Frame Funk Cleanup

[Guest]

Been cleaning up the DT175s I bought and I'm having some difficulty with the frame. I can't tell what this residue is on it and I don't want to get more aggressive without consulting you fine fellows.



As you can see, the one frame has cleaned up quite nicely. But take a look at this:



What is that? As aggressive as I've gotten is using acetone and a 3M pad, but even that require a lot of scrubbing and elbow grease - enough that I'm worried about damaging the clearcoat.

What do you guys think?

[7981GS]

Have you tried brake cleaner on it yet?

Eric

[UncleMike]

Have you tried brake cleaner on it yet?

Eric

I haven't. Brake cleaner will harm the paint on the frame, wouldn't it?

[Biggie]

use some paint thinner or brake cleaner on a cloth and try rubbing it off. I think it's some kind of wax that never came off when the bike was new or some po tried to wax the bike to preserve it. Hey, what kind of frame is that anyway?

[UncleMike]

use some paint thinner or brake cleaner on a cloth and try rubbing it off. I think it's some kind of wax that never came off when the bike was new or some po tried to wax the bike to preserve it. Hey, what kind of frame is that anyway?

1978 Yamaha DT175.

I had bought them thinking I'd strip it all down completely and repaint, but under the barn dust the one bike is in pretty good shape. Going to clean it up, replace bearings, cables, rubber and fluids and slap it back together.

The second one I'll may get more creative with.

[7981GS]

I haven't. Brake cleaner will harm the paint on the frame, wouldn't it?

No.

Eric

[UncleMike]

No.

Eric

Well sumbitch! Wonder how long I've been walking around with that misinformation rattling around in my noggin' ...

Thanks!

[7981GS]

Brake cleaner will take off fresh rattle can paint but not the OEM paint.

Eric

[Biggie]

love the frame man, especially the rear shock that's fixed to the backbone!

[UncleMike]

love the frame man, especially the rear shock that's fixed to the backbone!

It's a pretty interesting design and interesting bike besides. Never messed with 2-strokes before, and to find a monoshock, 2-stroke enduro??

Should be a fun project. And I've got a whole second bike to mess with too. Maybe I'll hop up the second engine a bit ...

[gsgeezer]

Brake cleaner will take off fresh rattle can paint but not the OEM paint.

Eric

Works good, as mentioned above.
I haven't had a DT-175 since I was 16, but it was handy to use on the ranch and commuting to school.

[SVSooke]

Looked at a couple of DT175's with a DG(?)175 thrown in.Passing on them as to far gone.Googled the alleged DG175,nothing.Very weird bike,DT engine in a twin shock frame with front and rear racks