Clean rusty headers (chrome) easy

Discuss everything about Honda GoldWing. Feel free to ask any question related to GoldWing.

Moderators: CYBORG, Oldewing, robin1731, Forum Moderators

Post Reply
User avatar
jdvorchak
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 5238
Joined: Mon May 25, 2009 8:01 pm
Location: East Alton, IL

Clean rusty headers (chrome) easy

#1

Post by jdvorchak »

My old GS850G is about ready for the road. It runs great but still the past dozen or so years of neglect by the PO left it looking a little funky. I recently used plain white vinegar to clean the fuel tank and being cheap, when I was done with the tank I poured the used vinegar into a 5 Gallon bucket. Well I was just staring at the old girl and the exhaust pipes looked bad. So I tried aluminum foil on the rust and pits and it worked ok. Then I saw on the interweb to dip the foil in tap water and worked pretty good actually. Still searching I saw plenty of videos about using Diet Coke instead of water. Well we don't drink Coke or Diet anything so rather than go out and buy a can, remember I'm cheap, I used my left over Vinegar instead of water or Coke. I figured if vinegar will eat rust and aluminum foil removes rust from chrome, why not combine them. Wow did that work good. Here are some before and after pics. This literally took less than a minute of scrubbing with the foil dipped in plain used vinegar:

Image

Image






Took about 3 more minutes to clean all 4.

Image




Now do they look new. NO. Not by any stretch but they look a lot better and I'm thinking some chrome polish will make them look even better.
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help:
http://ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST


Don't fix it 'til it's broke...
The person with the most toys wins!
If it has wheels or a skirt you can't afford it.
Amateur Radio Station WW9L

71 CL350 with Bingham side car
2021 HD Triglide
2008 HD Dyna Low Rider
83 KZ1100L1 Son totaled it
83 KZ550LTD Shaft sold

Previous bikes: 84 GL1200 STD, 83 KZ550LTD, 83 CB1000, 78 CB400A, 82 CB900F, 79 CB750K, 2001 GL1800, 2000 Dyna Super Glide, 1972 CB350 K4, 1985 GL1200A, 1997 1200 Sportster, 84 GL1200I, 82 Honda CM400E, 81 Suzuki GS650L, 72 Triumph Bonneville 750, 72 Honda CB350, 66(?) Honda 305 Scrambler, 6? Yamaha yz250, 62 650 Matchless (Norton-Villers).
John
User avatar
jdvorchak
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 5238
Joined: Mon May 25, 2009 8:01 pm
Location: East Alton, IL

Re: Clean rusty headers (chrome) easy

#2

Post by jdvorchak »

One tip. Wear gloves unless you just like having your hands dirty and smelling like vinegar.
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help:
http://ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST


Don't fix it 'til it's broke...
The person with the most toys wins!
If it has wheels or a skirt you can't afford it.
Amateur Radio Station WW9L

71 CL350 with Bingham side car
2021 HD Triglide
2008 HD Dyna Low Rider
83 KZ1100L1 Son totaled it
83 KZ550LTD Shaft sold

Previous bikes: 84 GL1200 STD, 83 KZ550LTD, 83 CB1000, 78 CB400A, 82 CB900F, 79 CB750K, 2001 GL1800, 2000 Dyna Super Glide, 1972 CB350 K4, 1985 GL1200A, 1997 1200 Sportster, 84 GL1200I, 82 Honda CM400E, 81 Suzuki GS650L, 72 Triumph Bonneville 750, 72 Honda CB350, 66(?) Honda 305 Scrambler, 6? Yamaha yz250, 62 650 Matchless (Norton-Villers).
John
Gowing
True Blue Steel Biker
True Blue Steel Biker
Posts: 2314
Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2012 10:50 am

Re: Clean rusty headers (chrome) easy

#3

Post by Gowing »

Incredible really. And sounds like it is extremely quick too. I would have never known you
could do so well with those pipes. I would have been looking for a better used set
Dave

1975 GL 1000
1980 XS650
1981 ct110
1972 F7 KAW 175
2000 moby blaze 40cc
Chihuahua (Ellie)
Chihuahua #2(Blaze)
User avatar
jdvorchak
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 5238
Joined: Mon May 25, 2009 8:01 pm
Location: East Alton, IL

Re: Clean rusty headers (chrome) easy

#4

Post by jdvorchak »

I've used everything from a wire brush, steel wool and emery cloth. This is by far the easiest I've ever seen. I was absolutely amazed. On the rest of that left side exhaust was just dirty. Just rubbed over it with the vinegar and foil and it came out looking like new! Vinegar is a great cleaner.
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help:
http://ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST


