Topic: paint and powder...what's the right mix...??

[Thor's Hammer!]

So I have been thinking about finishes.

The frame, battery box, swing arm, triple clamps and fork lowers are all gonna be powder coated I think, mostly for durability?

The switch housings, gauge bezels, seat pan and other minor parts I was thinking to do with a spray can?

Another possibility is to do these pieces I was thinking to paint with automotive 2 stage paint when I do the tank, tail piece and side covers?

Given that I am planning to keep my 78 750F and am doing a stock restore, what combination of painted parts, versus sprayed parts would you guys recommend?

Would it be better to powder the switch housings?

Thanks

Mike

[wingfree]

Mike,

I am in the process of doing an off frame restoration on a CB350F.

Currently I have it in pieces.

I have decided to do as you are contemplating.  Frame, swing arm, battery box stands and heavy parts, powder coat.  Other parts seat pan, guages and misc. switches, and m/c, spray black.  Engine aluminum.
Painted parts will be original flake matador red with painted original color pin stripes.  I am having the powder coating and color paint done by outside sources.

I was looking at durability and stock look.  I was not interested in a museum quality restore, but a new look with durability that I will ride and enjoy.

IMHO I would do what fits your needs and your style.  Best of luck with your project.

[greenjeans]

If it were me, I'd just do all the bits and pieces that go with the frame in powder...won't have to worry about them for a long time.  To add a few more pieces wouldn't raise the price much either.    A good powdercoat is ultimately more durable than paint.   There are plenty of choices in black powdercoat believe it or not - they should have something that will come very close to the original sheen.  Not quite gloss...

As for the switches....if you powder coat them, yo will need to make sure they mask the inside of them.  You might tell them not to go so heavy on those as well so you will still be able to see where the little orange dots go.

The tank and side covers, I'd paint w/ a 2 part automotive paint as you were thinking.  Easier to polish.

[Simpson]

If you are not worried about making a concours show bike, I would also recommend powercoating all the way.
It's pretty tough stuff and looks great.

[Thor's Hammer!]

thanks guys.

a museum show piece is not my goal, i want a riding bike but with some durability.

i did some searching and found this thread as well, which pretty much agrees with what you guys are saying.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=44715.0

[Lars]

Wasn't it someone in a thread about powdercoating a short time ago, mentioning that the durability is strongly overrated???

Personally, I don't like the look of powdercoating, I think it is ugly and does not belong to bikes from this period. Black never gets real black and defenitely not glossy. I also believe when selling a bike, original painting gives a better price.
Lars

[Thor's Hammer!]

Wasn't it someone in a thread about powdercoating a short time ago, mentioning that the durability is strongly overrated???

Personally, I don't like the look of powdercoating, I think it is ugly and does not belong to bikes from this period. Black never gets real black and defenitely not glossy. I also believe when selling a bike, original painting gives a better price.
Lars

Really?  That's surprising to me.  I have seen some really good powder coating which rivaled paint in every way with the benefit of being much more durable.

Is it possible Lars that you are basing your experience on poorly executed examples of powder coating?  For resale, if the buyer wanted an "exact" factory style restore I could understand not wanting powder in favor of factory like paint, but otherwise I can't imagine it hurting resale value.

Not arguing, just trying to understand your point.

Thanks

[Lars]

I have always believed the powdercoating to be more durable, until I read a thread about it which made me think different. Not sure if it was on this list, I am on three, I will check it out. I faintly recall that the preparational work was different and very important (as alwways) for the final result, and the total cost would not be much different than original painting when it all adds up. I am sure someone else on this list have more expertise on this subject than me.

Yes, I agree, I might have seen poorly done work and the technique may have improved. But on the other hand, I have seen quite a few and I never seen a singel one in a sharp black colour. They all have had some shade of grey into it and a bit "fat" to look at.

The kind of use might of course reflect on the paint. Around me, most users of bikes from this periode are only frequently, not regularily, and not much exposed to heavy wear. From that kind of view, the durability has not that much priority as the original paint is not that bad. And until I see a really nice powdercoated frame, I will pay more $$ for the original look

[MattFreeman]

Wasn't it someone in a thread about powdercoating a short time ago, mentioning that the durability is strongly overrated???

Personally, I don't like the look of powdercoating, I think it is ugly and does not belong to bikes from this period. Black never gets real black and defenitely not glossy. I also believe when selling a bike, original painting gives a better price.
Lars

I've had alot of different things powdercoated and I must say that it is far more durable than paint if done correctly. I've also seen black powdercoat that was so glossy that it looked wet. You just have do your research and find a quality powdercoater.

Now questions of it being era appropriate are another story. But if you want a superior finish then PC is the way to go.

My 2 cents, has anyone seen the other 98?

[Thor's Hammer!]

Thanks for the explanation Lars.

I haven't yet decide for certain on the smaller bits yet and am still saving my money too.  The frame will almost certainly be powdered along with fork lowers and swing arm plus other assorted pieces which bolt to the frame.

The switch housings and speedo and tach along triple clamps etc may or may not be painted.  The tank, tail piece and side cover will get quality 2 stage automotive paint with a good amount of clear.

I am very much up in the air about the comstar centers.  To powder coat those could be a hassle.