Final Finishing Choices

While waiting for my garage to warm up and lamenting the fact I had not brought home my space heater from work, there was time for researching. Motorcycle restoration seems to be quite varied and non-specific. There is no help site, directing the seeker to use this particular primer, or that brand of top coat, or the other method of surface prep. Most of the information on the internet dealing with this topic is subjective.

Some go all out and use high-tech chemicals and methods to clean their parts down to raw molecular metal and then slowly and carefully build up the primer level, under coat and finally clear coat, with the attention and skill of a brain surgeon. Others rough up the surface with a little 100 grit sand paper and blow on a few coats of color with a rattle can. For that matter, some do not use the sandpaper.

It seems to me that motorcycle finishing, and general motorcycle restoration has few rules and proven methods. So, here is what will happen to my little project.

Firstly, all metal surfaces will be stripped of its finish with Rustoleum Aircraft Remover. Rusted iron surfaces will be treated with an appropriate treatment or conversion chemical. Rust treatment has not been decided completely yet.






After the engine is stripped, all parts, including cylinders, heads, case and covers will be coated with one or two layers of PJ1 satin/flat black engine paint. This product receives decent reviews, is a nice satin/flat black, has been recommended to me by local dirt-bike riders and is fairly durable.






Immediately after the frame, swing arm, wheels, tank, plastic and other surfaces are stripped or otherwise prepared, One or perhaps two layers of Dupli Color Self-Etching primer will be used.








All frame parts, swing arm and wheels will be painted with several layers of Dupli Color Ford Cardinal Red.





After the red parts are completed, one of more coats of U-POL Clear #1 clear coat will be applied. It receives fairly good reviews and offers decent UV protection.









The main bike paint has been found!!! Well, technically anyway. How did I know John Deere would be involved? Here is a photo of a scooter painted in John Deere Blitz Black. It is inexpensive, tough & durable, and receives many great reviews from hot-rod auto builders. Plus, that is the exact finish I want.

OK, hopefully it is warm enough for me to do some work in the garage.