1980 WR 390 Rescue...

I would leave the tank just like it is. Maybe add a Phoenix decal on it or something.

wheres bigbill? this is one of his DREAM bikes...390 power!

nice work bringing this one back. going to be a good one

Thanks for that info Jim... I have the PJ1 Satin Black for the cases... I figured I would try that on the triples and forks as well maybe the hubs also if I get carried away. I used the PJ1 many years ago and it held up well on a 100 Kawasaki engine that I transplanted to a 125 Maico frame.

I used a satin black etch primer for my cases, seems to hold up well

Is that under the PJ1?

nope, just left it as an etch primer finish, seems ok so far

Spent some time in the shop tonight... Stripped off all the new parts I just put on and packed them away...

Started the tear down for Powder Coat of the frame and a few other parts. Made some good progress for just a few hours I think.

Tonight's update...

I ordered some swing arm related stuff from HVA Factory today.

That is the fun part of working on vintage. Unless something is severely rusted, they strip down pretty fast.

Sure beats tearing down an F 650 GS for a valve adjustment!
Did two of them... mine and my wife's one after the other!

Spent a few hours today cleaning hardware waiting for a buddy of mine to call me so I can get the welding done... Still waiting!

On the bright side had a delivery from across the pond today!
HVA Factory is amazing! I ordered on Tuesday and had the package on Friday!

Well I have a sickness... Just ask my wife!
Once I start cleaning I can't stop!
Couple that with being bored today since it's been snowing all day and I get OOC (Out Of Control) my wife's term...

I know it's not the correct finish but I am doing a Resto-Mod not a restoration to showroom condition.

Yes you can polish zinc plated fasteners!





Jury is still out on polishing the engine mount plates... I like the brush finish but polishing them will make the finish last longer by sealing the surface.

I'm doing the same today, wire wheelin cleaning etc all day.

Relaxing isn't it?

Only bad thing about wire wheeling and polishing zinc plated material is that it will rust in about a year or so, unless you keep it in the house or maybe if you live out west.

SnoDrtRdr, How'd the zinc plating turn out, the nyloc nuts handled the process? I'm about to send a bunch to the plater next week.

the nuts will loose the nylon in any plating process. grab a box of new ones unless your concoursing and just plate the bolts

Didn't replate them, these are original.

Question:

Is this bike (1980 WR 390) supposed to have a chain guard? There are tabs for a chain guard on the swing arm but I don't see any in the parts book.

BTW Welding got done yesterday and the frame and bits are going to the Powder Coater this afternoon!

Agreed, the fastener being rusted (as opposed to just coated with junk) means that the plating is compromised, you can clean it up, but it'll continue down that path once started.

I still do it all the time though

If you ride with any frequency and do the requisite wrenching, you'll have plenty of opportunities to spot when it's time to make that trip to the bolt store or website.