Which paint closely resembles the original factory color and finish...

[Vmass]

I realize there are a ton of threads on the paint subject.

I thought it might be helpful to list what you have found to be a close or exact match to obtain the factory color and finish for the various parts below.

FYI: so far I am 0 for 2 in my quest for a match. Would anyone like to list what they have found to be a match for the following:

1) Frame

2) Calipers

3) Engine paint (black and silver)

4) Foot peg brackets

5) Wheels

And anything else that may help!!

[Nessism]

I have no good ideas on how to color match. Only thing I can suggest is to use your old parts as the basis of the match, only colors fade with time so that's no good either.

The white color on your S body work parts is a particularly questionable subject. I had a local paint store match the white to that on the Reproduction Decal's white stripes, who in part matched to a set of NOS Suzuki decals. This white is more pure and bright compared to what Larry (nvr2old) uses, which is more yellow. In my opinion, Larry's white is too yellow, but the Reproduction Decal's and subsequently mine, is likely too bright. Who's to know? Larry said he matched off the inside of the tank which is fine, but the clear of the 80's era yellows with time so where to get a true match?

[Vmass]

Not so concerned about the body parts, I have seen larry's bike in photo's, as well as other S bike photos and I cannot tell them apart.

I am more concerned with the blacks and silvers of various bike parts. I painted my calipers and am not happy with the authenticity of the look. It may be more of a sheen difference versus a color difference.

I know many have done the same and I am hoping to get some good feedback on the subject.

[rustybronco]

Vmass, I was very happy with the match of the shopline singe stage urethane I used on the Skunks frame.

[Vmass]

Vmass, I was very happy with the match of the shopline singe stage urethane I used on the Skunks frame.

I would prefer the low tech method of rattle can paints.

[7981GS]

For the calipers, try GM satin black engine paint. (rated to 500 degrees)
For the silver engine, I like the VHT cast aluminum caliper paint. (rated to 900 degrees)

Daniel

[Rover]

Vmass, Many here also use VHT Universal Aluminum SP127 for their engine paint.


Andy

[Nessism]

Vmass, Many here also use VHT Universal Aluminum SP127 for their engine paint.


Andy

This is what I used but it is not a perfect match - more dull (less silvery) than the Suzuki silver. In particular, the Suzuki paint on the upper crankcase half is smooth and semi-gloss. The VHT is flat. Not too bad though.

[Rover]

Ed: Do you need to use VHT primer on the engine before you apply the Universal aluminum?

[Nessism]

Ed: Do you need to use VHT primer on the engine before you apply the Universal aluminum?

I didn't use primer but that doesn't mean it's a bad idea. To be honest, I didn't research the need.

[rustybronco]

I would prefer the low tech method of rattle can paints.

So when I wanted to do my 78 1000 frame I got some more

Black this time.

Before and

after.Not bad for a rattle can.It does need to be left to cure though.

ask SVSooke what he thinks about the paint He used.

[nvr2old]

I have no good ideas on how to color match. Only thing I can suggest is to use your old parts as the basis of the match, only colors fade with time so that's no good either.

The white color on your S body work parts is a particularly questionable subject. I had a local paint store match the white to that on the Reproduction Decal's white stripes, who in part matched to a set of NOS Suzuki decals. This white is more pure and bright compared to what Larry (nvr2old) uses, which is more yellow. In my opinion, Larry's white is too yellow, but the Reproduction Decal's and subsequently mine, is likely too bright. Who's to know? Larry said he matched off the inside of the tank which is fine, but the clear of the 80's era yellows with time so where to get a true match?

I understand what you're saying about the white on the S body work, but on every one I've painted, the white on the decal stripes is too white compared to the white of the paint. All 6 that I've done now were that way, and the paint on all of them was not particularly faded or yellowed. I have a really nice stock tank with low miles on the bike it came from to use as a guide, and every one so far has had that same shade of white. It's not a pure white like the stripes. It's more of an antique white. I guess the only way to tell for sure would be to go back in time when one was on the show floor, but I'm confident I've got the white and the blue colors dialed in, man..

As far as the caliper paint, I think DupliColor satin black engine enamel is a dead on for the factory black. Their Aluminum silver engine enamel is very close, too, but it doesn't hold up well to gas spills. VHT is a better paint for that.

[chuck hahn]

Daniel..The VHT CAST ALUMINUM has a bit of a off tinge to it. If you want the bright silver aluminum look, then you want the UNIVERSAL ALUMINUM. Part # SP127. As for the calipers you will want tom use a caliper paint specifically. Brake fluid easily strips the other types of paint right of the first time you bleed the brakes.

[SVSooke]

Used Rustoleum Appliance "Epoxy" on 2 frames now.In a rattle can it's really tough paint,barely scratched it putting the frame on the engine 2 times with my 85 GS750.Longer it cures the better it is.Yes Dale I really like this stuff
Used VHT black satin caliper paint on the Skunk calipers.

Turned out great IMHO.Grab bar's Rustoleum to.

[Vmass]

I understand what you're saying about the white on the S body work, but on every one I've painted, the white on the decal stripes is too white compared to the white of the paint. All 6 that I've done now were that way, and the paint on all of them was not particularly faded or yellowed. I have a really nice stock tank with low miles on the bike it came from to use as a guide, and every one so far has had that same shade of white. It's not a pure white like the stripes. It's more of an antique white. I guess the only way to tell for sure would be to go back in time when one was on the show floor, but I'm confident I've got the white and the blue colors dialed in, man..

As far as the caliper paint, I think DupliColor satin black engine enamel is a dead on for the factory black. Their Aluminum silver engine enamel is very close, too, but it doesn't hold up well to gas spills. VHT is a better paint for that.

Larry,

I picked up a can of Duplicolor for the calipers. I did not see any that said Satin, the can I grabbed is Low Gloss Black DE1634.

I found an NOS rear caliper that I should have in a couple of days, I will wait until I have that before shooting the front calipers, Again!