Black Sheep does have a viable point about finish and intended usage. But it does not have to be an all or nothing scenario. There is many MANY Options for durable, long wearing finishes that suit the intended application.
While I love doing drippy wet look polys and mirror finishes, We dont all want or need trailer queens,Museum pieces, Show boats and Office ornaments that never see the light of day and are polished by interns and secretaries. ("Miss Money Penny,, you missed a spot down low!")
One aspect I got into some years back was the whole "Rat rod" scene and I enjoy some of the metal fab and artistry as well as being free from the Rivet counters and Anally retentive Bolt polishers (A description that was directed at some members of a vintage club I am a member of and find that one amusing)
But Rat Rods whether bikes or cars can be many different things but the part I enjoy is a freedom from convention.
I have multiple prewar coupes (39 Dodge, 39 Plymouth and a 37 Chevy/Pontia heinz 57 ) and I intend to leave the bullet holes in the one I am keeping. I dont have to worry about scratches or dents or where I park it and whether its raining out.
I helped a friend with his project a couple years back and his was a vintage Jeep that he uses a LOT off road. The body was stripped down and the lower half was partially coated in a rubberized coating called "Rhino Liner" here in the US.. Its thick, coarse and rubbery. We then painted the rest of it with specialized corrosion control primers and Urethane single stage base coats. When he returns from offroad excursions he opens the doors and turns the pressure washer hose and rinses the interior out and then exterior. If it gets damaged too much its easy to touch up or repair. As we said in the military,..........
"Looks good, lasts a long time" Its no show queen, but its considered one of the nicest looking vehicles around of its type. (Lots of stainless on it as well)
So, there is MANY ways to do this stuff. The technology is getting better and better all the time and while we can embrace the simplicity of these old machines, they also benefit from considerate owners preserving their heritage. (Thats my speech for today)