Aircanuck's Budget Restore

Grab bar rust removal attempt. It was pretty bad before. Looks decent now. Deciding if while I have access to free blasting and painting it should remain chrome for now or (as the rear shocks) gloss black.

Used Canadian Tire chrome rust remover and some aluminum foil.

Thoughts?

 

The rod looks very clean btw Cal

 

It definitely seems to be. My buddy will be taking it apart to blast... If it isn't good well replace.

What do you think ref the grab bar? Is it worth keeping chrome the way it turned out or should it be blasted and properly painted while I have access to the equipment? Shocks will be black anyway... Just looking for opinions both practical and esthetic

 

good advice, thank you.

 

I need to replace the chain and sprockets. Local bike shop quoted about $220 CAD for aftermarket chain and front/rear sprockets. Seem to be plenty for cheaper on eBay.. but I don't want to unknowingly buy a crappy set. Can someone point me to a good source?

Edit: also the eBay sellers are looking for a sprocket teeth count front and rear as well as the number of links in the chain .. anyone know this information off hand some of my parts are in a different province currently

 

Informative, thank you . What is DiD?

 

Thank you! That's actually $40CAD cheaper than what I had been quoted by my shop, as well. I will order that (although probably not gold, lol)

 

according to that site looks like stock size is 18 front, 43 rear. You mentioned doing a 17 before but I assume that was really a "stick with stock" as I think you quoted 17 as stock?

Also, I notice a lot of x ring chains. Is that a must or is o ring fine too? I have read up on the differences and it seems that x provides more speed due to less friction but still keeps it as well lubricated as an o ring?

 

Another one for you fine folks. I have these images of my tires (both need replacing). Which is the model number? Are these the best/adequate tires meant for this bike?

 

Another very informative post. Found today they are indeed the pilot tires by Michelin. I'll do the same again likely. About to post a big wheel progress photo series...

 

Progress shots. Initial shots show wheels as they were, covered in oxidation and filthy. Then show clean and degreased but not polished. Then first kick at polishing with autosol and 000 steel wool followed by a buff. Finally a gif showing an unpolished and a polished side.

Let me know your thoughts!

Question for you pros. The final closeups show the kind of marks I can't get rid of. Just a matter of multiple more passes with the autosol? Will it ever look beautiful?

Would a buffing tool be of use?

 

Another question for you pros - are UMI o-ring chains good? The shop that quoted me $220 was for JT sprockets and UMI o-ring chain.

 

I'll check out some videos.

For the wax / lacquer... Just turtle wax or is there special stuff? The only "lacquer" I'm familiar with is like a clear coat spray paint type product, is there another you're referring to?