Engine coatings?

[GWCox]

I am pulling a 1978 GL1000 out of storage after being there for more than 15 years. In looking into cleaning up the engine exterior I am wondering if any of the engine parts were originally coated in any way, i.e. clear coat, plastic, etc. for looks and/or protection. I don't want to use the wrong cleaning materials or methods so want to know if I am dealing with basically bare metal or something else.

GWCox

[Rambozo]

A lot of polished parts had a clear coat on them. That has usually yellowed if it remains at all. Not sure about that model, but other Hondas of that vintage could also have a silver paint finish on some parts. My guess is this was only done on cast pieces that did not meet QC as some bikes have it and some don't.

[MattMcCoy]

The engine is painted. The valve covers, belt covers, carb tops, intake runners, and forks will have had a clear coat at one time.

[landisr]

I dressed up my motor by buffing up the various polished parts as listed above. I started by removing the clear coat with paint stripper (follow it's instructions). After clean up, I then used 0000 steel wool as a first step to buff, then used a good metal polish. If there is any pitting, start with a more coarse grade of steel wool or sand paper and gradually go finer and finer. When all done I just used a good wax or detailing polish to protect it. I myself wouldn't even try to paint with clear coat because the surface would be too smooth for the paint to adhere. I don't mind redoing it once or twice a year.

Ron in AZ

[GWCox]

Thanks to all who have responded. At this point I am basically cleaning up for the best look without a complete engine restoration. Then to loosen everything up and get it running.

[landisr]

Thanks to all who have responded. At this point I am basically cleaning up for the best look without a complete engine restoration. Then to loosen everything up and get it running.

I forgot to mention that I did the above polishing with everything in place. No disassembly.

Ron