Possible to get rid of corrosion on my GN250?

[bosslady]

hey have a bit of corrosion on my gn250 I.e. engine cover and such, autosol doesn't help, is there anyway to get rid of it without replacing it? I've attacked Ginny as much as I can but really want to give her a sprucing up

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/album.php?albumid=4528&attachmentid=275632

[carburator]

Im currently in the process of doing a set of cases and other parts..
I have a palm sander setup with 3m RED scotchbrite and lubed with
carb's secrete sauce ( Jif, WD40 and Brasso ) to get the worse off
then its onto the buffing machine

( 6" bench grinder setup with a course and fine buffing wheels )

[Akzle]

blowtorch.

[caseye]

Baking soda blasting WORKS.
I got hold of an air gun with a sucker tube in it and attached it to a mates 110 pounds compressor and hey presto, the road crap, tar and rusting /corrosion on my daughters new/second hand Mag wheels literally fell off.
There are now some commercial soda blasters about, might be worth a call to one of em, shouldn't cost heaps.

[bosslady]

Im currently in the process of doing a set of cases and other parts..
I have a palm sander setup with 3m RED scotchbrite and lubed with
carb's secrete sauce ( Jif, WD40 and Brasso ) to get the worse off
then its onto the buffing machine

( 6" bench grinder setup with a course and fine buffing wheels )

hmmm I think that's outside of my capabilities at the moment lol sounds like a good idea though


Baking soda blasting WORKS.
I got hold of an air gun with a sucker tube in it and attached it to a mates 110 pounds compressor and hey presto, the road crap, tar and rusting /corrosion on my daughters new/second hand Mag wheels literally fell off.
There are now some commercial soda blasters about, might be worth a call to one of em, shouldn't cost heaps.

I wonder how much... I wouldn't know where to start looking truth be told.

I'm in no rush but am slowly going over my bike detail cleaning it and trying to figure out what's connected to what and where things go lol.

[The Lone Rider]

You talkin about the white stuff that looks like peeling nail polish?

Thats a lacquer coming off. You can scrub it off with a lot of elbow and arm work, then polish the lot, then clear coat again.

But if you're going through that much trouble, do something creative. Even if all you do is paint it with a grey hi temp paint and then bake the paint.

[ducatilover]

Paint 'em black, worked nice on mine 276764

[bosslady]

You talkin about the white stuff that looks like peeling nail polish?

Thats a lacquer coming off. You can scrub it off with a lot of elbow and arm work, then polish the lot, then clear coat again.

But if you're going through that much trouble, do something creative. Even if all you do is paint it with a grey hi temp paint and then bake the paint.

I think that's what it is? I tried a green scourer (not too scratchy but scratchy enough?) and some autosol but no luck?


Paint 'em black, worked nice on mine

Hmm but would it end up Matt or Gloss? and would she scratch easy? I would love to have her all shiny again looking like new (well, kinda). I took the seat off last night and the back stop light and its fittings and scrubbed all the metal/chrome with autsol and sprayed a cloth with crc and wiped down the metal - does that help repel shit to stop it rusting so fast?

[The Lone Rider]

Hmm but would it end up Matt or Gloss? and would she scratch easy? I would love to have her all shiny again looking like new (well, kinda). I took the seat off last night and the back stop light and its fittings and scrubbed all the metal/chrome with autsol and sprayed a cloth with crc and wiped down the metal - does that help repel shit to stop it rusting so fast?

If you want it to look real pimped, get the covers blasted then polished.

Then get them powder coated with a translucent color of your choice. I'm told those translucent powder coats look just like candy paint.

And best check with a powder coater first about durability vs heat off the cover.

[bosslady]

If you want it to look real pimped, get the covers blasted then polished.

Then get them powder coated with a translucent color of your choice. I'm told those translucent powder coats look just like candy paint.

And best check with a powder coater first about durability vs heat off the cover.

Hmmmm I'll have a proper look at the bike tonight cause I think it's more then the case that needs to be done up by memory..

