Gas tank cleaned, painted.

The finish isn't ideal, I should've wet sanded to perfection, but the tank is mostly hidden and I really wasn't all that worried about cosmetics at this point - I'm waiting to see the bike come to life. Inside is shiny clean and the outside has 4 coats of primer, 4 of enamel, and 3 of clear... I got carried away.

Project bike = chemistry set

Time to remove the gas tank rust!

 Fuel tank removed, time to get set up.

 Before - this is looking inside the tank.

And we're off!

One cylinder head end done, one more to go.

Before:

After:

 Ready for action!

A minute with Berryman's and a shop rag...

Before:

After:

The beginning of an epic journey? Let's hope my next post isn't "well, I sold the bike..."

What I'm starting with? A 1978 Honda GL1000 that's in great shape cosmetically, except that it's just a bit disassembled. Almost all-original and complete, minus the seat.

My to-do list:

• thorough cleaning - it's been sitting up for a few years
• rust removal (handful of minor spots on the frame, chromed parts)
• tank rust removal/sealing
• replace tires
• repack/replace wheel bearings
• brake fluid flush
• master cylinder rebuild front and rear
• brake caliper rebuild x 3
• brake pads x 3
• air filter replacement/cleaning
• new battery
• fork oil change, perhaps replace seals
• carburetor clean and sync
• drive shaft maintenance (I might as well...)
• timing belts and tensioner pulley replacement
• replace engine gaskets (all of them)
• hone/deglaze pistons - see image below - but actually, whatever was sitting there came right out with carb cleaner (Berryman for the win...)
• replace piston rings - might do this at a later date actually, gonna go ahead and do all of the other engine stuff and then do a compression test
• valve job

Yeah, might as well make this a full rebuild. Definitely could've been worse!