As I work my way toward the finish of Project 26, some of the more difficult details come my way.
The objective with this build is to preserve as much of the original bike as possible while bringing it up to its best level. As such, my preference is refurbish what we have, as opposed to replacing or repainting. A perfect case in point are the mirrors and turn signals.
This may be a low-mileage VFR, but after 34 years, things that poke out from the bike take a beating from garage rash and normal use. The mirror pictured is a good example. The camera has a hard time detailing its condition, but suffice to say it's covered in scuffs, stains and scratches. These parts have a painted finish, but the difference from standard painted plastic or metal bikes parts is that the underlying plastic is black also, so deep scratches (within reason) can be sanded smooth without the need for repainting.
The objective with this build is to preserve as much of the original bike as possible while bringing it up to its best level. As such, my preference is refurbish what we have, as opposed to replacing or repainting. A perfect case in point are the mirrors and turn signals.
This may be a low-mileage VFR, but after 34 years, things that poke out from the bike take a beating from garage rash and normal use. The mirror pictured is a good example. The camera has a hard time detailing its condition, but suffice to say it's covered in scuffs, stains and scratches. These parts have a painted finish, but the difference from standard painted plastic or metal bikes parts is that the underlying plastic is black also, so deep scratches (within reason) can be sanded smooth without the need for repainting.
The process begins with wet sanding, using the finest grade possible to remove the imperfections, in this case 600-grit. Then I work my way to 1200, 2000, 3000 and, finally, 5000-grit. With luck, 95% of the scruff will have disappeared and we're ready for polishing.
And here we are at the finish line. I've used my Griot's G8 Mini Random orbital polisher with orange polishing pads and three grades of polishing compound;
• Meguiar's Mirror Glaze #83
• Griot's Correcting Cream
• Meguiar's Ultimate Polish
The final step, once the bike is completed, is a hand-applied coat of wax to all the shiny parts.
Works on signals too, including the lenses.
• Meguiar's Mirror Glaze #83
• Griot's Correcting Cream
• Meguiar's Ultimate Polish
The final step, once the bike is completed, is a hand-applied coat of wax to all the shiny parts.
Works on signals too, including the lenses.
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