Coating question for Kickstarter .... not sure what it is

September 21, 2008

Hi, My name Don Johnston and I'm in the process of restoring a 1977 Suzuki RM125B Motorcross Motorbike. I've been stumped by a problem that hopefully you can help out with.

There are a number of parts on the bike that are what looks like forged steel.
For example: the Kickstarter and gear lever. They are coated with what looks like something that may have been achieved by dipping, but im not sure.

The colour is a dark "gun metal" grey. Exact same colour as a gun barrel. Other items on the bike that have this same colour are the clamps that hold the Carby to the engine and air filter.

The coating comes off quite easily with a wire brush...

I'm trying to get these parts back to there original colour if possible and I thought someone here may be able to help.

If anyone could please help or direct me to someone that knew what this coating was, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Kindest Regards

Don

Don Johnston
Hobbyist - Melbourne, Victoria, Australia