Don't fix it 'til it's broke...
The person with the most toys wins!
If it has wheels or a skirt you can't afford it.
Amateur Radio Station WW9L

71 CL350 with Bingham side car
2021 HD Triglide
2008 HD Dyna Low Rider
83 KZ1100L1 Son totaled it
83 KZ550LTD Shaft sold

Previous bikes: 84 GL1200 STD, 83 KZ550LTD, 83 CB1000, 78 CB400A, 82 CB900F, 79 CB750K, 2001 GL1800, 2000 Dyna Super Glide, 1972 CB350 K4, 1985 GL1200A, 1997 1200 Sportster, 84 GL1200I, 82 Honda CM400E, 81 Suzuki GS650L, 72 Triumph Bonneville 750, 72 Honda CB350, 66(?) Honda 305 Scrambler, 6? Yamaha yz250, 62 650 Matchless (Norton-Villers).
John
User avatar
Rat
Photo Gallery Admin
Photo Gallery Admin
Posts: 15457
Joined: Fri Oct 21, 2005 9:59 pm
My Album: https://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/rat/
RIP: cookie
Location: Toronto .... Canada

Re: Clean rusty headers (chrome) easy

#5

Post by Rat »

Good tip .....

Gord
"I'd rather Ride than Shine"
‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
‘84 GL1200i ‘R2B6' (Rat to Be 6, the last, adopted by twowings)
My Original 'RAT' was a hybrid '82 CB900/1100F
User avatar
gadelsperger
Chrome Member
Chrome Member
Posts: 112
Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2008 11:55 pm
Location: Sacramento, CA

Re: Clean rusty headers (chrome) easy

#6

Post by gadelsperger »

I assume you rinsed the vinegar off afterwards.
George in Rancho Cordova (Sacramento is a suburb) CA
User avatar
jdvorchak
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 5238
Joined: Mon May 25, 2009 8:01 pm
Location: East Alton, IL

Re: Clean rusty headers (chrome) easy

#7

Post by jdvorchak »

gadelsperger wrote:I assume you rinsed the vinegar off afterwards.
Just wiped it off with a paper towel but yes I should rinse it. I'm not done, that was just a quicky job to see how it would work. I also want to try using steel wool and chrome polish or foil and chrome polish. I have a kz550 that is no where near that bad but has some rust.
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help:
http://ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST


Don't fix it 'til it's broke...
The person with the most toys wins!
If it has wheels or a skirt you can't afford it.
Amateur Radio Station WW9L

71 CL350 with Bingham side car
2021 HD Triglide
2008 HD Dyna Low Rider
83 KZ1100L1 Son totaled it
83 KZ550LTD Shaft sold

Previous bikes: 84 GL1200 STD, 83 KZ550LTD, 83 CB1000, 78 CB400A, 82 CB900F, 79 CB750K, 2001 GL1800, 2000 Dyna Super Glide, 1972 CB350 K4, 1985 GL1200A, 1997 1200 Sportster, 84 GL1200I, 82 Honda CM400E, 81 Suzuki GS650L, 72 Triumph Bonneville 750, 72 Honda CB350, 66(?) Honda 305 Scrambler, 6? Yamaha yz250, 62 650 Matchless (Norton-Villers).
John
User avatar
Lucien Harpress
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 4077
Joined: Sat Dec 24, 2011 11:41 am
Location: Michigan

Re: Clean rusty headers (chrome) easy

#8

Post by Lucien Harpress »

I want to say I remember (in the scary recesses of my mind) that I used steel wool for something engine-cleaning related. BIG mistake. The small steel fibers that ALWAYS shed from the pad got everywhere and rusted faster than I would've ever believed.

This is not saying you shouldn't try it. Just though you should be aware of a (possible) side effect.
1997 Valkyrie- Light Cutomization, but Too Busy Riding
1980 KZ1300- Bike's Haunted
1976 GL1000 (Yellow)- It Runs (Poorly) and Doesn't Leak (Mostly)
1974 Velosolex 3800- Better Than Walking
1972 CB750- Broke the Chain And Ate the Motor
1969 CT90- The Most Fun You Can Have on 90ccs.
1965 CA77 Dream- Needs a Full Teardown, but Complete

All advice I give is only valid until an expert corrects me.
User avatar
robin1731
Membership Admin
Membership Admin
Posts: 21724
Joined: Mon May 29, 2006 8:31 am
Location: Decatur, Indiana

Re: Clean rusty headers (chrome) easy

#9

Post by robin1731 »

Lucien Harpress wrote:I want to say I remember (in the scary recesses of my mind) that I used steel wool for something engine-cleaning related. BIG mistake. The small steel fibers that ALWAYS shed from the pad got everywhere and rusted faster than I would've ever believed.

