Cleaning Exhaust Flanges

While it was quiet at work today I had time to clean my exhaust flanges. Someone had painted them black and they are supposed to be silver according to the picture on my original sales brochure that Mark acquired for me on Ebay.




The first challenge was just to get them clean that took a soaking in oven cleaner for two hours. Then I tried to get the paint off with a Scotch Britte pad it wasn't working so a light bulb went off in my head "duh" I am in a paint store, paint remover would work better. Worked like a charm it did.

There was still some grime left over under the paint but that came off with the Scotch Britte and a little finger muscle. The remaining stains in the picture are rust marks which will have to be removed with a grinder of some sort.

Once completely clean I am planning on giving them a clear coat so they won't rust again and will be easier to keep clean.

Buying Frenzy

Been buying parts for my bike on Ebay.

Bought a newer right side cover, as mine was being held on with zap straps. It isn't the right color but that's OK cause I am painting everything anyways.

Also purchased some Screaming Eagle exhaust ends that are going to take some finagling to work but I have a plan. Even though Mark is unsure if it will work.

The sign shop also has some art work for me to look over, if I can ever find a time to go see them.

The store is really slow right now so I think Saturdays I will start bringing projects to work on, as the bosses are away.

Back to work again

First an update on the speedometer. The gauges are being reworked by a sign shop, I haven't heard anything from them in the last two weeks.

After a short hiatus from working on the bike due to conflicting schedules and sickness.

Today was the day to remove the exhaust pipes, they came off relatively easily because last week I sprayed the nuts with liquid wrench so that probably helped a whole lot. It was a dirty job but I had fun. They are not looking too good haven't decided if I want to get new ones or just clean up these, might just try and find new ends. I would really like it if I could also lower them to make more room for the saddlebags.

The next task was the handlebars because I keep hiting my head on them. First I had to remove the front brake lever and disconnect the clutch lever. Then it was easy, remove the cover of the fuse panel and undo the four bolts underneath.

The rear brake pedal, shifter and foot pegs came off with relative ease.

Also removed the nut in the oil pan so the engine will not have any oil in it when we have to remove it from the bike.

It was a short day of work because Mark had to get back to driving the bus. I brought a few things home to clean up over the next few days.