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I've used a lot of button-head Allens. But, I had a sack of them (SS) being tossed out at work.

Good progress. Those cross screws get more difficult to remove over time so nice that you are updating them as you go. But do be gentle with the torque as Al suggested.

Being careful on torquing them down. I do this on all my bikes. One time too many on roadside not being able to get a screw out convinced me. Also use anti-seize on them.
Luckily , so far, everything I touch on this it’s like a new bike. Rusty on outside but every screw comes right out (using JIS).

Lots of elbow grease and rust remover and polish. Trying to take chrome back to at least driver condition. I want to use all the original parts, if possible, even if they are not pristine. building a driver restorationeh?

Getting better. I've had good service from crumpled balls of aluminum foil dipped in vinegar.

Do keep them waxed up after you clean them, it prevents a quick rerust.

Shiny.

It's pretty neat how the rusty chrome can clean up. I make some salt water and balled-up aluminum foil. It works just like the vinegar/foil, I expect.

Nice wing to bring back.
XS650 turned out great.

NotSoLilCrippseys wrote: ↑Mon Apr 03, 2023 8:47 pm Shiny.

It's pretty neat how the rusty chrome can clean up. I make some salt water and balled-up aluminum foil. It works just like the vinegar/foil, I expect.

I was told balled up aluminum foil and coke.

Major score! Been scouring to find a pristine left side battery cover and as we all know its tough to impossible. I was actually looking for something else and someone had listed both covers on Ebay with the wrong name/description. So no one was finding them! I looked very closely and the left one was perfect! I placed my bid then sweated out another Wing owner snapping it up. I got both for....$40 bucks!!!
I'm going to do some mild modifications on the back to make them more durable, change how they lock on the bottom and put a leash on them. Oh and when the time comes paint them. Meanwhile I'm just going to enjoy the score.

Pulled the gas tank and radiator this weekend with help from a long time friend who is a master builder/fabricator (he built the chassis for Pure Heaven 2 fuel altered in the 60’s as an example). Both look excellent but I am having both cleaned and tested as there is rust in the fuel tank.
I then pulled the timing belts, checked idlers and timing. Right side was off one tooth so I suspect previous owner had changed them at some point. I put on new, got timing marks spot on. Easy job with instructions from shoptalk. My buddy also has welded up my muffler that I cut to remove, other than that it’s good too. Needs painted and chrome done of course. So progress!

Great progress. Nice brazing technique - coat hanger? Reminds me of my Dad, hands a moving, metal puddling, didn't matter what the thickness was - it's an art form.

Yes, agree that welding is art as it does not come easy to most of us.

My buddy is 80 and learned welding a long time ago and was very good. He welded for Mickey Thompson, Hooker Headers, Jess Tyree, Dean Moon among others. Master fabricator and builder. Oh and he does my stuff free!

I've welded on some of those old mufflers. It ain't easy. My hats off to him.