Paint update on my S

[Nessism]

Suzuki painted the engines silver so I don't see why people should worry about painting their engines come restore time.

Sorry a little off topic here but for my 1000S restore I sandblased the engine parts prior to painting. Sadly, the POR-15 Engine Enamel I used is taking a yellow hue to it (painted silver). I love the P0R-15 paints for their toughness and chemical resistance, but apparently the paint can't take the heat very well. I'll use VHT next time.

[nvr2old]

Thanks for the compliment oshanac. This bike means a lot to me. I personally shy away from sandblasting engine parts unless it's a points, clutch, stator, or counter shaft cover. Something that can be separated from the block. The thought of sand getting inside anything, even a grain or two freaks me out, but that's just me. I just spend the time sanding (even between the fins) and then thoroughly cleaning. Carb/brake cleaner works great because it drys quickly and leaves zero residue. I did use an etching primer, very lightly, then Duplicolor spray can engine enamels and VHT brand engine enamels. The VHT brand seems to be a little more solvent and gas resistant, but isn't totally chip resistant. There's always gonna be touch ups involved with a painted engine, especially black. You see it way more with black then with silver..but the look is enough to make me put up with it. I've painted tons of engines of all sizes, air-cooled and water-cooled and never had any problems with heating issues. I'm of the belief that black helps dissipate heat.

I've said it before, but NVR2OLD_, that thing is BREATHTAKING!!! You are a freaking CRAFTSMAN!!!

Did you use a speacial type of paint for the motor or regular auto stuff? I just split my cases and will sandblast and paint them soon. I'm prety new at auto paint products (been doing guncoatings, rattle cans, and minor airbrushing) and heard somewhere that too many coats or the wrong kind of paint can make the motor run hot. Any advice on what you used? Did you use an acid etching primer, then paint? Use any sealer for motor painting? Thanks

[nvr2old]

Click save....that thing is absolutley perfect!

Thanks, Joe. I think I'm finally done with this baby. Spring can't get here soon enough.

Click save....that thing is absolutley perfect!

[nvr2old]

Here's a few shots of the tank back on the bike. Nice day, but cold..25 degrees..brrr.

[posplayr]

I can answer that it's a process that actually cuts all the lines on the masking vinyl and then you remove them to paint each separate color. Amazing precision.

Yea I figured as hand cutting with an exacto would be tedius and error prone.

[nvr2old]

I can answer that it's a process that actually cuts all the lines on the masking vinyl and then you remove them to paint each separate color. Amazing precision.

[posplayr]

I think what you mean is do I use a plotter?? I have a Roland plotter that I use for lettering and stuff on my helmet work. I use a special mask vinyl and a really expensive program for making the templates. I made the Yosh and SUZUKI templates to match.

www.graphixbyjim.com

Obviously I'm ignorant of the process , but was wondering how the stencile was cut? Do you cut out all the letters with the exacto knife of is there a machine?

That looks great !!

[nvr2old]

Thanks very much, ricko19.

just WOW!! Beautiful job

[nvr2old]

you mean Mitch Boehm's mag? Sounds awesome! Any pics/ how's progress on those projects?

Mitch is a great guy. His new magazine is so cool. He contacted me after seeing some pics of the S and wanted to do a feature on it. You'll see it in the next issue out before Xmas. The Kawasaki GPz550 project bike is a total restoration and will be bone stock. It belongs to one of his writers, Dexter Ford. I'm doing the body work and paint. Can't really put up any pics of it. Don't want to spoil the surprise. It'll be beautiful, though, I can tell you that. The Honda CX500 project is separate from the magazine. I should've made that more clear, but who knows, it might make it into the magazine, too..it's very cool. 1978 Standard model. Hand made 'glass tail section with a '37 Ford teardrop tail light frenched in, Magni fairing, bump seat, clip ons, black Conti pipes, black front fender, wheels, engine. Black and gold paint scheme...very nice concept. It's about 1/2 done now. I'll post some finished pics when it's completed.

[nvr2old]

That is very pretty. How many coats of clear go over the graphics? You are sand ing between coats i assume. Are uou buffing out the last coat? Look like a mirror.

Actually this is just a couple of "before" rubbing it out shots. You should see it all polished. Graphics and stripes look like they're under glass. I shoot 4 coats of clear, sand it smooth, then apply another 3 coats before cutting it back once more then rubbing it out.

Damn that looks sweet. Great job!