Finish First

[simon.holyfield]

Probably not the first thing I need to know, as those who have looked at my SQ4 blog will know, but what finish was used by the factory on engine fasteners?

I'm guessing most of them were cadmium plated but I've seen some restorers using chemical blacking?

[john.nash]

<cough> use stainless <cough>
You'll love yourself, for doing it, after two winters

[brenton.roy]

Here's how to make the webmaster look like a puritan...

Simes, If you are going to ride it regularly, you might consider <cough> stainless <cough> Allen screws.
I don't have original screws to check for finish, so sorry for the lack of reply. Mine are chromed.

[simon.holyfield]

I've got Draganfly & Acme Stainless bits all over the cycle parts!

[nevhunter]

I suppose they are Cadmium plated originally. Bit hard to get that done these days. Stainless makes good sense. The W/NG's are black ( Coslettised/ parkerised?? Nev

[simon.holyfield]

I guess i will go stainless with the engine fasteners too - I'm sure that I'll wish i had, if i don't.

Where do you all stand on polishing? my castings are in good shape, and have the patina of 60 years. I'm going to thouroughly clean, maybe use some rubbing compound but i am not going to polish away the years...

[brenton.roy]

Simes,
I think at least some square motors were polished. The one's I have and have seen all are.
It looks good and is easy to maintain.
Brenton

[nevhunter]

Leave the casting patina. The polished surfaces keep heat in better, so you don't need them . Clean the metal surface with alumiprep ( Used on aircraft stuff.) Nev