79 kz400 rusty hardware

After carb rebuiding, gas tank and petcock cleaning, I was able to get the bike running and took it for a ride up and down the street. Bike ran well and shifted through the gears fine. So, I'm ready to move on to cosmedic issues. I'm not looking to put much money into this bike. But just get it to a decent looking every rider.
Most the chrome plated hardware is rusted. Looking for ideas on cleaning them up, or inexpensive replacements.

For irregularly-shaped items like fasteners and clutch lever adjusters, I like to use a brass wire brush.

Ideally you can put a larger (5"-6") brass wire wheel in a small bench grinder type of device, but if that's not practical you can put a smaller wheel in a handheld drill and clean up parts that way. If you go the drill route, you can cut pieces of angle aluminum to make inexpensive soft jaws for your vise (so you don't damage the threads on the items you're cleaning).

Chrome is harder than brass so this won't damage the existing finish - unless corrosion has already loosened some of the chrome.

Fine steel wool with WD 40


 

Evaoprust!

Nessism wrote:

Evaoprust!

Evaporust, drop the rusty parts in. Come back in a day or two depending on how bad the rust is. Evaporust works best warm.
 

Yes - evaporust works great.  It's reusable several times (turns darker as you use up its strength), and it's water based so you can dispose of easily.  

Scotty

Tried a new green product / rust remover.
Made for the "PB Blaster" People. It actually works!!
I miss my 5 Gal. bucket of phosphoric acid in crystalline form from work! I retired in 2011. Lasted me 7-8 years.  We used it in our boiler room.
Like the other's said. It turns black after it's used up.
I gathered up some old chrome  Z1 parts. A day soak, in basement. No fumes!
$27 for a gallon at the Orange-Commi-Depot store.

Thanks Marty.  I'm about to soak some parts in Evaporust, I'm gonna get some of the Blaster stuff and try them side by side.  Looks like the Blaster may be better on chrome or painted parts.

Scotty

sf4t7 wrote:

Thanks Marty.  I'm about to soak some parts in Evaporust, I'm gonna get some of the Blaster stuff and try them side by side.  Looks like the Blaster may be better on chrome or painted parts.

Scotty
Hi Scotty, don't put painted items in rust remover. 
 

Depending upon level of rust/oxidation I have used aluminum foil and soda/pop/coke to remove light levels.