My GS1100 Project

[Scratcher09]

My next project was to address the side covers. They had been attack by a pit bull. The corners were chewed off and 5 of the 6 posts were broken off.

 

[Scratcher09]

I made 5 posts out of wooden dowels.

 

[Scratcher09]

They are not all the same length. I am going to fasten them to the covers with fiberglass. I will also use fiberglass to reconstruct the missing corners. I don't expect it to look perfect. I just want them solid and secure.

 

[Scratcher09]

I added grooves in the dowels so the fiberglass will grab onto the dowels more securely.

 

[Scratcher09]

I made sure to properly clean and degrease the covers and I roughed up the surface with sandpaper so the fiberglass will adhere well.

 

[Scratcher09]

Instead of using bondo or glazing putty to smooth out the bodywork, I use SEM Bumper Repair. It is a two part epoxy that remains semi flexible. This characteristic is important because when the cover flexes, bondo will crack. I then primed and painted with a satin black 2K urethane.

 

[Scratcher09]

It turned out well. The posts I made work just like the original ones. I went with satin black because i wanted them to blend in without bringing too much attention. i would prefer to leave them off but i believe they are need to keep the electrics dry.

 

[dorkburger]

Looks great! It all goes together well. I like the gray engine...

 

[steve murdoch]

A quality home-made repair.
Very nice work.

 

[trevor]

Nice job! And yes, I really like the looks of the engine grey too. Could post some more pics of the engine please?
Again, awesome job!

 

[Scratcher09]

Thanks. The engine was painted and the covers were powder coated.

 

[XR750]

Next I sanded the frame to get it ready for paint. I used a single stage (doesn't need clear) 2K urethane black. I also painted many other parts at this time like the bucket, fork legs, wheels, etc. Proper prep work takes time but is essential if you want the finish to be durable.

nice work and a few questions Looks like you're painting in the home garage. What type of gun are you using? HVLP detail gun or full size? I see a vent on the garage door. Can you share your air filter setup? I need to keep my neighbors happy, which keeps my wife happy, and that keeps me happy! Also, what type of abrasive disk did you use on the exhaust and how did you prep the wheels for paint?

 

[Scratcher09]

I believe for the single stage black I used a detail HVLP. But for my clearcoats I use a full size gun that I really like. The Concourse from Eastwood. It is very affordable and I get great results. I have sprayed in body shops and I have used expensive guns, but this gun is well designed. And it is made to be used with a home compressor. Most guns require 10-15 CFMs and that means it requires a huge shop compressor. I highly recomend the Concourse. I recently built a tent out of PVC that I set up in my garage with an intake and exhaust. I posted about it but don't remember where--maybe in tips n tricks.

 

[XR750]

Thanks for that. Can you share what you used to paint the exhaust?

 

[Scratcher09]

I used VHT Fireproof. Don't underestimate the importance of prep work. I clean and degrease. Then use an 80 grit sanding disc on an angle grinder to give the paint something to grab onto. Then I degrease again before VHT primer. Then paint. And I follow the directions for properly curing the paint. It will not be very durable until it is cured.

 

[Jmanor]

I used VHT Fireproof. Don't underestimate the importance of prep work. I clean and degrease. Then use an 80 grit sanding disc on an angle grinder to give the paint something to grab onto. Then I degrease again before VHT primer. Then paint. And I follow the directions for properly curing the paint. It will not be very durable until it is cured.

I agree, prep work is the most time consuming. Just did some painting of my rim and starting to sand and polish lip, the taping and prep work was more work than the actual painting.

 

[XR750]

I used VHT Fireproof. Don't underestimate the importance of prep work. I clean and degrease. Then use an 80 grit sanding disc on an angle grinder to give the paint something to grab onto. Then I degrease again before VHT primer. Then paint. And I follow the directions for properly curing the paint. It will not be very durable until it is cured.

Thanks, that is the info I was looking for.

 

[Scratcher09]

I made these brackets to install the turn signals using the upper shock mount. The little tabs butt up against the shock to keep the lights from moving downward.

 

[Scratcher09]

I wanted to go with lights that had a vintage look instead of the modern aftermarket ones.

 

[Scratcher09]

Been having a blast riding this bike while working out the final details.