[dev4net]

This weekend I'm going to begin my very first project bike, a '92 Vulcan 500 (see it here). This is my very first project bike and I'm clueless in more ways than one. There seems to be a lot of surface rust, oxidation, and just general ugliness. My goal is to get it back to its original showroom condition and I want to do as much (or all) of the engine and body work myself. It's the whole reason I bought it. I'll probably have to outsource the painting.

My first question (there will be many) is: What is the best way to get the metal surfaces back to their original lustre? More than anything I'm looking for online resources (howtos, material recommendations, techniques, kits, etc.). I expect it will be a lot of work, but I'm cool with that. I've already told the wife I'm going to need a desktop disc grinder, polishing bits, dremel, etc. I just don't know what to do next. Thanks a bunch.

 

[dev4net]

I was talking with some coworkers today (computer people mind you :shock: ) and some of them recommended sand blasting. I don't currently have a compressor, but my wife and I both agree we need one. I understand I can also paint with it once I have an airbrush kit. Keeping in mind ... I don't want to have parts sent out (painting, polishing, etc.) unless I absolutely have to. Anything I should look out for while traveling down this road? Any recommendations? Gotchas? Thanks everyone.

 

[dev4net]

Thank you. Great tip.

 

[dev4net]

I hadn't ordered the catalog until just now. It should be on the way. I'm still a little ways out from doing the body work. I just wanted to start learning about products and techniques now. I'll certainly be posting my experiences with their products here and on the site where I'm posting my progress on the bike (http://dev4net.com/projectvulcan). Thanks again for the tip.

On finishing.com I heard about another set of products from a company called Alsa. They have a chroming product called ChromeFX. Unfortunately, you have to have a special gun from them and the product is too expensive for the hobbyist IMO (well, too expensive for me and what I plan to use it for). But, it looks like a killer alternative to traditional chrome plating.