Are these parts salvageable?

N

NuggyBuggy

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I had/have an 87 CBR600F project that was nearly complete, just missing a few pieces. I had taken a bunch of pieces off the bike (exhaust, fuel tank, airbag, lights, signals, seat and all plastics) and kept these parts in my garage, which subsequently burned down months later.

The only parts identifiable after were the tank and exhaust. I was so distraught as I saw no way forward, and it didn't occur to me to try and rescue these parts. They were left out in the elements since the spring. Just started wondering whether maybe I was foolish.

When I removed the tank I had filled it with Marvel Mystery Oil to prevent rust inside. I can still hear it sloshing around. Doesn't seem to be leaking anywhere and the metal *seems* solid to tapping. Not sure how to tell if the tank is irreparably compromised.

Anyone think these parts are salvageable and if so - what would that all involve?

Top of fuel tank. Flip up part still opens; haven't tested if key still works:
IMG_3467.jpeg
Bottom of tank:
IMG_3468.jpeg

Exhaust 1
IMG_3469.jpeg
Exhaust 2
IMG_3470.jpeg
 
Can they be brought back to factory finish? I doubt it. Could they be part of a rustomod? Maybe. The exhaust especially is likely to work but as a sanity check before spending much time on it lightly bolt it up and make sure it isn't warped badly.

Can you look inside the tank? Did it burn inside and/or rust? Amazon has crappy endoscopes for cheap if you don't already have one.
 
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thanks @GreyGhost . I do have a cheap inspection camera. I have to look for the key.

I know even if doable, I do NOT have the skills to make it look even close to factory, but maybe I could learn something about finishing.
 
Possibly? The pipe looks like a good wire brushing (on a wheel not by hand) and a coat of flat black BBQ paint would be enough.
That tank looks tougher. Give it the wire wheel treatment and then check for pin holes. Putty, primer and paint could have it looking like new. However thats a big waste if the inside is too far gone.
To clean the inside there are a bunch of methods: electrolisis, vinegar, pinesol, aftermarket flush and liner kits.
I'd pour in some vineagr or pinesol, give it a day throw in a length of chain (spent too much time trying to fish out the last nut or bolt) shake it til my arms hurt then flush and see what you have. Acetone or WD40 sloshed inside to stop flash rust and then a couple rinses with gas.
 
Sorry. Are these badly rusted or just fire damage? I thought rust.
 
As long as it didn't warp too badly from the fire heat that header is likely usable and can be cleaned up and painted. At worst clean it up, paint it and if it still looks a little too rough exhaust wrap it.

The tank will need a lot more triage to know and it may be a lost case but try cleaning it up a bit, looking inside, see how it sits on the frame, etc. before giving up on it. Really if it is not totally warped and it doesn't leak...
 
That some interesting yard art.... seems like a waste of time otherwise.
 
A quick google says motorcycle exhaust tempratures at the header can be anywhere from 1000-1600 F, which is similar to the temperature of a non-enclosed wood fire. So maybe all they need is a wire brush treatment if stainless.
 
NuggyBuggy said:
I had/have an 87 CBR600F project that was nearly complete, just missing a few pieces. I had taken a bunch of pieces off the bike (exhaust, fuel tank, airbag, lights, signals, seat and all plastics) and kept these parts in my garage, which subsequently burned down months later.

The only parts identifiable after were the tank and exhaust. I was so distraught as I saw no way forward, and it didn't occur to me to try and rescue these parts. They were left out in the elements since the spring. Just started wondering whether maybe I was foolish.

When I removed the tank I had filled it with Marvel Mystery Oil to prevent rust inside. I can still hear it sloshing around. Doesn't seem to be leaking anywhere and the metal *seems* solid to tapping. Not sure how to tell if the tank is irreparably compromised.

Anyone think these parts are salvageable and if so - what would that all involve?

Top of fuel tank. Flip up part still opens; haven't tested if key still works:
View attachment 71224
Bottom of tank:
View attachment 71225

Exhaust 1
View attachment 71226
Exhaust 2
View attachment 71227
Click to expand...
I’d try.

the gas cap will be an issue, it will have seals and hinge bushings that will have melted.

Is hit the tank with a green scotch pad to knock off the char and soot, then an SOS pad to get to the base metal.

The pipe might be stainless. If so, hit it with scotch pad, then a wash with muriatic acid will bring it back.
 
GVH said:

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1990 CBR600 $2000

Just an idea on values
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Interesting that that bike is also missing a side cover. Those things are like hen's teeth. My bike was complete except for those covers and the mirrors.

I know my bike isn't worth much, less so now. I will never be able to get it to the place I might have once been able to get it to, and that's part of why I abandoned those parts to the elements. But I realized I can still learn something on a bike and some parts that I have right now.
 
Bought this: 3M Paint & Rust Stripper.

I think I'm going to try and see what will come off easily, then I'm considering trying electrolysis. I was thinking about POR-15 or Evaporust but I figured it would be expensive to buy enough to fill a large enough container.
 
NuggyBuggy said:
Bought this: 3M Paint & Rust Stripper.

I think I'm going to try and see what will come off easily, then I'm considering trying electrolysis. I was thinking about POR-15 or Evaporust but I figured it would be expensive to buy enough to fill a large enough container.
Click to expand...
If you buy 5 gallons of.evaporust, you should have enough for the rest of your life. It isn't one time use. Keep using it until it doesn't work anymore.
 
GreyGhost said:
If you buy 5 gallons of.evaporust, you should have enough for the rest of your life. It isn't one time use. Keep using it until it doesn't work anymore.
Click to expand...
But then you need to store it for the rest of your life.
 
You could dick around with sand paper and heavy acids to clean that tank OR pay someone to media blast it and get a perfect painting surface.

I would be worried about how hot those pieces got, and for how long did they stay hot. If they got "cherry", there goes all the rigidity
 
Heavy acids (even vinegar) are going to leave you with a minty clean tank... And (read that as but) that will flash rust and rot out on you very quickly.

Evaporust.

And take a stainless brush to the exhaust.
 
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