[The Lone Rider]

Look at the modified bikes section for my bike, or go to www.thirteenmotorcyclemagazine.co.nz

The bobber project had same as you, and it was all stripped and then made to look like brush stainless.

[bosslady]

Look at the modified bikes section for my bike, or go to www.thirteenmotorcyclemagazine.co.nz

The bobber project had same as you, and it was all stripped and then made to look like brush stainless.

heaps of the pics are gone?

[Road kill]

I think that's what it is? I tried a green scourer (not too scratchy but scratchy enough?) and some autosol but no luck?



Hmm but would it end up Matt or Gloss? and would she scratch easy? I would love to have her all shiny again looking like new (well, kinda). I took the seat off last night and the back stop light and its fittings and scrubbed all the metal/chrome with autsol and sprayed a cloth with crc and wiped down the metal - does that help repel shit to stop it rusting so fast?

Use Inox rather than CRC.
Then give it a wipe every time you wash the bike and the finish on worn bits will slowly get better looking as the Inox does it's thing.

[bosslady]

Use Inox rather than CRC.
Then give it a wipe every time you wash the bike and the finish on worn bits will slowly get better looking as the Inox does it's thing.

inox hmm ok

[ducatilover]

If you do the paint right, you can have matte, or gloss, even pink! I could polish them for you
But they will fade and will need autosol every couple of months to keep 'em bling as.
You can use clear on polished surfaces, I don't though because it takes away the ubersex shine and doesn't stick too well

Easy thing to do, is strip the clear on it, give it a wee bit of polish, wipe it down with thinners and shoot some clear over them.
Just like factory :D

[_Shrek_]

is there anyway to get rid of it without replacing it?

sell it & buy a new one..... (bike that is) :msn-wink:

[bosslady]

If you do the paint right, you can have matte, or gloss, even pink! I could polish them for you
But they will fade and will need autosol every couple of months to keep 'em bling as.
You can use clear on polished surfaces, I don't though because it takes away the ubersex shine and doesn't stick too well

Easy thing to do, is strip the clear on it, give it a wee bit of polish, wipe it down with thinners and shoot some clear over them.
Just like factory :D

I have no problem autosoling them regularly but as per attached pic maybe it's too big a job? lots of downtime for Ginny?


sell it & buy a new one..... (bike that is) :msn-wink:

yea yea yea ;)

[ducatilover]

You could just get a bit carried away with a scotch brite pad, some 800, 1000 and 1200 grit paper while they're on the bike and it'll look nice?

[bosslady]

You could just get a bit carried away with a scotch brite pad, some 800, 1000 and 1200 grit paper while they're on the bike and it'll look nice?

what is that? what will it do?

[ducatilover]

what is that? what will it do?

Scotchbrite scouring pads, you can get 'em from the supermarket. And just varying grades of sand paper

[bosslady]

Scotchbrite scouring pads, you can get 'em from the supermarket. And just varying grades of sand paper

Maybe I could find cheap parts and get them done so the down time isn't so bad. Been looking at lots of do me up ginnies and getting jealous.. I'd just love a bike with not so much rust and corrosion!

[ducatilover]

If you buy a second hand set of covers I could tidy them up for ya
The Chinese assembled GNs are pretty sad really

[bosslady]

If you buy a second hand set of covers I could tidy them up for ya
The Chinese assembled GNs are pretty sad really

what are the proper names of the corroded parts on my bike? would a 2007 model be the same for parts?

[ducatilover]

what are the proper names of the corroded parts on my bike? would a 2007 model be the same for parts?

