New mounts and blasting

Saturday morning I decided to redo the coil and relay mounts - this time I did brackets instead of bungs.  I felt like there wasn't enough clearance under the tank when the coil was mounted horizontally - the wire rubbers were rubbing the tank.  The relays are bundled together now which I think is tidier.

Today, I media blasted - I went through 120 lbs of media - mostly coal slag from Tractor Supply, which is nice and cheap.  Unfortunately I didn't finish as I ran out of media.  I didn't get to the frame or the rear swing arm, and I didn't finish the front forks.  But everything else is done.  I'll ask the powder coater to finish the rest.  I'm going to use Chester County Coatings in Honeybrook, Pa. on my brother's recommendation.

I always think it will be economical to do my own blasting, but I forget what a huge pain in the ass it is. A few little pieces is fine, but most of a bike sucks.  Balancing the time, hassle, and supply cost vs paying someone to do it - I vote pay someone else.  That said, I do like the intimacy that the process affords - each sweep uncovering blemishes, cast marks, and serial numbers - it's stuff I'd never see if I didn't strip the parts myself.

I really like Eastwood - I think their stuff is a good balance of quality and price.  Growing up, they had a store in Frazer, Pa that I loved to go to.  It's closed, Pottstown isn't that far away.  For blasting, I've got both their 100lb blasting pot and their cheapy siphon gun.  I much prefer the little gun.  You can make one of these pretty easily with just an air gun attachment (my kids gave me this one for x-mas).

Once the coating is done and the engine is done, it will be time to assemble and wire.  Painting the tins will wait for another day - I'm tired of spending money and I know I'be got one more substantial order from Benchmark Works before it's all done.