Project 32, a 1986 VFR700 F2, is in dire need of a radiator rejuvenation. This thing is nasty, with 34 years of accumulated dirt, corrosion and general grunge. This will be a challenge.
I begin with disassembly — the front protective grill is removed along with the fan assembly mounted to the backside.
Next is a thorough cleaning with a water-based degreaser followed by a general sudsing with a kitchen detergent, like Dawn, and a hot water rinse. The finning is gently scrubbed with a soft brush. I then blow dry the whole thing with compressed air and sand any rusty spots on the steel grill cover.
(Below) I'm left with a nice, clean assembly — a big improvement from what we began with. We could stop at this point but I want to take this all the way, so….
I'm going to spend about a half-hour to carefully straighten the delicate finning with a small straight-blade screwdriver, front and rear. This is not just cosmetics, it will help air flow and cooling efficiency.
Next is a thorough cleaning with a water-based degreaser followed by a general sudsing with a kitchen detergent, like Dawn, and a hot water rinse. The finning is gently scrubbed with a soft brush. I then blow dry the whole thing with compressed air and sand any rusty spots on the steel grill cover.
(Below) I'm left with a nice, clean assembly — a big improvement from what we began with. We could stop at this point but I want to take this all the way, so….
I'm going to spend about a half-hour to carefully straighten the delicate finning with a small straight-blade screwdriver, front and rear. This is not just cosmetics, it will help air flow and cooling efficiency.
The next step is paint. Here I'm using Dupli-Color engine primer, followed by their cast aluminum color, and finally three coats of engine clear.
(Below) I like to let the parts cure for a few days before reassembly. The fan is bolted into place after cleaning and applying dielectric grease to the ground and temp sender connections.
The finished product will pretty up this project, just one of the many little things that make up the whole.
(Below) I like to let the parts cure for a few days before reassembly. The fan is bolted into place after cleaning and applying dielectric grease to the ground and temp sender connections.
The finished product will pretty up this project, just one of the many little things that make up the whole.
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