Every year GN250 has the same covers
You want the clutch cver and the stator cover

I have some here, but they're painted and have had dirty big scrapes, and the Suzuki logos filled in

[bosslady]

Every year GN250 has the same covers
You want the clutch cver and the stator cover

I have some here, but they're painted and have had dirty big scrapes, and the Suzuki logos filled in

Magneto cover? = stator cover? ( stator or starter? )
sprocket cover?
clutch cover...
what about the one for the oil bit

[ducatilover]

Magneto cover? = stator cover? ( stator or starter? )
sprocket cover?
clutch cover...
what about the one for the oil bit

Stator, not starter :D and yes, magneto cover = stator cover
You'll be able to run yours without the sprocket cover when you get it polished, it'll save a few bucks
The one for the oil, I think I have one of 'em spare, or two... maybe three :innocent:

[bosslady]

Stator, not starter :D and yes, magneto cover = stator cover
You'll be able to run yours without the sprocket cover when you get it polished, it'll save a few bucks
The one for the oil, I think I have one of 'em spare, or two... maybe three :innocent:

sounds like I'll have to troll trademe for some cheapies over the next few weeks! I'm happy to wait till some bargains come up lol

[ducatilover]

:yes: Good luck!

[bosslady]

:yes: Good luck!

thanks! I'll be in. touch for sure when I get some parts :)

[sinfull]

thanks! I'll be in. touch for sure when I get some parts :)
Oi don't be so stupid and waste money ! Or so Lazy lol

Do as Duclover said a few posts back, go to your local hardware and buy yaself some wet&dry sand paper of varying grades , 3 or 4 of each grade and start sanding it !

Start with the lowest grade ie: the 400 grit say. Fold the sheet of paper in half and tear it down the middle, then fold each half in three (this will stop it sliding in your hand) have a bowl of water beside you and dip the paper in the water (wet and dry) this washes any shit out of the grit and wont clog up too quick)

Pick a cover and start working on it, sand until you recon you have sanded all the clearcoat (which is what they spray all over the aluminium cover to stop it dulling DUH ! like it looks worse when the clearcoat cracks up). Then go to a higher grade like 600 or 800 grit and start sanding any scratches the 400 left behind !

And so on untill you try your autosole and it polishes up like chrome !

In some cases you could remove bolts one at a time to get in to the nooks, but remembering they have to be put back in with a torque setting !

If you go out and buy other cases , the chances are they will look the same, soooo ya pay for new cases, then pay for polishing them and then pay to have them changed over (unless you have a torque wrench) and you pay for oil (which will drain out one side) and you pay for gaskets !

Just go pay for some sand paper Aye !!!! Elbow grease is cheap !

[bosslady]

Oi don't be so stupid and waste money ! Or so Lazy lol

Do as Duclover said a few posts back, go to your local hardware and buy yaself some wet&dry sand paper of varying grades , 3 or 4 of each grade and start sanding it !

Start with the lowest grade ie: the 400 grit say. Fold the sheet of paper in half and tear it down the middle, then fold each half in three (this will stop it sliding in your hand) have a bowl of water beside you and dip the paper in the water (wet and dry) this washes any shit out of the grit and wont clog up too quick)

Pick a cover and start working on it, sand until you recon you have sanded all the clearcoat (which is what they spray all over the aluminium cover to stop it dulling DUH ! like it looks worse when the clearcoat cracks up). Then go to a higher grade like 600 or 800 grit and start sanding any scratches the 400 left behind !

And so on untill you try your autosole and it polishes up like chrome !

In some cases you could remove bolts one at a time to get in to the nooks, but remembering they have to be put back in with a torque setting !

If you go out and buy other cases , the chances are they will look the same, soooo ya pay for new cases, then pay for polishing them and then pay to have them changed over (unless you have a torque wrench) and you pay for oil (which will drain out one side) and you pay for gaskets !

Just go pay for some sand paper Aye !!!! Elbow grease is cheap !

so go and get a few pieces of 400, 600 and 800? used 400 first then 6 or 800 to get rid of any scratches then autosol her?

[sinfull]

so go and get a few pieces of 400, 600 and 800? used 400 first then 6 or 800 to get rid of any scratches then autosol her?

