CB360 Build- Extended Swingarm and Open to Ideas

Hello,
I'm completely new to the motorcycle world. I'm still in school, so I don't even have my motorcycle license yet. However, I love bikes, and was given this 74 CB360 with 10,000 miles on it. I hope to rebuild the engine (I already have a gasket kit and stainless steel bolt kit) and extend the swingarm. From there, I am open to ideas on where to go. The bike is completely torn down, including the engine. I have recently attempted to clean the engine with degreaser and sanding (400, 600, 800 grit, etc.) and wanted to go for the polished look, but now I hope to paint it black. I have found it immensly difficult to get the oxidation off between the fins, but managed to get a bit off, and when I put the cylinder in the degreaser and water to soak most recently, it formed a grey buildup all over it. How thoroughly do I need to clean the engine before I can paint? Like I said, I am very new to motorcycles and engines, but with a lot of reading, I have gained quite a bit of knowlege, now i hope you guys can hold my hand on this one. I really appreciate it everone!

Here's some more pictures, including my attempt at polishing the valve cover

If you've got grey buildup it probably means you left it in the degreaser/water solution a bit too long. Easiest thing to do would be to soda blast or bead blast it to get that all off, and then paint. That oxidation is a bitch to get off by hand, but you definitely need it clean before you paint. Lots of good engine painting advice in the forum.

That makes sense,I did leave it in a bit long. Thanks for the response Abby. I have a little blaster from harbor frieght and i attempted soda blasting it, but my old compressor just wouldn't budge past 100psi. I'll try to borrow someone's and give it another go

In case the compressor doesn't go through, is it worth the money to get the parts blasted?

Whether it's worth it depends on how much they charge. Not sure where you live but we've got a U-Blast place here in town. They charge by the minute for do-it-yourself blasting with all the different types of media. I've done a hell of a lot of work (sandblasted frame, bead blasted cases, head, valve cover, other bits and pieces) all for under $60. My time is way better spent that way rather than scrubbing my ass off. However, if you've already got a setup, might be worth it to find a bigger compressor. Our weekly Sunday flea market has big-ass compressors for under $50. Good luck.