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I was planning to soda blast..vapor blast my complete engine after I re assemble it. I dont care much about original, but I just wanted to give it a good cleaning.....

I cant get a good pic of it, it was like really fine white sand. The stuff gets everywhere, my cases will just be cleaned in hot soapy water with a stiff nylon brush. Thanks Gum

That should work great. You might also check out this website: http://www.machinerycleanery.com/

Mizike,
Soda blasting is a good way to go. I have done it recently on an MV Agusta 850 engine and will use it again, but would go about it differently. I took the engine after blasting while it was still wet. Don't take it until it has dried and you can see the bits that need doing again. Then get the operator to pressure clean the engine when done. Take earplugs with you in case the operator doesn't have any. I have attempted to submit a photo here so if it doesn't work I'll try later.
The lower engine case shown came out patchy and if you look carefully you will see a slightly different texture, because I had to bead blast that separately. BTW I use brushes from the machinerycleanery to keep on top of my 900ss.The observations above about vapourblasting are correct. The finish is Semi Japanese but will last better than bead blasting.

Macdesmo,
I am not trying to hijack this thread but I do need to know where in Queensland you have your soda blasting done and at what cost.

Paulh,
I see that you are located in Central Qld. A franchise operates that is called Coral Coast Sodablast and they have someone in Gladstone whilst I got mine done in Bundaberg.
There is a website.. www.sodablast.com.au also there is a mobile Ph No which is 0407783935. That will just give you a person who will direct you to the Gladstone operator.
I paid approx $200 but I got a diff and frame done as well as the engine. Don't get frames done as the sodablasting doesn't get the surface good enough for the painter. The $200 was also a cheapie as he was starting out. $60/hr is the rate I think. No need for degreasing but it can save time and money if you do. Also harmless on rubber items etc. You can even leave carbs on but I wasn't that adventurous.
Ian

Hey Macdesmo, you should try this next time you have touch up spots...
http://www.aircooledtech.com/tools-on-t ... a_blaster/

Gday, I have plated enough to get the forks in and swingarm. All I need to do now is fit the new wheel and headstem bearings and get some tyres fitted and I have a rolling chassis. Thanks Gum.

Over the weekend I will clean up and polish the frame and get the front end and swingarm fitted. Im not painting it as Im happy with original paint. The bolts that fit the centerstand Im not happy with, 2 different lengths and different size heads. I will have to get a new set. Thanks Gum.

Gum

Can you tell us all a little about your plating process , they sure came up looking great , whats needed for any of us to do this ?

Cheers

I got sick of the platers loosing my parts, as we all know they are impossible to get. I degrease them, soak in acid to remove the zinc then I buff them on a scourer pad that is on my bench grinder. { without a doubt the best thing I have ever bought, it does a great job }. Once I have a good finish I zinc them for 30 mins, then dip them and let them dry. I bought the kit from.

http://www.aedaustralia.com/hobbyplating.html

I use a battery that is on a charger and run it thru a series of globes so I can adjust the voltage. Really simple, fast and cheap. Best of all I have not lost a thing. A days work and you can easily do a whole bike.

mizike77 wrote:I was planning to soda blast..vapor blast my complete engine after I re assemble it. I dont care much about original, but I just wanted to give it a good cleaning.....

I was going to get mine blasted with dry ice but instead just used wheel cleaner and a hand held wire brush.

The cases look nice, im not going for the new look, just good clean original finish at this time. I didnt get as much done on the weekend as I hoped, weather was to good and a BBQ and beer cut it short. I have put the forks in now as im away for a month this sat, so I need to pack the bike away. When I get back they will be serviced and cleaned. I got the new headstem bearings and front wheel bearings in just fine. I know the the set screw in the coil bracket is wrong, just temp for now till I get a couple. I will see if I can get the swingarm and center stand in now. Thanks Gum

Gday, I have done the rear hub, new bearings and sprocket, it all came up perfect. I have placed the body on it as I have to bring it inside in the next 2 days as im away in Laos and Malaysia for a bit over a month. When I get back I will finish the body off and get into that engine overhaul. PS Im dropping off the chrome work on Friday so that will be done by the time I get back and Im also taking the seat away with me to get repaired and get a spare cover made. Thanks Gum

Gum
You say your not going for the new look on the engine, with all your plating that you have done wont the engine look out of place not being to the same standard?
Cheers