Yeah simple as that !
Perhaps some 1200 as well (skip the 600) alloy sands easy as and any dings or stone chips can be sanded out too, the clearcote will be thin and come off quick, keep the paper wet and splash the black sanding paste ya make away with a splash of water to see how ya going !

I did my front forks outer stauncheons the same way once when i was all keen on bling and shit and they looked like chrome from top to wheel !
Think i started with 2 or 3 hundy and found it was a bit harsh (made more scratches than i wanted) but they still sand out easy !

Oh and the CRC thing ya spoke of earlier works too, i used to spray my whole bike down with it and not wipe it off ! Being carefull to keep it away from brake rotors and pads !
It collects dust of course but it stops the alloy from oxidising (which is the white ya can see where the clearcote has cracked away) but up to you, if as ya say you don't mind using the autosole every now and then, wipe it off and it will shine like a new one !

[ducatilover]

If you're going to polish them, it's cheap and easy enough to use 400 - 600 - 800 - 1000 - 1200 then autosol
If you use all the grades it's easier to see how good your finish is

Keep the cover clean while polishing, every time you change sand paper, wipe it down and re-wet it

There's an Autosol specifically for alloy, which gives a bit better protection and a slightly more bling finish. Mother's Alloy polish is also good

[bosslady]

ill try and go to mitre 10 (??) today after work if I have time, if not maybe some other time this week, sandpaper doesn't cost feck all does it?

[ducatilover]

It doesn't cost many fecks at all :lol:
When I cleaned my covers up I found a scotchbrite pad was excellent to take the clear off

[superjackal]

While on the topic of rapidly deteriorating GNs.... does anyone have any advice for chrome repair? My front guard has a big chip off the front and the metal underneath is now rusting. I keep it well cleaned and oiled but wonder if there's a quick repair or way to "disguise"?

From what I can google, you basically have to get a new part or have it re-chromed?

Also, the exhuast has some "pitting" corrosion which can be improved by rubbing with autosol but I wonder how deep this goes? Some of it seems to come off but not all.... If I keep scrubbing it I'll probably wear the chrome off.

Thanks!

[ducatilover]

Front guard: clean polish the chip, then clear nail polish on it

Exhaust: scotchbrite pad and autosol

[The Lone Rider]

Scotchbrite on chrome will scuff the chrome. Russ Mitchell uses them on all chrome on his choppers, to make it look like brushed stainless. So do I.

Also keep in mind, Autosol is abrasive and while it polishes nicely - constant use will wear the chrome to it's nickel.

[bosslady]

It doesn't cost many fecks at all :lol:
When I cleaned my covers up I found a scotchbrite pad was excellent to take the clear off

$8 later (including a candy bar) I have 400, 800 and 1200. No fecks required ;)

re: autosol u mean the one in the silver box?

[Laava]

Did you get wet and dry sandpaper? It is much better quality in general.
When you send ones wife to get sandpaper, she proudly brings back from Arthurs Emporium, sandpaper that very quickly seperates into it,s two main components, sand and paper!
Really to polish properly, you need to remove. But if you are very determined I guess you can make a good job in situ. Do not be afraid of using paint stripper to get rid of the clear. I polished up my GN spares then sold on TM.

[bosslady]

Did you get wet and dry sandpaper? It is much better quality in general.
When you send ones wife to get sandpaper, she proudly brings back from Arthurs Emporium, sandpaper that very quickly seperates into it,s two main components, sand and paper!
Really to polish properly, you need to remove. But if you are very determined I guess you can make a good job in situ. Do not be afraid of using paint stripper to get rid of the clear. I polished up my GN spares then sold on TM.

uhhhhhhhh it says waterproof? guess I got the wrong stuff :(

[Laava]

uhhhhhhhh it says waterproof? guess I got the wrong stuff :(

Nope, you got the right stuff.
You gonna get sore fingers! Heh!