This is not saying you shouldn't try it. Just though you should be aware of a (possible) side effect.

That's why you use the Stainless steel wool. Not the cheap kind. ;)

But you should always blow it all off after using it too.
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
User avatar
Lucien Harpress
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 4077
Joined: Sat Dec 24, 2011 11:41 am
Location: Michigan

Re: Clean rusty headers (chrome) easy

#10

Post by Lucien Harpress »

I may have tried washing it...... I'm sure that didn't help any.

(Like I said. Long time ago, when I knew less about these thing than I do now. And I still don't know that much...)
1997 Valkyrie- Light Cutomization, but Too Busy Riding
1980 KZ1300- Bike's Haunted
1976 GL1000 (Yellow)- It Runs (Poorly) and Doesn't Leak (Mostly)
1974 Velosolex 3800- Better Than Walking
1972 CB750- Broke the Chain And Ate the Motor
1969 CT90- The Most Fun You Can Have on 90ccs.
1965 CA77 Dream- Needs a Full Teardown, but Complete

All advice I give is only valid until an expert corrects me.
User avatar
salukispeed
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 1951
Joined: Sun Feb 21, 2010 10:08 am
Location: Oak Forest Illinois US

Re: Clean rusty headers (chrome) easy

#11

Post by salukispeed »

Pretty awesome result. Will have to give it a try on the 66 Dream, and a couple spots onthe silverwing. Do any of the smarter chemist types here have a answer as to why it works this well?
Honda 72 CL100 sold
74 CB750 K4 nice driver
1966 CA77/305 Dream nostalgic driver
84 GL1200I work in progress
1970 CT 70
1982 GL500 Interstate
User avatar
HOTT
Run Executive
Run Executive
Posts: 3251
Joined: Sun Aug 02, 2009 6:48 pm
My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery3/index.php/wingmans/HOTT
Location: Spring,TX
Contact:

Re: Clean rusty headers (chrome) easy

#12

Post by HOTT »

Plain Ol' Vinegar has a ph of about 2.5.
You can purchase commercial grade stuff that will take your fingerprints off.
So it's pretty much acid. If not neutralized it will corrode most metals and stain others.
Use carefully.
That's why you use the Stainless steel wool. Not the cheap kind. ;)
Not that I'm saying I haven't used steel wool on rusty pipes,.. but if you want to avoid
scratching to chrome plating you might want to consider Bronze wool.
image1.JPG
image1.JPG (142.35 KiB) Viewed 245 times
HOTT (hmm smells like salad)
If we can't fix it, we can fix it so no one else can.
the Condor BOTY 2011
Ol' Sparky BOTM Dec. 2011
Lucky #13 BOTY 2018
User avatar
BlueThunder
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 1612
Joined: Fri Nov 07, 2008 4:39 pm
Location: Sarasota, Florida

Re: Clean rusty headers (chrome) easy

#13

Post by BlueThunder »

+1. Copper or bronze wool. Steel wool, even 000 size, will scratch the surface.
...Brian
2014 CTX1300 Deluxe - BlackThunder aka Predator
1977 GL1000 - Ox
User avatar
calif wingnut
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 1650
Joined: Wed Aug 10, 2011 10:10 am
Location: Patterson, Calif 44 years winging it

Re: Clean rusty headers (chrome) easy

#14

Post by calif wingnut »

Lucien Harpress wrote:I may have tried washing it...... I'm sure that didn't help any.

(Like I said. Long time ago, when I knew less about these thing than I do now. And I still don't know that much...)
For some reason I can't post new topics or reply to so using quote for now, but just tried your tip on one of my markland 1500 back rest rails...I'm impressed.
Attachments
IMG_8180.JPG
IMG_8180.JPG (164.79 KiB) Viewed 233 times
IMG_8181.JPG
IMG_8181.JPG (156.71 KiB) Viewed 233 times
User avatar
Sugs
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 1069
Joined: Sun Aug 09, 2015 6:12 pm
Location: Springfield, MO

Re: Clean rusty headers (chrome) easy

#15

Post by Sugs »

BlueThunder wrote:+1. Copper or bronze wool. Steel wool, even 000 size, will scratch the surface.
...and copper or bronze wool won't rust like steel wool.
_______________________

'79 Honda GL1000 Goldwing
Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “GoldWing Tech Discussions”