Refurbishing magnesium engine cases

An interesting day to day assessing the schedule of dilapidations for
the recently acquired Nordwest #2.

I think it may have fallen in to the hands of Whinging Courier at some
time who showed his dislike for its perceived ugliness in his eyes by
sparing everything matt black. I give you the ultimate Nordwest rat
bike:

http://www.text2kml.co.uk/Pickchurs/Nordie1.jpg

Anyway, the good news is that despite being registered in 1998 this is
most definitely an early 92 model, which means the important bits like
ignition module etc. are interchangeable with #1. Other good bits are a
new tank, and Teikei carb(s), and wheels in amazingly good condition
considering the rest. The Brembo gold lines seem fine (though now matt
black) and the disks are OK (rather specialised size an £100 a pop new).
I have already scrapped the home made (matt black) steel tank bodywork.

Even the seat has been painted matt black. The original pink finish is
underneath with hopefully the Nordwest graphic intact, but has anyone
got any idea on what substance might remove the paint well enough to not
leave traces of the paint in the grain of the surface.

Also, being a very early example it has the lovely light magnesium
engine cases. Except, that having obviously stood for a while, they are
in a terrible state (the cam belt cover is placcy) :

http://www.text2kml.co.uk/Pickchurs/Nordiecase.jpg

So, same treatment as knackered lacquer on Honda cases, or does
Nitromors eat magnesium? What ever I do they will have to be coated
again as naked magnesium is not going to last very long.


--
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| Pete Fisher at Home: |
| Voxan Roadster Gilera Nordwest * 2 Yamaha WR250Z |
| Gilera GFR * 2 Moto Morini 2C/375 Morini 350 "Forgotten Error" |
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Pah. That's Satin Black, a pale poofy urban shadow of The Real Thing.
--
Dave
GS850x2 XS650 SE6a

"A scone and tea at half past three
Makes the day a little brighter
Keep your cakes and fancy tarts
And stick them up your shiter."

 

Thanks. I've found lots of technical stuff by a'googling, but I was
hoping for some personal recommendation. Sand it down smooth and coat it
with high temp black seems the cheapest option.
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+----------------------------------------------------------------+
| Pete Fisher at Home: |
| Voxan Roadster Gilera Nordwest * 2 Yamaha WR250Z |
| Gilera GFR * 2 Moto Morini 2C/375 Morini 350 "Forgotten Error" |
+----------------------------------------------------------------+

 

In communiqué <>, Grimly

<peers closely>

Hmm, a definite sheen in parts, but pretty matt in others. I think I
rescued it just in time. I forgot to mention the nice stainless 'Arrows'
can. Quite pleased by the overall package considering what I paid for
it.


--
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
| Pete Fisher at Home: |
| Voxan Roadster Gilera Nordwest * 2 Yamaha WR250Z |
| Gilera GFR * 2 Moto Morini 2C/375 Morini 350 "Forgotten Error" |
+----------------------------------------------------------------+