Case finish

[MaurieG]

Morning guys.
1978 GS750EC. What was the finish on the crankcases? I'm leaning toward vapour blasting the whole lot, cases, barrels/head/camcover ect. But ... I seem to remember, either the top or bottom crankcase was painted. Am I right? And, if I am, which case was it???

[Guest]

Normally the upper crankcase, along withe barrels and head, were painted. Lower crankcase was bare metal. Ignition, clutch, and stator covers were polished and varnished. Sprocket covers varied with the model, but usually had one part polished.

[Nessism]

Normally the upper crankcase, along withe barrels and head, were painted. Lower crankcase was bare metal. Ignition, clutch, and stator covers were polished and varnished. Sprocket covers varied with the model, but usually had one part polished.

Agree. Vapor blasting the lot would be a good place to start, then decide if you want to paint. Problem with painting is poor availability of quality paint. I've yet to find a rattle can paint that's worth a hoot. VHT is the most popular but it drys brittle and won't hold up to gasoline.

[1978GS750E]

Here is a pic of one that was sand-blasted and painted with VHT paint. Done in May of 2017, about 2000 miles ago and still looks good.

[LAB3]

I've worked my tail off on other bikes with polishing only to become disappointed with giving them a good seal or getting paint to stick. Haven't tried it yet but have been mulling over the idea of putting a colored patina on bare metal cases for some time now, here's a source I've found that might interest you.

https://sculptnouveau.com/

[Grimly]

I've worked my tail off on other bikes with polishing only to become disappointed with giving them a good seal or getting paint to stick. Haven't tried it yet but have been mulling over the idea of putting a colored patina on bare metal cases for some time now, here's a source I've found that might interest you.

https://sculptnouveau.com/

How about anodizing them?

[MaurieG]

Well, Guys. Thanks very much for the replies! I think I'll go for vapour blasting the lot, see how it comes out, then take it from there. I was also going to get the carbs done at the same time. Is this a good idea (thinking how easily they're clogged up), or not?

[LAB3]

How about anodizing them?

Another good idea! When I came across that site my thinking was to make a bike look like it had sat out in an open field for 30 years but otherwise be in top working order.