I haven't had a chance to compare with vapour blasting, but have used brick cleaner (hydrochloric acid) with good results. As WM20 says, parts get darker with longer exposure.

Hi Ron, my G3WO is frame number is 13596, which I think is 1940. I don't have the Orchard/Madden book to hand to check what contract it is. I've seen an ex-works photo of a non-panel tank and all the alloy is bare unpainted.

Sorry, don't mean to hijack the thread.

Regards,

Tom

Hi Tom 13596 is the 597th bike from 3000 under contract C8078 supplied in 1941. 256 of them had panel in tank (I guess the first 256?)

Apart from the parts list for my earlier contract, I have these factory pictures of a later non panel bike, which shows the gearbox is painted but not the engine. It also shows a different silencer. But I've no idea of the contract that this bike comes from. Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

An add on to a wavering thread...
Does anyone know the original finish of early front brake rods? Were all parts plated or some painted? I'm sorting out a list for plating, while the UK still has an economy.🙄

most of the pictures I've looked at, they look painted, which is how I've done mine. Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Hi Craig
I have the colours & finish for the rods & by part
It was a mix of plate & paint
I can check tomorrow- the book is not here with me in the house
Br
John

email (option): jonnyob1@googlemail.com

Here's another picture (I'm sure there are clearer ones) The only plated parts look like the sliding part at the top. Divert your eyes to the right of the bare metal speedo drive in the brake plate. Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Another good picture from John O'Brien, Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Even better! Cheers John!

Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com