Topic: Thinking about a re-paint, but not sure of color

[denward17]

I have a 1978 K8 that I just brought back to life, top end rebuild and engine re-paint.  Carb rebuild, new spokes, new wheel bearings and a multitude of other items.

I've been thinking of getting new aftermarket side covers that will require painting, and so like a domino, I'm thinking of the tank as well.


Can't seem to come to any agreement in my head as to keeping the OEM Candy Alpha Red (or close match), or something else.  I'm a blue person, and like many shades of blue, but not sure how that would affect the personality of the bike.

Probably should also consider resell value, this is my first bike since I was a young lad, had a break of about 40 years or so, and not sure if I want to keep long term or sell, and move on to the next one.

Any comments welcome.

[Don R]

 Nice bike, I'm a fan of original appearing paint jobs with similar to Honda stripes even if they are different colors and types. I suggest looking at the new Asian cars and Jeeps for colors, the basecoat/clearcoat lays on a lot easier than the old type multi-layer candies.  Maybe a modern version of a stock color scheme? 

[Rosinante]

Bike looks great.  Is there a reason for getting aftermarket side covers or changing paint?

[denward17]

Bike looks great.  Is there a reason for getting aftermarket side covers or changing paint?

Thanks, The right side cover tabs have been broken and repaired by the PO.  When I took them off last week to check oil, both tabs on the right cover broke again.

I used JB Weld plastic epoxy to repair, and dremel tool to size it down to fit the new grommets.  I just assume they will break again in the future, so was thinking of just getting new side covers later. 
I'm in no hurry to do anything yet, need to let the wallet cool off some 

[Flyin900]

The paint looks quite decent and with it being a candy colour, it is a multi stage paint job to reproduce by someone who has some painting skills, plus the paint kit isn't cheap from the supplier. A new graphics kit is $100+ and with paint and doing it yourself your still into $300+ and the new side cover costs.

If you need a professional to paint it the cost will water your eyes, unless you have a painter friend.

Since your unknown on the long term ownership, personally repair the tabs as solid as possible and replace the rubber grommets. A single stage newer style paint job will not reproduce like the candy.

Their only original once.

I have the exact same colour on a 1978 CB550K and love the colour.

[MauiK3]

Nice bike, stock color is great.
You may be able to find someone to paint the side covers, the tank looks good.

[Stev-o]

You may be able to find someone to paint the side covers, the tank looks good.

I've been down that road, new paint will never look even remotely close to 45 yr old paint.

Paint 'em all ... Black would get my vote.  But it's your bike...

[newday777]

Bike looks great.  Is there a reason for getting aftermarket side covers or changing paint?

Thanks, The right side cover tabs have been broken and repaired by the PO.  When I took them off last week to check oil, both tabs on the right cover broke again.

I used JB Weld plastic epoxy to repair, and dremel tool to size it down to fit the new grommets.  I just assume they will break again in the future, so was thinking of just getting new side covers later. 
I'm in no hurry to do anything yet, need to let the wallet cool off some 

I have a pair I bought from Frankenstuff before I found a missing cover that a friend had so I don't really need these aftermarket covers.

[PeWe]

A stock color that Honda had that year for bikes future value.
An original paint is also a good when it look ok.

But if you have no thoughts of selling it.
Another color with with stock graphics or look like stock rhat match the bike can be something.

I saw a CB750 F2 on this forum that had a nice red candy close to what CBX1000 had.
Plus shiny chrome details or polished.
Engine was no longer black, grey and polished if I remember right.
That bike was no longer stock, but looked stock and really good looking.

[Alan F.]

I have a pair I bought from Frankenstuff before I found a missing cover that a friend had so I don't really need these aftermarket covers.

I'll take buy those if he doesn't Stu.

[PeWe]

Another idea of paint.
Same color with same graphics but a little more sparkle in it plus thicker clear that magnifies the small flakes under the candy.

Try to polish and wax as it is and see if that will change your mind.

[newday777]

I have a pair I bought from Frankenstuff before I found a missing cover that a friend had so I don't really need these aftermarket covers.

I'll take buy those if he doesn't Stu.

Will let you know Alan if Dennis doesn't get them.
They are for the 77/78K.

[grcamna2]

Nice bike, stock color is great.
You may be able to find someone to paint the side covers, the tank looks good.

