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[nvr2old]

I can't, Bill. Never seen it done before. You'd think it would turn into a puddle or at the very least, distort the shape in the baking process, but this one looks great.

[pete]

Tuning in as always Larry, and I'm very curious to see how this all goes over the top of powder coat. I've heard many people curse powder coat as a starting point as it's so tough to get rid of, but I'd never considered you could use it as a good base and starting point.

[Nessism]

Sorry to Larry for my earlier posts in this thread. I've deleted them because they are not pertinent to this paint project and I don't want to detract from it.

Looking forward to watching Larry's magic once more...

[nvr2old]

Sorry to Larry for my earlier posts in this thread. I've deleted them because they are not pertinent to this paint project and I don't want to detract from it.

Looking forward to watching Larry's magic once more...

I don't think I saw anything that needed to be deleted, Ed. I find your comments interesting and useful.

[nvr2old]

Tuning in as always Larry, and I'm very curious to see how this all goes over the top of powder coat. I've heard many people curse powder coat as a starting point as it's so tough to get rid of, but I'd never considered you could use it as a good base and starting point.

I wasn't sure about the whole powder coat thing either, Pete..but as I soon learned..

[nvr2old]

I got started sanding today. If there's one thing I took away from it..is that powder coat does NOT like to be sanded. It's like Armour. Now I see why it's so useful in industrial applications. I sanded the tank with 400 grit DA disks and got a good scuff on the tank..but knew I needed to strip it to metal around the filler. I'm positive the fumes wouldn't penetrate the powder coat..but it will the paint line..so off it goes. 30 minutes later..jeez.





It sanded down pretty nice, but took awhile.



Hand sanding the bottom of the tank took 2 hours with 180 grit and then 400 to smooth it out. So many grooves and crannies to get into.



The mystery of the powder coated tail section has been solved. It..wasn't..powder coated after all! The second I started sanding it..it was obviously paint. Such a perfect match texture and color-wise I just assumed it too was powdered. It sanded much easier.





The side covers and gas filler cover were a piece of cake.



I'll paint both sides so the under side was sanded, too.



Because the tail was painted, I went ahead with polyester high-build on that and the side covers.

[nvr2old]

I went with epoxy primer for the tank. Should make a nice barrier between the powder and the base coat. I'll let it cure till next weekend and scuff it up with some 600.





All in all, a good day.

[Nessism]

Looking good Larry!

What kind of primer is polyester? Catalyzed?

[nvr2old]

Polyester primer is almost a spray putty. It is indeed catalyzed and uses a bit of reducer. It's main purpose is to cover fresh body work, plastic fillers, fiberglass. It fills voids and low spots really well, and sands super easy. Epoxy is mainly used to cover and protect bare metal and can be body worked over the top of it..but it has no fill capability. It also dries to almost a shell, which is why it was suggested to me to use over the powder by my friend, Jason. It, too, uses a catalyst but no reducer. I'll wet sand it with 600 next weekend and that should get it ready for the base coat.

[allojohn]

Hmm, regular paint on the rear cowl..... just shows how easily I can be duped. In my defense this was 10 years ago and my introduction to powder coating.
BTW, I'm glad this project is contributing to your already impressive skills and knowledge.

[nvr2old]

Thanks, Mal. I've enjoyed the process. You weren't duped. I can totally understand thinking it was powder coated. It's appearance, feel, look, texture, color were all an amazing match to the tank. I'm glad it was painted, it really does make it easier. The parts look real nice and I can't wait tp spray the color coats.

[allojohn]

The photos look great Larry, doubtless it looks even better in the flesh! Do you ever sign your work? Maybe a signature, initials or symbol? If I had your Jedi skills I would!

[nvr2old]

I've signed a few gas tanks on the under side, Mal. Only when asked to do so, though. I'm always honored..so, sure.

[allojohn]

Magic! Thanks mate.

[Vmass]

The color we selected is as close to stock as I could find..only better. They didn't make colors like this back in the late 70's. It's a 2014 Dodge Ram color with a ton of pearl and metallic. It's gorgeous..but expensive. $300 for a pint..but man, it's gonna look nice.



I should be able to get started on it next weekend. Can't wait. It's gonna be a fun project. Thanks for looking.

Dodge has some great colors. I had a Ram with " White Gold " paint. I can't tell you how many people would say how much they like the color, also had lots of metallic.

And since it looks like you are painting bikes again.....White Gold would look good on a project!