GojuRyu5

Strip down complete, and at least a thousand YouTube videos later, I experimented with different ways to manage rust removal. Small parts seemed OK with a wire brush, elbow grease - a soaking in white vinegar seemed to help in advance. But that wasn’t feasible for other, bigger parts. I read about the electrolysis method and set about putting something together. After a little trial an error to find the right materials for the sacrificial anode(s) and crocodile clips to manage connections, I have to say I have been impressed with the results. After treatment for 24hr or so, most rust is removed from most pieces. Line of sight between the rusty parts and the anode helps, so I had to add further anodes, but with a production line set up, I have quickly managed to get through all the small and medium sized parts. Each needs a wash, wire brush, a wet & dry paper rub down and thorough drying time afterwards, but I definitely feel like early progress has been made. Many of the parts need to be painted afterwards so I have wrapped them all in paper and put them in bags to protect them from developing surface rust, before moving onto the painting phase a little later. I ended up with a big 50L tub (old beer brewing kit) and two smaller 10L boxes for smaller parts. I had to buy an older car battery charger (newer ones don’t like the process because they normally have ‘smart’ sensors to monitor charging. I also set up a very Heath Robinson spike board to accommodate the multiple crocodile clips in my circuits. Seemed to work well.

Hi all, I’m a newbie to the forum and to bike renovations, but thought I’d share my project and updates as I go. Any tips along the way would be useful. So, this model was my first bike back in the mid 80s and when I saw a restoration project on eBay for next to nothing, I thought it was time I tried to get involved. Admittedly, I’d had a couple of beers and the fact that the project bike had no engine didn’t seem to matter at the time… I bought ‘Rusty’ for £127 and started a complete strip down; by individual nut, bolt, clip, bracket and wire. The most I had ever done back in the day was change the fork seals (no mean feat in itself) so this was a voyage of discovery. Careful bagging and labelling of each part has helped keep things ordered, but the next phase is the cleaning, de-rusting and replacement of missing parts before the rebuild can begin. Just a selection of pictures from the strip down, but you get the idea.

Thanks all. First problem was finding an engine (that’ll teach me not to buy my first project bike after a few beers and not notice the rather large hole where the motor should be). But I now have one and will share my journey. I appreciate the welcome!

Definitely a newbie to forums like this - and too old for much in the way of social media, but anyone who rides (or is interested in) bikes has got to be someone worth talking to. I’m 50 something and enjoying touring anywhere if it gets me out. Recently started my first renovation project which is a complete strip done of a rusty 1980 Honda CB100N - my first bike. Learning new skills along the way and hoping to get in touch with people who may have tips for the work ahead.