Topic: Greetings from NY

[HWdesign]

I'm about to buy a 1977 CB550 that is in really good condition.  Or I think/hope it is

This will be my first dive into the old bike world.  I have a 2014 R1200RT and some older dirt bikes but nothing that is almost 40 years old so wish me luck....  Did a restore of an old Boston Whaler which was cool....

First question is about clear coat.  The tank has some paint imperfections and touch ups that are not done all that well, but they don't really bother me.  The badges and decals are in great condition.... The question is, should I think about re clear coating the tank since it's not in good shape or should i just learn to love the character that it brings to the bike?  Can a tank be re cleared??

Many thanks in advance

HW

[MD]

Hello from Northern MN.

My '75 sat for 20+ years.  It took a while to get it road worthy.  These old bikes have a charm.  They also can be started with little battery power since they don't use fuel injection.

-MD

[MikeSimon]

Regarding the tank...It depends on whether you have or find a really good painter. I had an issue with a tank due to overflowing fuel during storage eating up clearcoat. My painter carefully sanded the damaged area and re-cleared it without affecting the paint. And it was a delicate custom paint job with hand-applied pinstriping and enhancements underneath. Some people, however, consider the original age-related patina of older bodywork a value-increasing asset. Personal preference. 

[HWdesign]

Thanks Mike.  Looking forward to getting unto this bike.  It's beautiful...

HW

[70CB750]

Welcome

[RAFster122s]

Welcome

[calj737]

Welcome.

You can probably buff the tank and get some really great results. The black side panels (if yours have them) are single stage and don't have clear over them, only the colored top, so be mindful. I have used a clay bar first to deeply clean the paint and clear, then actually wet sanded the entire tank very gently with 1500 grit, then 2500 grit. Then followed with a quality buffing compound on an DA buffer and foam pad. Came out rather nicely.

[HWdesign]

Thanks. It's been recommended to me that I use a glazing compound to clean it up and then wax over the top. When it warms up here a bit I'll get into it.


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