't want to destroy the shine.  For slight rust pitting on chrome you can use some 0000 steel wool and WD-40, but go easy on it.

Just to add to Gordon, I spray with  Marvel Mystery spray on chrome rims and other parts and leave overnight. Spray WD40 in a rag to clean off oily Marvel Mystery. If there is any rust left, spray with WD40 and clean with 0000 steel wool or copper wool. Can do miracles.

[BobbyR]

What about cleaning the engine?  It looks pretty oxidized.  Is there anything I can do about that?

For oxidized cases I have tried everything on various bikes. A palm sander and different grits - lower to higher seems to be the key. After that some rouge and a buffing wheel makes them new again.