The initial problem I had with the rad hose was getting it to meet both the radiator and water pump inlet neck while keeping the hose's natural form, leaving the radiator hose in its original shape without bending it and putting a kink in it. I discovered its not possible to route it in its original form and it requires 2 small bends to make the connection. This is an expensive engine, and IMO, the "f'ing dumb" thing to do would be to run the line, not double check proper routing and gravity flow, then have a shortage of coolant supply in the engine. Now that's RETARTED! I have no shelf bike or spare bike to compare to, this is all from scratch.
The pipes I could care less if they have surface rust on them, takes 5 seconds to clean off with some fine wool then a coat of wd40. Bikes sitting there doing nothing so why would I put my attention on something that will not make progress on building it?
Ill have em clear coated when its the appropriate time to do it.