It can vary a bit depending on the parts being refinished, but it generally follows this:

• Your parts are inspected and photographed, and any potential issues identified and discussed.

• Oily or greasy parts will get a trip through the parts cleaning sink to remove any heavy deposits of grease, sludge or oil before their trip through the blaster.

• Engine oil passages, blind holes, and threads are plugged when possible as a precaution, through-holes generally are not.

• Parts are then vapor blasted, then immediately rinsed with clear water, dried, and packed for shipment.

• Finished parts are photographed before they are carefully packed and returned to you.

Disassemble the parts, removing any brackets, bolts, or any other ferrous metal parts you can. Threaded steel inserts, brake linings, iron cylinder liners, cylinder studs, valve seats and or pressed-in bearing surfaces obviously can’t be removed, we will immediately clean and treat these with protectant to prevent flash rust.

Clean and remove the worst of any grease, gunk, sludge etc before sending parts, or you’ll just be paying us to clean them, adding time and expense to your project. Gaskets and heavy sealants must be removed prior to blasting – the blaster will not remove them.

If you’re shipping an engine or other whole assembly you may lightly bolt it back together for shipping if that makes it easier for you to pack it up. See the shipping instructions on the order form for more information. Or give us a call.

The finish can vary somewhat, depending on the condition and quality of the metal in the part, which can vary really widely. In general parts will emerge from the process with a very fine lustrous satin finish. This finish is fantastic as-is straight out of the blaster for many parts including cylinders and heads, valve covers, wheel hub centers, and just about any rough-cast engine parts commonly found on British, American and European motorcycles. Bolt it on.

Many vintage motorcycles had their diecast engine side covers finished to a smoother, flatter finish, what we'd call a 3/4 polish. Some hand finishing or polishing will be needed to restore that finish to those parts. 

Vapor blasting is an outstanding prep step prior to painting or polishing that will save you a lot of time and help you get a better result. Vapor blasting will remove the super hard layer of oxidation and the remnants of factory paints or clearcoats, and reduce the amount of sanding needed to prepare for buffing. This helps preserve the original shape and fine detail of your valuable parts.   

Many vintage motorcycles had their diecast engine side covers finished to a smoother, flatter finish, what we'd call a 3/4 polish. Some hand finishing or polishing will be needed to restore that finish to those parts.