Topic: Engine/frame/shiny bits cleaning and polishing?

[srbakker]

So!  I have just acquired a 750K in need of teardown and restoration.  This is my first time attempting anything of this magnitude and I'm definitely a rookie - I'll be working on this with someone who knows a lot better then I do, if that's any consolation. 

I figured after the teardown the place to start will be cleaning and polishing and prepping for paint and powdercoating, as well as determining what can be cleaned up and reused as well as what I should just replace.

What I'd love to hear from your collective wisdom is how you like to clean up engine blocks, prep the frame and swingarm (someone suggested a wire wheel in a recent thread, I'll definitely try that out on the frame) and salvage the chrome on your shiny bits.  There's a ton out there on the internet on this, but I'd like to hear your ideas.

Thanks in advance!
Scott

[lone*X]

Welcome to the wonderful world of SOHC's.   Before you get into too many questions you need to provide a little bit of extra info.  Select Profile from the pull downs at the top of the page and fill in what you feel comfortable sharing.  Location is the most important as you may be surprised by finding some local support and possibly people with needed parts.  Make sure in the Signature portion you list the year and model of 750.   Last but far from the least, the Search box will generally find answers to most every question that could come up with your restoration.  People have been recording their experiences here for a long time. 

Oh, and this forum likes pictures!

[Scott S]

 The chrome on these old bikes was much better than todays chrome, IMO.
 Try taking some 0000 steel wool and Windex and scrub away. Follow with chrome polish on a soft rag. I've saved even rusty, pitted chrome this way. You'll be surprised how much of the rust will buff off.

[KingCustomCycles.com]

A brass wire brush can be your friend if the pits are severe on the chrome.  You can also clean thoroughly and then wipe with silver enamel paint to fill the pits.  It isn't rechroming but the price is right, and it looks great going by on the highway. :-)