[bosslady]

Nope, you got the right stuff.
You gonna get sore fingers! Heh!

had a go for a lil bit given up for the night lol need some more 400 I might get a more coarse one cause i found it's hard for me

[unstuck]

had a go for a lil bit given up for the night lol need some more 400 I might get a more coarse one cause i found it's hard for me

Be careful going any lower, you could end up scratching the shit out of it.:Punk:

[bosslady]

double post

[unstuck]

:killingme:killingme:killingme:devil2:

[bosslady]

Be careful going any lower, you could end up scratching the shit out of it.:Punk:

I'll get some 300 and 400 also

[Laava]

had a go for a lil bit given up for the night lol need some more 400 I might get a more coarse one cause i found it's hard for me

Yep it's a chore alright. Here are the ones I did. Plus you can use paint stripper to clean the inside incl the sight glass. like new!

[bosslady]

Yep it's a chore alright. Here are the ones I did. Plus you can use paint stripper to clean the inside incl the sight glass. like new!

wow what was your exact method?

[superjackal]

Front guard: clean polish the chip, then clear nail polish on it

Exhaust: scotchbrite pad and autosol

Thank you!

[actungbaby]

Paint 'em black, worked nice on mine 276764



How in the hell do you get into the fins and clean up the alloy I want clean up my xr 200 barrell

[actungbaby]

Yep it's a chore alright. Here are the ones I did. Plus you can use paint stripper to clean the inside incl the sight glass. like new!

I know This bit late but i got good as that with buffer wheel and some godards glow on my cbx

400 years ago they look great but i had keep buffing as didnt use any clear coat

Oh yes u attach the buffer wheel to common electric drill (mind u it flicks of so ur get dirty ;-(

[Laava]

wow what was your exact method?

Paint stripper. Wet and dry sandpaper used wet in a plastic bath thing half full of water. Start with coarse and go finer etc. then finish on a bench grinder with stitch rag mop and general polishing soap progressing to loose linen mop with fine compound. So you would need to spend prob about 150 on a grinder and prob another 100 on the polishing setup. I have done quite a lot of it tho so it was well worth the spend. Forklegs etc.

[actungbaby]

ill try and go to mitre 10 (??) today after work if I have time, if not maybe some other time this week, sandpaper doesn't cost feck all does it?

I went to one dollar style shops and got pack sand paper for 3 bucks higest was 400 i think

But still value

[actungbaby]

Paint stripper. Wet and dry sandpaper used wet in a plastic bath thing half full of water. Start with coarse and go finer etc. then finish on a bench grinder with stitch rag mop and general polishing soap progressing to loose linen mop with fine compound. So you would need to spend prob about 150 on a grinder and prob another 100 on the polishing setup. I have done quite a lot of it tho so it was well worth the spend. Forklegs etc.

yes +1 mate

you need the buffer to finish the job but u can also use electric drill i just buffered my cbx

Alt cover mind you was newish bike didnt have to use any sand paper, just polishing compond.

At ececticplater job they had as like a stick ,i found autosol is okay but much better out there

Unless the alloy pitted u dont need to use sandpaper i cut through clear coat with buffing

[bosslady]

Paint stripper. Wet and dry sandpaper used wet in a plastic bath thing half full of water. Start with coarse and go finer etc. then finish on a bench grinder with stitch rag mop and general polishing soap progressing to loose linen mop with fine compound. So you would need to spend prob about 150 on a grinder and prob another 100 on the polishing setup. I have done quite a lot of it tho so it was well worth the spend. Forklegs etc.

hmm nah not gonna happen but good to know for the future lol

[ducatilover]

How in the hell do you get into the fins and clean up the alloy I want clean up my xr 200 barrell I used a dremel after painting on some strange alloy cleaning acid stuff :2thumbsup turns out it's cheaper to use a grunty oven cleaner though




Paint stripper. Wet and dry sandpaper used wet in a plastic bath thing half full of water. Start with coarse and go finer etc. then finish on a bench grinder with stitch rag mop and general polishing soap progressing to loose linen mop with fine compound. So you would need to spend prob about 150 on a grinder and prob another 100 on the polishing setup. I have done quite a lot of it tho so it was well worth the spend. Forklegs etc.
Invaluable gear when you polish as much shit as I do...

hmm nah not gonna happen but good to know for the future lol

You'll get it as shiny as his LHS cover pictured by hand and with a proper alloy polish (even Autosol, with genuine elbow grease) 276967276968 both of these are almost finished at time of pic and completely by hand

[bosslady]

I think my flatmate might help me take the covers off tomorrow. can anyone offer any advice when taking the covers off? also, torque setting?

