On the Kawasaki Project:
Yes, work does continue on the project but it’s a fair question to ask: “Why do these projects take so long?” For starters, I think I’m just naturally slow and while shop time can be limited in the summer, probably the better answer is that sometimes there’s just more to a task than meets the eye.

Let’s take the lowly exhaust pipe/muffler. Refurbishing one is typically a four-step process for me: First, I hit the larger areas with an angle grinder and flap disc, which is actually faster than sandblasting. Then I do sandblast the areas that I can’t reach with the grinder, followed by an overall hand-sanding to achieve a clean, shiny pipe. Finally, a coat of paint and it is done.

A gloss finish would be sharp but I like the flat finish because it’s easy to touch up spots when the pipe gets banged around on the shelf and during installation.