[steveo]

Have you considered getting your stanchions hard chromed?
In the UK it usually works out a bit cheaper than buying new ones.

 

[steveo]

I've used Philpotts a few times, they charge £170 to re-chrome a pair of stachions (including all postage costs)
Pitted Forks - Motorbike Fork Rechroming - Motorcycle Fork Refurbishment - Bike Fork Repair - UK
I know the postage costs will be a lot more, might be worth emailing Phillpots to get a price though.

 

[steveo]

Cracking job on the frame.

 

[steveo]

You would think the alloy would've had some sort of coating when new, looks like it's long gone though.
Have you got any plans for cleaning up the wheel/brake.

 

[steveo]

Would a paddock stand do the job? BIKE IT BIKETEK MOTORCYCLE REAR TRACK PADDOCK STAND MOTO GP RACE RED | eBay

 

[steveo]

I've often thought of giving one of these kits a go, but have read conflicting reviews.

 

[steveo]

GSXR750/1100 Slabsides seem to be selling for very good money over here. Suzuki GSXR 750, SLABSIDE, ORIGINAL, BEST AVAILABLE, COLLECTOR SPECIAL, WOW !! | eBay
Sometime ago Hillsy posted a pic of this Bandit, I'd like to have a go at something similar.
In the UK you can pick up a half decent GSF1200 for not a lot of money.1999 SUZUKI GSF 1200 X BLACK | eBay

 

[steveo]

I never blast to remove a finish.....usually. I have access to a 5000psi pressure washer so I can normally strip everything with that. Aside from powder coating.....I normally finish the cases one of three ways. Just a can of paint......a close match silver with a satin semi gloss additive or my favorite.....a silver with a light coat of low gloss ppg paint. I used on the HT-1 the Eastwood Argent silver wheel paint which is remarkably similar to classic Japanese mx case coatings and a loss gloss clear for protection.......on the cases only not on the other silver items. The low gloss clear is fantastic for gas and solvent protection without that high gloss look that was not natural on cases and fenders of that era.

The barrel was dipped in phosphoric acid for about 30 seconds then pressure washed and it removed everything and "pickled" the metal at the same time.

It was certainly worth all the effort, it all looks superb.

 

[steveo]

Think I prefer your purple too the original colour.

 

[steveo]

Nice one Knappy.

 

[steveo]

Just wondering Knappy.... How well did the zinc plating kit work?