Exhaust day. Yesterday I removed the exhaust system. I was amazed the crossover pipe came apart. Had visions of cutting it apart. I had sprayed rust penetrate on it a few times a few time last week. It came apart with no drama. I then de-greased everything, knocked off the big rust and then polished it some. It came out ok. I used the Gunk engine degreaser first (it's good stuff, you don't need gloves but wash your hands before going pee). Next was Quick-Glo on the headers and the tops of the mufflers (thanks
@jetmechmarty ) that stuff works very well. Not so good on the heavy stuff for that I used the Dremel and brass wheels. Finished with my favorite wax.
It came out ok for what I had to work with. As I was cleaning it up I could see what I already knew, it wasn't going to be perfect. When you have your face 6 inches from something you see every blemish. From a few feet it looks good. I could feel mission creep. I went and looked and I can buy new head pipes and good mufflers for less than $200. I had to remind myself what I am doing. The goal is to end up with a presentable bike that runs and rides like new. Not a show bike. New pipes would look better and maybe make the bike run better. At the end of the day I do not see a gain in value to justify the expense.
Next up swing arm.
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