Topic: dent repair, paint prep, and resto v. custom paint...

[asom]

opinions please...everybody's got one especially here  

I'm trying to decide weather to custom paint or resto paint.  In order to resto I'd need new tank badges because one is held on by velcro(fell off and got run over).  Tank has fairly bad dents from a run in where a ditch and bush jumped me.  Plus, I've been unable to remove all the rust.  I've worked hard on the tank, but it's not 100%.  

Also, what are the steps to prepping the tank for paint, and would you guys recommend a cheap sparyer set up or expensive rattle can?

here are some pix and thanks...

[swellguy]

You can get cheap chinese knock off emblems from ebay everyday. NOS Honda ones are more expensive but like everything else you get what you pay for. All said and done, if you do the resto look, your bike will just look like it is supposed to.
I'm a fan of custom paint and wouldn't hesitate for a minute doing something different, unless some sort of collectable status for your bike requires period correct treatments.

[asom]

any links to how to threads on bondo and paint?

[Nikkisixx]

I might be able to help you out in exchange for gingerale and burgers.  Here is my resume' 
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=70394.msg781554#msg781554

[camelman]

Regarding paint, you can get great paint mixed up in great spray cans at most auto paint suppliers.  As long as you get the 2-part clear in a can (the same thing you'd use in a gun), then your paint should hold up to gasoline fine.  Just make sure to prep correctly.  Prepping means removing ALL of the paint with stripper/sanding, filling any dents with bondo, spraying down with a high quality primer, and then completing the paint job according to your local paint shop's advice.

In my opinion, a high quality spray can will give you better results than a cheap spray gun.

C-man

[Terry in Australia]

The tank on this bike was so bad I refused to give it to another member here, for fear that he'd shove it up my arse! There were multiple large dents and a 2 inch hole that had been patched. (badly) It still needed a little bondo after I pulled the dents, but I think it came up pretty well, considering what I started with. Oh, and I only used rattle cans. Cheers, Terry.

[asom]

beautiful bike Terry,  I think I want to do rattlecans.  John, I'll call you to discuss payment for your services...the resume looks good!  I'm still undecided about theme and execution.  Maybe some smoke rising from the grill will help me decide...

[1080]

There's was a demonstration that our car club had a chance to view. Repair without Repainting method.
www.dentique.net
I ask if he had tried a motorcycle gas tank. He had but found the gas opening ( this is where use opening for leverage) to be the problem and certain location of the dent posed a big problem plus thicker gauge metal used is also a problem, so he said he would try  but not always possible. I was very impressed by the method used to get dents out. It takes a lot of skill.

[asom]

I was hoping to use a small pry bar Nikkisixx has to try and pop it out before I got into the bondo.  I'm sure I'll still need it but at least it may lesson the amount of work required.

[1080]

I figure if the tank could be anchored down securely and a fixed prying point just above the the gas cap opening was also secured to the jig that holds the tank down, so that no pressure was put on the gas opening, you could get most of the dent out. You would also have to make your prying bars. The ones I have seen the guy used was shaped like a L- shaped firewood poker with the end taped up. But these guys have hours of training. They also used a jig that has vertical stripes and a lamp in the centre ( used only if lighting is poor ) and they look at the vertical stripes from the cars paints refraction as a guide. When the reflection is straight they are done.