Thanks for all the positive comments and advice everyone. I’ve finally gotten round to properly stripping the bike (of components, not paint… yet). After some encouraging success with removing the paint from the seatpost QR and crank caps I had a go at the derailleurs today.
Below is what the XT RD-M730 rear mech looked like when I removed them from the frame. A pretty horrible combination of dirt and paint.
Above is after a strip, scraping off the majority of the paint with a blunt edge, a quick dip in the ultrasonic cleaner, rebuild and polish. Turns out it’s in great condition, nicely preserved by the dirt and paint.
Here’s a few more before and after shots.
I hadn’t even realised the jockeys were red until after I gave them a good clean.
All bolts, screws and component parts were in great condition and even the logo is clean and complete.
Front derailleur pics to follow shortly.