The only way to get that shine would be to dismantle the engine and buff and polish on a bench polisher. Not by dremmel and hand.
So... Onwards and upwards, cleaning and degreasing prep for painting.
I tried gunk ultra first, which I picked up from Halfords.
Don't bother with it. It's useless!
After looking on YouTube I found a gnarly looking old dude saying 'marvel mystery oil' is the best thing since sliced cheese :)
It's normally used as an engine treatment oil or fuel additive. He was singing its praises as good cleaner and degreaser on external components too so gave it a try. It's good, but was still very labour intensive. My engine has years of grime and oil on it.
Shame on the previous owner, it's not like it was even a Mad Max-esque 'rat bob' style that you should never clean.
It was just neglected.
Finally I used straight forward brake and clutch cleaner.
Get a spray can or a bottle and fill a pressure sprayer (like the garden sprayer type things) it works wonders!!!
It eats through everything (including paint I'd assume so be careful) has a high alcohol content so dries quickly and turns oil and grease into dust.
Don't bother with expensive degreasers for your engine.
Once the engine is clean I shall pick up some etching primer and then black paint.
I intend to sand the fins of the engine to give it a cool contrasting look.
No sign of the tank yet. Hopefully any day now.
My frame welders, although 'welding royalty' are not the quickest at turning things round which is a bit frustrating. Perhaps it's all the royal galas they attend ? ;) I hope to have the frame back soon.
My upcoming tasks are painting engine and then building my front end components, forks, bars etc.
