Out of curiousity, did you use any chemicals while getting the paint off, or did you simply put a little proverbial elbow grease and a sander to it?
I used two different sizes of 3m paint stripper wheels for a power drill that you can get at Walmart (and they are way cheaper there than the auto parts stores!). I got a large surface one (black and looks like two smaller ones stuck together), and a thinner red one that is slightly less abrasive. I also had to buy a corded drill cause my cordless' batteries wouldn't last the 3+ hours it took. And yeah I am slow...
I forgot to mention....a Monza fuel tank cap would also add a lot to the look of the bike. I commend you for resurrecting a salvaged job.
I have a new cap on order, but not the monza. I was having a hard time deciding what color to go with (black, aluminum, chrome, or brass), but am trying black for the first go.
Also I can't take credit for resurrecting her from the dead. The Previous Owner brought her back just enough to get through the DMV, and I am just making her purty again. Smashed headers was probably the worst thing I've had to fix. The rest is just minor damage and blemishes.
Can't say I'm lovin the black mudguard/raw metal tank/brown seat combo. If you were to lose the front mudguard and get a greytop seat....
I am not lovin' the black fender either. Not 100% sure on what to do with it. I'd strip it like the tank if it wasn't plastic!!! Hopefully once I figure that out it'll look more balanced.
And to the comments regarding the patterns in the metal, a buddy of mine was trying to talk me into small 1-2 inch circles with a polisher, but kinda sounded like that would require "skills" to get them lined up properly. Is that in line with what you are calling patterns?