+1 

JB Weld is very good and the repair will be much stronger than the rest of the plastic;I prep the surface with rough sandpaper/emery and use enough JB to mold them in nice on the back side.
I recommend replacing the rubber frame grommets so the side-covers will install & release more easily;that rubber gets hard and holds too tight.

[grcamna2]

The paint looks quite decent and with it being a candy colour, it is a multi stage paint job to reproduce by someone who has some painting skills, plus the paint kit isn't cheap from the supplier. A new graphics kit is $100+ and with paint and doing it yourself your still into $300+ and the new side cover costs.

If you need professional to paint it the cost will water your eyes, unless you have a painter friend.

Since your unknown on the long term ownership, personally repair the tabs as solid as possible and replace the rubber grommets. A single stage newer style paint job will not reproduce like the candy.

Their only original once.

I have the exact same colour on a 1978 CB550K and love the colour.

I really like that color OEM paint 

[Doobie]

If you care about resale value at all, keep the stock color. I would replace the side covers with aftermarket. Trying to keep those from breaking is a losing game.

[Rosinante]

I'll say it again:  That is a really nice-looking bike.  Even in a small photograph, the luscious factory original color is evident.  If it were my bike, I would do nothing radical.  I would NOT repaint that tank.  I would do my best to make the original side covers function.  If that turned out to be impossible, then I would consider replacing the side covers and I'd consider painting them if I had to. 

[beemerbum]

+1 for the excel black

[C317414]

I'll be the contrarian here.  You only live once, and you want to enjoy what you have.  If you prefer a color other than the factory one, by all means do it.  If the existing tank's paint is in good shape, consider getting a used one, and painting it instead.

Mt wife used to have a 69 Triumph Bonneville.  It was not the original "Olympic Flame" (orange) and silver for the year.  Instead, it was black and silver with white pin-striping.  It was professionally done, and looked very good.  We sold that bike for as much as one with original colors would have sold for.

[BenelliSEI]

I’m a fan of original paint..... Watch a EBay and a matching cover will come up!

[Flyin900]

Here is another option if you decide to buy new side covers. I used a rattle can DupliColor paint to touch up a very small chip in my gas tank after searching the paint section in my local store.
This colour is 99% there as a complete match in a over the counter product. Since it is a separate body panel(s) I think you could use it as a cheaper solution to keeping the stock colour.

The part # C is a Canadian designation number, so the US part maybe BTY1620.

[denward17]

Here is another option if you decide to buy new side covers. I used a rattle can DupliColor paint to touch up a very small chip in my gas tank after searching the paint section in my local store.
This colour is 99% there as a complete match in a over the counter product. Since it is a separate body panel(s) I think you could use it as a cheaper solution to keeping the stock colour.

The part # C is a Canadian designation number, so the US part maybe BTY1620.

Thanks for the tip on paint,  I may try this on the old side covers just to see how it matches.

[grcamna2]

Here is another option if you decide to buy new side covers. I used a rattle can DupliColor paint to touch up a very small chip in my gas tank after searching the paint section in my local store.
This colour is 99% there as a complete match in a over the counter product. Since it is a separate body panel(s) I think you could use it as a cheaper solution to keeping the stock colour.

The part # C is a Canadian designation number, so the US part maybe BTY1620.

Thanks for the tip on paint,  I may try this on the old side covers just to see how it matches.

I had the 'paint scan' done at an auto parts store before;they scan your original paint and then mix up an aerosol can and it comes out great,very close match to the original.

[Flyin900]

My experience there is the candy colours cannot be scanned since it is a multi stage paint process the scanner cannot read the colour at all.
I tried with the Honda CB350F Candy Bacchus Olive and no cigar with the scanner. It's worth a try, yet unless the shop has some different system I think your not going to be successful.

[denward17]

I have an appointment at a paint and body shop shop today that I have used over the years just to talk out some things.

Not sure which direction I am going yet.

I did purchase the Franken side covers from Stu (Thanks) and may just have those re-painted to match tank.

I have even thought of getting the body shop to mix up some paint and I would try to paint the side covers myself.  I would have to but a HVLP gun though, and have never used one, so that could be problematic.

[MauiK3]

Watching a good painter makes it look easy
It isn't