From Rusty to Factory: CR500 Exhaust Restoration

This is the next episode of the CR500 Giveaway Build, and in this video I focus on restoring the original FMF exhaust.

I always start any restoration by getting the part as clean as possible. For the exhaust, I used my Harbor Freight parts washer filled with a metal-safe degreaser, along with a small heater to make cleaning easier. With some brushes and Scotch-Brite pads, I was able to remove years of built-up grime and prep both the pipe and silencer for restoration.

Once everything was clean, I moved on to polishing. Since this pipe only had surface rust, I skipped the rough wheel and mainly used the fine PRYME Scotch-Brite wheel to avoid cutting through the nickel plating. I use a three-step process when polishing exhausts. The first pass focuses on removing rust, starting on the bench buffer and finishing with a Dremel. The second pass is about creating an even brushing pattern along the length of the pipe, working one section at a time. The third and final pass is all about consistency, using long, even strokes to achieve a uniform, factory-style finish.

The silencer followed the same process. After pulling it apart and cleaning the baffle, I spent about an hour buffing everything out. It wasn’t in terrible condition to begin with, but it was definitely dull from sitting for years. Taking my time on the final pass made a big difference, and the end result speaks for itself.

Considering the condition this bike was in when I got it, I’m really happy with how the exhaust turned out. It’s always satisfying bringing original parts back to life instead of replacing them.

Stay tuned for the next episode as the CR500 giveaway build continues.

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PRYME MX Cleaning Wheels:
https://www.prymemx.com

Harbor Freight Parts Washer: https://www.harborfreight.com/20-gall...

Parts Washer Heater: https://a.co/d/2qbJjdt

Contents
0:00 - Intro
2:12 - Exhaust Cleaning
2:31 - PRYME Wheels
3:50 - Three Pass Pipe Buff
6:29 - Silencer Breakdown
7:35 - Silencer Buff
8:38 - Silencer Packing
10:41 - Final Pass
11:26 - FMF Sticker
11:47 - The Trophy
13:07 - Giveaway 2 Winner
13:52 - New Giveaway
14:56 - Outro
15:57 - Riders

#honda #cr500 #restoration #dirtbike #2Stroke #DirtBikeBuild #engine