I am starting a Vapor Honing business that is focusing on TLC parts (pics) (1 Viewer)

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MScruiser

obsessive-compulsive oppositional-defiant wise-ass
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Jackson, MS
I just recently invested in and built a large Vapor Honing machine for motorcycle part restorations, but that being said, I am also working on car parts for customers.

My cabinet is fairly large, and can accommodate things like motorcycle frames, sub frames, swing arms, and large car parts, such as transfer cases, intake manifolds, valve covers, etc.

If you are unfamiliar with the vapor Honing process, it is similar to sandblasting, but yields a much much more finished looking product. It especially makes soft metals, such as aluminum alloys and brass shine. It is also excellent for metal polishing before electroplating or painting. I am also able to do zinc plating, and zinc chromate, and use the vapor Honing as a way to prep the parts for an even finish.

When these parts come out of the cabinet, they look as good, or better than they did when they rolled off the assembly line. It’s really an incredible end result. Another great thing about this process, is that the media is so fine, it does not distort small marks, like machine marks, or emblems or serial numbers.

Here are a few pics of recent parts I have done. I am currently using the machine to spruce up the engine bay on my collectors edition, along with a restoration project I am doing on a 40th anniversary.
 
A few 1fz parts

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Look at how well the part number is preserved!

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Power steering reservoir. Yes, these are still available, and at over $100 a pop, I was definitely going to restore mine.

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Valve cover

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Here’s something really cool. On the 1997 I am restoring, the jack holder was filled with the rust. The rust was imbedded in both the plastic in the foam, and there was no way I was going to be able to clean that out with traditional methods without harming both. Not only did the vapor Honing clean the rust, but did not harm the plastic or the foam.

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What’s your process for shipping parts to you and what’s the cost?

You would ship the parts to me, I would process them, and ship them back. Shipping would be whatever the shipper quoted me. It would be entirely dependent on the size and weight of what I was processing for you.

If you’re interested in some work, p.m. me, and I can give you a quote, based off of what your needs are.

I would imagine a lot of parts could be stuffed inside of a USPS flat rate shipping box though.
 
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Super impressive results!
Thank you! I have absolutely way too much fun with this machine. I really enjoy watching these old parts come out looking new.
 
Firewall exhaust heat shield

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What does the vapor honing process do to the outer layer of the item? Meaning, how abrasive I suppose. As an example, if the goal is to remove grime from something, could it potentially remove a protective coating on the item as well? Meaning that it would then need to be recoated? Say I have a powdercoated motorcycle frame, would it need to be powdercoated again after the fact?

I think it's super cool. I have a pile of a CB350 that I was considering doing similar to! Could we potentially blast the motor and leave it as is? Or should it be coated with something?
 
What does the vapor honing process do to the outer layer of the item? Meaning, how abrasive I suppose. As an example, if the goal is to remove grime from something, could it potentially remove a protective coating on the item as well? Meaning that it would then need to be recoated? Say I have a powdercoated motorcycle frame, would it need to be powdercoated again after the fact?

I think it's super cool. I have a pile of a CB350 that I was considering doing similar to! Could we potentially blast the motor and leave it as is? Or should it be coated with something?

Yes, any thing between the dirt in the bare metal is going to get removed. Now, I have had some success with cleaning plated parts, such as zinc chromate or cadmium. It’s really hit or miss though, as older plating seem to get dissolved pretty quick underneath this process.

This is mildly abrasive, so would not be good at removing powder coding. Yes it could do it, but it would cost a fortune in labor. For removing powder coating, a traditional sand blasting would be best.

This would absolutely be a perfect process for restoring your motorcycle though. This is very popular for cleaning and processing engine cases, cylinder heads, carburetors, and intake manifold. You can also do hubs, triple tees, etc. Anything made of cast aluminum would benefit. Perfect for motorcycles.
 
Dang and I used to live in Madison. Results are quite impressive. I'll have to keep you in mind!
 

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