[FJRider]

I think my flatmate might help me take the covers off tomorrow. can anyone offer any advice when taking the covers off? also, torque setting?

Safer to do it with them in place. No broken bolts/screws ... or need to remember where everything goes.

And if plans change or distractions arrive ... no vital bits get lost.

[bosslady]

Safer to do it with them in place. No broken bolts/screws ... or need to remember where everything goes.

And if plans change or distractions arrive ... no vital bits get lost.

I find it hard to do with it on I can't reach the little nooks and crannies?

[FJRider]

I find it hard to do with it on I can't reach the little nooks and crannies?

Make your own tools to do the job.

Sunny day on the back lawn ... a few tins/bottles of (not water) ... a few tunes playing ... soaking up the sun (clothes optional) ... quite relaxing ...


Oh ... post pics ... :innocent:

[bosslady]

Make your own tools to do the job.

Sunny day on the back lawn ... a few tins/bottles of (not water) ... a few tunes playing ... soaking up the sun (clothes optional) ... quite relaxing ...


Oh ... post pics ... :innocent:

I can't do it in the Sun and there's not really any shaded area at home. I burn pretty severely very easily. 15-30 minutes in the sun and it's all over rover...

[FJRider]

Your lounge have a sliding door .. ??? <_<

[bosslady]

Your lounge have a sliding door .. ??? <_<

the answer to what you're trying to suggest is no :laugh: flatty would just never

[FJRider]

the answer to what you're trying to suggest is no :laugh: flatty would just never

Thats WHY I live alone .... Bring the GN to my place ... :innocent:

[bosslady]

Thats WHY I live alone .... Bring the GN to my place ... :innocent:

yea, yea, yea ;)



anyway any tips anyone? just did the sprocket cover but for the effing life of me couldn't get around the picture on it well enough. I polished the cover up but the picture makes my effort look like arse

[Ocean1]

yea, yea, yea ;)



anyway any tips anyone? just did the sprocket cover but for the effing life of me couldn't get around the picture on it well enough. I polished the cover up but the picture makes my effort look like arse

'Lectric toothbrush, (hers) and jiff.

[Zapf]

anyway any tips anyone? just did the sprocket cover but for the effing life of me couldn't get around the picture on it well enough. I polished the cover up but the picture makes my effort look like arse

wow... shiny. are you going to give it a mirror finish?

question is... are you going to spray paint it so that it stays shiny. You can use a clear coat if u want to keep the looks.

[bosslady]

'Lectric toothbrush, (hers) and jiff.

Are you suggesting I use my own toofbrush? :laugh:


wow... shiny. are you going to give it a mirror finish?

question is... are you going to spray paint it so that it stays shiny. You can use a clear coat if u want to keep the looks.

I need to sand it again in some parts, now that it's morning I can see what I missed haha! clear coat??

[unstuck]

Are you suggesting I use my own toofbrush? :laugh:

Now that would be just silly, you would use your flatties toothbrush.:Punk::Punk:

[bosslady]

Now that would be just silly, you would use your flatties toothbrush.:Punk::Punk:

hmmmm no don't think I'd get away with it somehow

[Zapf]

clear coat??

Paint. Clear spray paint.

Keeps dirt and air away from shiny and bare metal bits. No more rust!

[bosslady]

Paint. Clear spray paint.

Keeps dirt and air away from shiny and bare metal bits. No more rust!

I think I'll be ok I'm quite happy with how it turned out, don't want a mirror finish.

