Topic: Paint/Decals on Side Covers

[grumpy56]

Just painted my 400's side covers gloss black. Would like to know the best stuff and process to use to apply clear coat and the decals. Brand, wait time, sanding, etc. Thank you.

[Mark1976]

   I missed this post when it first came out, where are you with this by the way..

[grumpy56]

Used the gloss black Rust-Oleum paint with no clear coat. Looks pretty good.

[Nightshift]

Grumpy, you have a LOT of "orange peel" in your black coat there. Once it is COMPLETELY dry, I would wet-sand it with 400, 600, 800 papers to level it before decal application and clear coating. Bill

[grumpy56]

That pic was as I received the part and yes it is covered in orange peel. Looks better now although not perfect. I didn't clear coat it, but perhaps I should.

[Nightshift]

That pic was as I received the part and yes it is covered in orange peel. Looks better now although not perfect. I didn't clear coat it, but perhaps I should.

If you put the decal on top, I would definitely clearcoat over it. Will bury the decal under paint and protect it from abrasion. Bill

[Tom R]

This may be neither here nor there for you…. But, there’s a VW color that is pretty damn close to the original 400f blue.
You have to look hard in bright sunlight to distinguish between my painted sidecover and the factory paint on the tank.

[grumpy56]

That looks really nice. My 76 is the red color and originally came with the black side covers. I do like the side covers painted the same color as the tank though.

[nvr2old]

600 grit wet/dry sandpaper will smooth that out nicely.  To apply the decal use a drop or 2 of dish soap in a glass of warm water as a nice lubricant in case you have to move the decal around.  Squeegee out all the bubbles and water.  Let it breathe for a day or so to let the decal gas-out before spraying any clear over it.  May I also recommend that you do a test spray with the black plastic paint with the clear you've selected.  The two may not jive with each other.  Better to find out on a junk piece then your newly painted side cover.  If they work together then start with a couple of real light coats so it doesn't eat into the decal.  A couple of wet coats to follow with 15 minutes between coats.  Good luck with your project.

[grumpy56]

Thank you never too old!!!