I've spent a lot of time stripping, de-rusting and prepping billions of parts for re-zincing: I know a lot of folk are happy to dump a huge great bag of stuff straight off the bike onto the plater's doorstep. I'm a bit wierd - I like prepping stuff - just my thing.
For those new to this, the parts are degreased in petrol, then the stripping/derusting is done with brick cleaner - undiluted. Finishing is then done with a rotary fibral mop - fine grade. This imparts a lovely fine satin finish which the BZP sits on really nicely. Also, the cleanliness of this finish allows the best possible adhesion of the plate (after a final clean at the plater).
The following shots show what this 'mopping' does, versus the 'ex-acid' finish: the footrest body in the pic has been mopped half way only. I'm not a complete nutter, don't mop the parts that aren't visible.
I included the brake hose just to re-assure first time restorers that it's fine to re-zinc hoses - the rubber is unaffected by the stripping acid. The spring shroud is bound up to keep it out of the acid, I didn't want it's finish damaged:
One the subject of the shiny stuff, here's a shot of some original fixings. the back row made the cut and will go straight back, the front row are too pitted and will be re-plated. All chroming will be done to match original standard so it will not be mirror polished before plating. this will leave some pitting undressed, but I prefer that to the 'show chrome' look.
A few more shots now of the frame. This is now ready to go off for blasting - I will be spraying it to keep the finish as authentic as possible. To that end, I decided it was worth taking time to mask the headstock sticker against the blasting: when it's done I'll hand finish around the sticker then feather the spray to minimise the mask line. the sticker's in great shape so I wanted to hold onto it. An off cut of 2" waste pipe was perfect for the job.
A few shots of the wheels now. Again, trying to keep some 'patination' to the bike, I'm using the front hub as is - I like a few scars, that's what gives the bike character.
As you'll see, the rims are quite presentable: some pitting, but I like that, and I'm avoiding re-chroming wherever possible in favour of keeping the original finish, even if it's 'weathered'.
The rear hub centre will be cleaned up with a 'ribbed' fibral mop - looks just like it's been vapoured. Spoke flanges will be linnished.
I included the sprocket hub in shot because its finish is interesting: it not linnished or polished - pure sandcast finish. I'm sure it's the original so it'll stay like that.
The brake hub is one I bought from the US. correct 73 without wear indicator. The alloy has been roughly linnished to accept a paint finish that someone had applied. This will need to be polished up - but not to mirror - that's not what they did ex-works.
Lastly, the seat. Again, this is the original, with the original 2 part foam. The inner black section was supposed to enhance comfort. ho hum. The base is typically corroded but will clean and spray up fine. I will probably recover with a very good repro cover I bought from the US which matches the original to the stitch. The original cover is interesting: you can see how the thin foam inserts in the top face have perished, hence the top has lost all it's contour. The new cover will re-instate that 'padded' look. I was careful in removing the original - might just use it on another project some day!
I used a table knife to separate foam from base. Don't use anything pointed or sharp or you'll damage the foam!
Coming up in the next update - dismantling the original rear shocks. My home made compressor jig should do the job:
kEEP UP THE DETAILED WORK....
