« previous next »
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?  (Read 2230 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline robdrobd

  • Who? Me?
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,519
  • Isn't she a beauty?
Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« on: October 12, 2009, 06:36:08 PM »
When I go to paint my engine, what parts do I leave alone? Which part will shine up nicely and are usually left untouched when painted. Other than the obvious points cover, etc.
Logged

Offline NickC

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 703
Re: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« Reply #1 on: October 12, 2009, 06:39:45 PM »
I'm polishing up the clutch cover, chain cover, stator housing, valve cover, carb caps, and carb float bowls. Painted everything (but the valve caps), and sanded the tips of the fins so they show a little silver
Logged

Offline cb350twin

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 711
    • http://mail.google.com/a/sohc4.net/
Re: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« Reply #2 on: October 12, 2009, 08:21:05 PM »
All just involves ALOT of sanding and ALOT of time.
Logged
1975 CB 750 K5
1972 CB 350 Twin K4
1972 CB 500 Four K1

Offline Alan F.

  • We remember the Night Rider, and we know who you are.
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 7,363
Re: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« Reply #3 on: October 13, 2009, 07:06:57 AM »
My plan is inspired by many before me (check the project shop section) who painted the engine cases, but all engine case side covers, stator, transmission, clutch...will be polished.  If they're painted a boot rubbing on them over time will wear through the paint. When polished a boot rubbing on them will only make a highly polished spot!  Plus it looks great in all of the photos I've seen.  I'm torn on what to do with the valve and breather covers, and inspection caps though.
-Alan
Logged

Offline NickC

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 703
Re: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« Reply #4 on: October 13, 2009, 08:08:30 AM »
If I had to do it all over again, i would have just painted it all :D
Polishing is a PITA
Logged

Offline SohRon

  • She laughs 'til she cries when they call me an
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 946
Re: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« Reply #5 on: October 13, 2009, 05:33:51 PM »
When my engine was done, we painted all but the breather cover, tappet covers, cylinder head (cam) side covers, starting motor cover, clutch cover, points cover, left crankcase cover (front sprocket) and alternator cover. All of these "covers" were polished. And we waited until the engine was re-assembled (without aforementioned covers) to paint it... just seemed easier that way. For the results, see below, or go to my thread noted in my sig.


« Last Edit: October 13, 2009, 05:50:22 PM by SohRon »
Logged
"He slipped back down the alley with some roly-poly little bat-faced girl..."

Assembling my '74 CB550: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=86697.0
Assembly of the Right-hand Switch (a rebuilder's guide):  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80532.0
Installing stock 4X4 exhaust: CB500-CB550 K: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=82323.0
CB550 Assembly Manual: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,151576.0.html

Offline NickC

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 703
Re: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« Reply #6 on: October 13, 2009, 05:51:42 PM »
Here's an example. Don't mind the mess :D
If i had a dremel I'd polish up the intake manifolds.


Waiting on some new tappet covers to get here, and stil working on the valve/stator cover
Logged

Offline mcuozzo

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 311
  • Bottle in front of me or frontal labotomy?
    • 77 CB750K - needs total rebuild
Re: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« Reply #7 on: October 13, 2009, 06:25:49 PM »
Ahh, go ahead and paint it all.  Some examples...

And to add some more confusion, the last pic is mine, and I'm powdercoating some parts.  Obviously I've only done the valve cover so far.  I'm lazy.



« Last Edit: October 13, 2009, 06:27:26 PM by mcuozzo »
Logged

Offline TwoTired

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,802
Re: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« Reply #8 on: October 13, 2009, 06:31:38 PM »
It all gets a coating of some kind.  The factory used sliver/aluminum paint for most of it, and clear coat over the brushed shiny bits.

Once you polish to mirror smooth, you are doomed to repeat the polishing at short intervals to stave off corrosion.
Logged
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline Alan F.

  • We remember the Night Rider, and we know who you are.
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 7,363
Re: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« Reply #9 on: October 13, 2009, 06:48:02 PM »
Quote from: TwoTired on October 13, 2009, 06:31:38 PM
Once you polish to mirror smooth, you are doomed to repeat the polishing at short intervals to stave off corrosion.

http://www.zoops.com/zoopseal.asp  Pricey stuff but I've heard some very good things.
Logged

Offline 1080

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 414
Re: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« Reply #10 on: October 13, 2009, 10:31:52 PM »
I have painted the top tower cover, because they are hard to clean when in the frame.

So what I could reach with my hand is polished.
Logged
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »