stripping tank/fenders/engine cleaning-help a noob

Hey everyone
just got a 82 kz650 csr
I want to strip the paint off the tank but I've never done it before
I've stripped paint of other things (ie. Bicycle frame etc.) But never Anything relating .to a motorcycle
Any tips/ tricks or suggestions for paint stripper you guys have would be greatly appreciated
I also want to change my fenders they are chrome but I would like them to be raw/brushed metal
I know nothing about chrome so I'm at a complete loss
And thirdly I need to clean up my engine I was told to just use solvent a rag and a tooth brush just want to make sure this is ok I'm broke and can't afford to screw anything up
Thanks

never mind

H1Vindicator wrote: What is the condition of the tank & fenders etc?
Tank - dents, dings, paint already ruined?
Side covers - road rash, chips, already ruined?
Fenders - rusted, scratched, already ruined?

Excellent question. If the parts are in nice condition they could be sold, replaced with non-original paint/chrome parts, and the money left over could fund the rest of the build. Original painted tank & side covers bring good cash. Ed

H1Vindicator wrote: What is the condition of the tank & fenders etc?
Tank - dents, dings, paint already ruined?
Side covers - road rash, chips, already ruined?
Fenders - rusted, scratched, already ruined?

Everything is in great condition
its a personal aesthetic choice
no rust or anything no dings or anything like that

never mind

650ed wrote:

H1Vindicator wrote: What is the condition of the tank & fenders etc?
Tank - dents, dings, paint already ruined?
Side covers - road rash, chips, already ruined?
Fenders - rusted, scratched, already ruined?

Excellent question. If the parts are in nice condition they could be sold, replaced with non-original paint/chrome parts, and the money left over could fund the rest of the build. Original painted tank & side covers bring good cash. Ed

I thought about that but is rather just rather just strip them to bare metal
I like the look just not the colors I'm looking to go to bare metal
just not sure if there is any difference stripping the paint off a gas tank compared to anything else that's metal
And I'm not sure how to un-chrome something if that's even possible

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jbalet666 wrote:

H1Vindicator wrote: What is the condition of the tank & fenders etc?
Tank - dents, dings, paint already ruined?
Side covers - road rash, chips, already ruined?
Fenders - rusted, scratched, already ruined?

Everything is in great condition
its a personal aesthetic choice
no rust or anything no dings or anything like that

Since you plan to strip /repaint I would definitely swap them for replacements & $$$$$. Nice parts that have been repainted can be found cheap. Nice parts with original paint can be sold for big bucks. Here are a couple examples of tanks. Side covers and good chrome fenders bring good $$$$ too and replacements with non-original finishes can be bought cheap. The extra money could fund the rest of the build on your bike. Ed

Repainted tank for sale:


Original painted tank for sale:

H1Vindicator wrote: I hate to say it, but if you're broke - why?
The only change that bike really needs is the handlebars.

When I say broke I don't mean like $0 broke
Just on a budget
In all honesty its just what I want
however the tanks clear coat is damaged looks like the previous owner spilled solvent or gas on it
Just trying to get some direction and advice

when i was getting ready to have my bike painted i took the tank and fender down and had it blasted. it cost me 60.00 buck and was done in about 1 hour.

never mind

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H1Vindicator wrote: I don't know how much inherent value a 650CSR has, but if you modify the tank & fenders on the cheap, you will end up with an almost worthless hulk. Search any city's CL for bobber project or KZ project or whatever... you'll fine 1 or 2 ruined vintage bikes on many of them... some get relisted over & over. Change the handlebars & ride.

Very true. Here's an example of a totally stock KZ650-C1 that has a fair amount of rust and neglect, but it is all there and the seller is looking for fairly high bucks.

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650ed wrote:

H1Vindicator wrote: I don't know how much inherent value a 650CSR has, but if you modify the tank & fenders on the cheap, you will end up with an almost worthless hulk. Search any city's CL for bobber project or KZ project or whatever... you'll fine 1 or 2 ruined vintage bikes on many of them... some get relisted over & over. Change the handlebars & ride.

Very true. Here's an example of a totally stock KZ650-C1 that has a fair amount of rust and neglect, but it is all there and the seller is looking for fairly high bucks.

I understand and respect your guys opinion but I'm not selling it nor is that the point of this post
just trying to get advice regarding stripping my tank and id like to do away with the chrome on the front fender