Okay, so I haven't given up on my project just yet. I've been busy putting together the parts I'll need and getting all the bits and pieces ready to take to the sandblaster. I figure it will be better to have it all done in one go and then get it all painted after. So... here is what I'm planning on having sandblasted (frame and swing arm not pictured ):
Does that seem reasonable, or a good idea? These are the pieces I thought needed rust removal and/or new paint. The rest of the pieces cleaned up fairly well or are plastic and will be cared for differently... or they're being replaced. How should I prepare these pieces for the sandblaster? AJ told me to mask off the threads and small holes to avoid having to clear them of the grit (brilliant ). What's the best way to do that? He suggested wooden dowels and bolts. If I use all the old bolts are there kits you can buy to replace them all or would I need to purchase them all separately? I'm also not sure how to mask off the stem on the triple tree to keep it from getting buggered. What's the best way to block the head stock? I am wondering about a few other pieces too... namely the tank, forks, exhaust, and barrel.
Before I have the guy sandblast the outside of the tank I was thinking I should take care of the inside first so I don't mess up the outside. Needless to say I've spent a good deal of time searching the forum and have found several threads with lots of suggestions for cleaning and sealing tanks. But I'm still not sure which one to use. Some have suggested citric acid, others have suggested available kits, and others have said reverse plating works. After all that, I'm inclined to use the instructions provided on the real classic site. Do you all think if I use his method of caustic soda followed by spirits of salt and phosphoric acid and then seal the tank with the ethanol resistant sureseal it will suffice? Or should I just use the sureseal kit? Or something like the KBS kit? There's just too many choices it makes my head spin. :/ And speaking of tanks, should I rinse out the oil tank with diesel? If I do, should I rinse it with something else after to clear out the diesel? Then dry it with a hot air gun?
What about the fork sliders (the lower part)? Should I have them sandblasted and painted? And how do I clean the stanchions? Do I understand right that the stanchions are the upper part of the forks? Mine have some rust on them and I had a helluva time getting one side out of the triple tree. You can probably tell which one from the pic. Should I replace the fork seals just as a good measure? I've drained all the old oil out of them, but should I also clean them with something before reassembly and re-oiling?
I don't think I'll be cleaning the exhaust myself. From what I've found I would need a torch and oxygen to heat it and burn off all of the old build up (bet the neighbors would love that). But is it a good idea to have the exterior of the exhaust (and silencer) sandblasted and then painted with high temperature paint after they inside has been cleaned? Should I have the barrel sandblasted and then painted with high temp paint while I'm at it too?
I'm probably going about this whole process backward. I guess I thought it would be nice to have all the frame and components ready for the engine and then get the engine work done. ??? During the process I have found that I'm missing most of the intake as well as the keys! I'll be searching mom and dad's garage and sheds for any sign of them this weekend.
Apologies for asking so many questions! Don't mean to be a pain in the ass. Thanks in advance!!