[FJRider]

Are you suggesting I use my own toofbrush? :laugh:

Thats what Flattie's are for ... :innocent:


I need to sand it again in some parts, now that it's morning I can see what I missed haha! clear coat??

Leave the clear coat off .... It wears/peels off.

[superjackal]

Front guard: clean polish the chip, then clear nail polish on it

Exhaust: scotchbrite pad and autosol

Exhaust didn't work? Spent about an hour trying and all it did was dull the chrome. It's like a tar/rust combo, super-resilient.... Might just buy a new one and keep it tidy.

[bosslady]

Exhaust didn't work? Spent about an hour trying and all it did was dull the chrome. It's like a tar/rust combo, super-resilient.... Might just buy a new one and keep it tidy.

take a pic?

[bosslady]

got sick of it after a few hours, also ran out of sandpaper. Needs to be fine detailed she's pretty rough but I'm happier with this than I was with what I had before!

[FJRider]

got sick of it after a few hours, also ran out of sandpaper. Needs to be fine detailed she's pretty rough but I'm happier with this than I was with what I had before!

Progress isn't always fast ... but it is progress.

[bosslady]

Progress isn't always fast ... but it is progress.

I forgot to mention two.of the bolts for the sprocket cover snapped. Have to wait until the bolt shop opens on Tuesday but am riding without one in the meantime just tucking my pants into my boots until then

[ducatilover]

Exhaust didn't work? Spent about an hour trying and all it did was dull the chrome. It's like a tar/rust combo, super-resilient.... Might just buy a new one and keep it tidy.
Really?
Don't buy a new one... it's a GN! I just painted mine with some super high temp black.
You could wrap them?
I pick the tar off with a razor blade

got sick of it after a few hours, also ran out of sandpaper. Needs to be fine detailed she's pretty rough but I'm happier with this than I was with what I had before!

That's a nice improvement already, well done!

[actungbaby]

Safer to do it with them in place. No broken bolts/screws ... or need to remember where everything goes.

And if plans change or distractions arrive ... no vital bits get lost.

Yes have to agree with FJ alot easier on the bike and trying hold object and buff not good idea

[cowpower]

rejuvenating this thread as I'm doing the same re engine covers and exhaust :)

bought an 05 GN250 as the surface rust seemed easy for me to fix.. half true..
turns out the chinese ones are more crap than just bolts, but it could be worse..

Hmm. I doubt I can post the image from FB so I'll go down and scrub away with my 600 grit and take a during pic to show progress.

I found in terms of prepping, using paint stripper for rims and engine cover was AWESOME as it ate the clear coat off the latter with no elbow grease required, and the former became shiny again - now I've also decided to strip the black off the rims too, easier to maintain ie strip. I used the gel stripper as its way easier to apply, doesn't flick around unwanted areas or go all over tyres.

I also used tin foil on all the surface rust. It's the same buffing technique as wet n dry sandpaper, and if you're unsure of what it can do go have a geez on youtube. My exhaust was utter crap, and now it looks okay enough to allow me to keep it.. though I still have my eyes on a megaphone exhaust :) and exhaust tape is only $15 so saves me trying to chrome up the crap on the manifold.

The tin foil does fail on bolts and stuff though, so I just removed all of them, dunked them overnight in rice vinegar (the only one on hand, but any vinegar will work) then dunked them in baking soda and water to neutralise the acid next morning. NO rust on any of them. But I've heard of mixed results there, so you can always use a 1:10 solution of MOLASSES and water for a longer time period - learnt that from Dr Youtube also!

I've also bought engine enamel $12 from supercheap thanks to boxing day sale, that's for the cylinder head but depends how much the engine cover buffs up, maybe I'll make that black too? The tank and side covers are getting rolled matte black once I can handle my corners enough to warrant a nice paint jab :msn-wink:

Also I second the glories of inox!! I wouldn't use any other spray on my Leatherman, so I feel the same towards my bike.