I'm restoring a 1985 Honda Shadow (VT700C). The original paint job included black enamel (?) over the entire engine/crankcase, except the head and side covers which are polished aluminum. The sides of the engine are the typical fins which are polished aluminum as well (the paint was obviously ground off). The manual specifically says that these are for cosmetic value more than for functional cooling.
The engine has about 23 years worth of hard water deposits and the original paint is faded. I need to know the best way to prep the engine for repainting.
The transmission was damaged so I have the entire bike apart in the garage and a new transmission is ready to go in. But I want to repaint the engine & frame before I put it back together. I have black engine enamel, but I don't think it will adhere properly without stripping the old c**p off.
The challenge is that it's aluminum, not steel, and the fins make elbow grease rather awkward. I'm hoping for a chemical solution (get it?).
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