So, waiting to pick up the remainder of my painted parts today and was out in garage looking things over...thought i'd share a few resto items i covered when i started this project in January. Since i had everything apart at sometime, i recall a few simple upgrades to ensure longevity---one, i added zirc fittings to the rear brake pedal and center stand as when i had disassembled these were pretty crusty. Did not rechrome anything, used a product called nevr dull followed immediately (while nevr dull was wet) with aluminum foil--this removed alsmost all the surface rust-then chrome polish. Second, on the aluminum parts like front fork legs, carb intakes and carb top covers, i buffed these on buffing wheel started with a gray rouge, followed with white rouge and finalized with a aluminum polish from mothers---what a shine! Mechanically, i did go thru everything, new wheel bearings, swing arm refresh, new brake lines, front/rear claiper n master cylinder rebuilds, all electrical upgrades to stator wires, dog bone fuse, new fuse block, starter refresh, carb rebuild kit, radio n speakers, timing belts, engine adjustment work and painted main engine halves black, on all the badging for the oldwing---i removed, washed with hot soapy water, shot a lil paint prep, rattle canned a transluscent candy red, followed with clear---they came out awesome. powder coated rims, painted calipers, new tires, new driving lights and car horns---they'll hear me. A few i wish i would haves----i cheaped out n the paint job, was getting quotes of $1500-$1800, went with a guy for $300, i wet sand and buff...although paint is decent, not a perfect job, you get what u pay for....also, went with a Lincoln Black---forgot how tough black is to buff/polish to get a real deep shine without imperfections, they're in there, but for a 30 year old bike and not intended for a "show quality"---fine with it. Now, the grand total....1983 Interstate 42k miles, purchased for $900--rough, crappy paint job, dirty....i spent $1161 dollars in parts, paint, tires....and all the labor was me, but i can't price that---it was therapy! Raining here in Illinois with forecast for more tomoroow---intend on piecing all together for completion tonite and will post final pics tommorow before first real ride.
