Shiny like new

FJTillDeath · July 25, 2011, 09:51:22 AM

Okay so some will know but I am doing what a lot of new FJ owners are trying to do - restore it to its former shining glory. It runs smoothly (well for a 20+ year old bike) but I would like to restore its colour so I have a few questions.

Regarding the frame I want to make it shine like brand new. Would using Silver polish (yes actual polish for silver) be a good idea or would it strip the top layer on the frame or cause damage? If so how should I go about it.

Also after going through the FJ gallery which always makes me smile I have seen so many bikers have their exhausts look like brand new. Perhaps they have bought new exhaust systems but is it possible once the exhausts pipes (from the carbs down to the outlet) have gone black to renew or restore the condition of them? I dare say its rust on the exhausts but I feel that if i dont restore them they will eventually start to rust(i ride in a lot of wet weather and the only shelter for my bike is its cover) Is there a special chemical, is it hopeless or is the only way to make them look like new or close to new to buy brand new exhausts?

I am going to get around to repainting the bike but I am working on a ferring first.

Pat Conlon · July 25, 2011, 10:47:22 AM

The frame on the FJ is steel and it is painted. Don't use silver polish on painted surfaces you will rub the paint off. Clean the painted frame with soap and water. If you are feeling brave some paint thinner can be used very carefully to remove oils and grime. Cheers!

andyb · July 25, 2011, 10:55:09 AM

I'd suggest getting the pipes ceramic coated.

Arnie · July 25, 2011, 11:27:31 AM

From '86 (I think) the FJ header pipes were made of Stainless Steel and treated with a process Yamaha called "black chrome". These won't rust, but they do discolor and look tatty after a while.
For all years, you can wire brush the pipes and then paint them with Hi-Temp exhaust paint. If you do this, you'll want to put the paint on sparingly in several coats and just enough to cover.
Or, take Andy's suggestion and get them coated.

Arnie

1tinindian · July 25, 2011, 12:19:04 PM

Or you could polish them!

Leon

racerman_27410 · July 25, 2011, 03:47:45 PM

Quote from: 1tinindian on July 25, 2011, 12:19:04 PM
Or you could polish them!

Leon

AAAaaaaaaaa My EYES! I cant see!!!!!!!!!!!! You should have a disclaimer on your picture posts Leon!

KOokaloo!

Yamifj1200 · July 25, 2011, 05:12:11 PM

Quote from: 1tinindian on July 25, 2011, 12:19:04 PM
Or you could polish them!

Leon

I wanna know when your going to start polishing stainless FJ header pipes as a buisiness.. I want to be first in line!!!!!

Eric M

1tinindian · July 25, 2011, 09:01:02 PM

Quote from: Yamifj1200 on July 25, 2011, 05:12:11 PM
Quote from: 1tinindian on July 25, 2011, 12:19:04 PM
Or you could polish them!

Leon

I wanna know when your going to start polishing stainless FJ header pipes as a buisiness.. I want to be first in line!!!!!

Eric M

I might entertain that idea if a price could be agreed upon.

FJTillDeath · July 26, 2011, 02:47:48 AM

Hopefully the pic works otherwise as seen i dont think any amount of polishing will help these. I think I will take a wire brush and grind all the dirt down and then do a good ceramic coat as Andy said and then go to Leon to get them polished

FJTillDeath · July 26, 2011, 02:49:13 AM

FJTillDeath · July 26, 2011, 02:51:11 AM

Ohh and bare with me yes I know they are hideous and would like to apologise in advance if anybody feels they are offended by the content in this thread

1tinindian · July 26, 2011, 07:07:31 AM

Quote from: FJt!llD3@th on July 26, 2011, 02:49:13 AM

Mine looked about like that before I polished them.
And once they are ceramic coated, they can NOT be polished.

Leon

FJTillDeath · July 26, 2011, 07:12:11 AM

Wow! that would be a vast improvement, I am not sure I understand the term you use as polish tho? I only understand it in terms of making something already clean then shine... Otherwise your method of polishing, would it be using the wire brush first or what?

1tinindian · July 26, 2011, 08:50:58 AM

Quote from: FJt!llD3@th on July 26, 2011, 07:12:11 AM
Wow! that would be a vast improvement, I am not sure I understand the term you use as polish tho? I only understand it in terms of making something already clean then shine... Otherwise your method of polishing, would it be using the wire brush first or what?

When I say polish, it really means it all starts with alot of sanding.
I DA the pipes with 320 grit, then wetsand by hand with 600 grit before starting the polishing using a cloth wheel on a die grinder with the aid of polishing rouge.
It takes a little effort and alot of time, but when done, the stainless steel pipes look like chrome when finished.

They tend to tint to a slight golden color as the heat cycles add up.

Leon

FJTillDeath · July 26, 2011, 10:11:54 AM

Okay you should definitely start up a business then

I would ship my bike to you just to have it done if shipping wasnt so damn expensive.

But I really wish I had the tools you do, sure I got the sand paper but thats about all. That is definitely a good job

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Shiny like new