Topic: Custom Paint job

[Ridgerunner]

I am in the process of restoring/refurbishing my 1978 CB750K.  At this point I have started doing the paint prep on the tank and side covers.  Because I love doing custom paint jobs I'm having a hard time not thinking about a tasteful design as opposed to painting it stock and applying the decals.

I know with old Harley's a custom paint job on an otherwise stock bike cuts the resale value in about half.  On an old Mini Cooper it has no impact at all or even increases the value.  Some groups love customs and others don't.

What do you guys think the impact is on these old Honda's?

[wowbagger]

It really depends on what your plans for the bike are. If you want to keep it and ride it them make it fit you. If you're going for a stock restore with the intention of selling it then I'd stick with the stock paint/decals. If you're doing any sort of cafe/bobber/whatever mods then just make it look good.

IMHO, a fully OEM restored bike with a custom paint job would decrease the value but a custom paint job on a custom bike would (hopefully) add to it.

[stickman]

Hi Wowbagger:

I have a slightly different view.  To me it sounds like your question is aimed at resell.
My suggestion is to go back stock as much as possible with both parts and paint and
decals.  Ever wonder why all new or remodeled homes are always painted a universal egg shell white?  Personalized, custom paint jobs are to your taste and most likely does not match the taste of most of the perspective buyers.

Good prep and a quality paint job using stock colors and decals will almost always bring the most return for the money.  Best of luck to you.  Stickman

[wowbagger]

That's my point exactly if this is a full stock restoration with the intent to resell. However, if for instance he does a cafe conversion restoration, the stock paint and decals might look out of place with a cafe seat cowl and tank with knee dents.

[malcolmgb]

Keep the bike mechanically standard and do a custom paint job in a similar style to any 70's Honda, custom doesn't always mean outlandish. My own 400 is black, a colour never offered by Honda on the model, the decals are standard, it often creates interest with people saying they have never seen one that colour before.

[oldbob]

Keep the bike mechanically standard and do a custom paint job in a similar style to any 70's Honda, custom doesn't always mean outlandish. My own 400 is black, a colour never offered by Honda on the model, the decals are standard, it often creates interest with people saying they have never seen one that colour before.

I'm not entirely fond of the stock paint on my 400, and I'm really thinking about going to Honda Candy Gold with a black stripe. I've got so much in the bike now, only my widow will sell it.

Bob

[Stev-o]

Depends on what you mean by "custom". Nothing sells a bike like a beautiful new paint, on the other hand, original paint sells too.
Paint to your desire. 

[Ridgerunner]

Here's my game plan.  Because I can do the custom paint for next to nothing I'll do that and then post pictures.  The bike was originally black and the custom job I have in mind is basically black with a dark candy apple red panel either side of the center section of the tank.  That panel will then be outlined with a gold pinstripe.  The stock tank badges will be retained.  If the posted pictures get a bunch of Boo Hoos I'll just go back to black with the stock stripes.  Either way I get to paint and that makes me happy.

Thanks for the input.

[stickman]

Ridgerunner:  You may want to  consider another alternative.  Do your custom paint to your tastes; then find a 2nd set of tins to paint another way, stock perhaps.  Switch them off  from time to time and it will be like having 2 bikes that look totally different  for the cost of a tank and sidecovers. 

[madmtnmotors]

I plan on a "custom stock" paint job on my current project (78 CB750F) in that I'll be using a black cherry color (basecoat/clearcoat) that was used by Harley from 2004 to 2006, and I'll be using the red (stock) stripe on the tank, as opposed to the more common orange stripe. I'll also be painting the sidecovers and tail piece to match the tank. The mis-matched tank and sidecovers never did much for me...

[Stoli]

Hey Ridge. I have two 78K tanks that need painting. One custom and one stock. Since you like painting so much, maybe I could drop them off and you could have the time of your life.  You in the Northeast by chance?

[Ridgerunner]

Hey Ridge. I have two 78K tanks that need painting. One custom and one stock. Since you like painting so much, maybe I could drop them off and you could have the time of your life.  You in the Northeast by chance?

I'm not too far from Williamsport PA.  I do love painting.  Pricing a paint job for someone else is always difficult.  It takes a lot of communication and detailed descriptions to make sure all parties are on the same page.  And I agree with madmtnmotors, the side covers have to match the tank.