Topic: Newbie with the first of many dumb questions

[Deacon Thunder]

Hi Folks,

I bought a 1977 CB750F. The plan is to do a resto, cafe, mod and ultimately spend more on the bike than if I were to buy something new. At this moment in time I have the front forks apart and I'm replacing the seals and boots. While the legs are off I'd like to paint them black. Here's the question(s). What paint has the best chip resistance? Can I use Rustoleum or VHT rollbar paint are some other brand? I believe flat black is too flat, gloss is too glossy so perhaps satin/semigloss is the appropriate level of shine. What advice can you all share...it will be greatly appreciated and used to make one heck of a old/new bike.

DT

[catsoup]

whatever paint you decide to use, clear coat is always a plus.

I have found Rustoleum to be good for the price, at the very least.

[Elan]

get them powdercoated and you wont have to worry about chipping.

[mrjack55]

get them powdercoated and you wont have to worry about chipping.

+1 on the powdercoating.  That's going to be your best bet.

[Stev-o]

First off, welcome!

If you want to do it right and only once, powder coat them.

[Deacon Thunder]

Guys...Thanks for suggesting powder coating. I'll find a shop that does the work and get them to quote me the lower fork legs, frame and a handful of other parts. I'm assuming that powder coating temps won't be high enough to warp the aluminum lower legs.

DT

[Elan]

Guys...Thanks for suggesting powder coating. I'll find a shop that does the work and get them to quote me the lower fork legs, frame and a handful of other parts. I'm assuming that powder coating temps won't be high enough to warp the aluminum lower legs.

DT

Many of us have done it with no problems. Powdercoating usually doesnt go above 400deg.

definately a good idea to get everything you want to coat together.  Take a good look at your bike any see if theres anything else. Battery box, kickstand, valve cover bolts,  go overboard!:)

[vozzy]

You also need to figure out, if you're going cafe, what brackets or what-not you won't need anymore and cut them off, grind welds down, etc. before powdercoat job

[Deacon Thunder]

Powder coaters are rare in my area. I tried to call a local guy and he's out of business. I have a fellow CMAer that does it in a small oven. He wasn't sure whether the 425 degrees would damage the aluminum fork legs. We are still checking on the details. Certainly he won't be in a position to do the frame. There are aluminum brake calipers parts that are cast aluminum that will need coat also. Does anyone have the definitive answer 425 degree powser coating vs aluminum parts?

[millerza]

Ive done those exact parts, though not quite 425. More like 400-410 with no problems. Looks like Aluminum has a melting point of 1200ish F, though its probably not straight alum you should not have a problem. OK....not definitive.

[Deacon Thunder]

Ive done those exact parts, though not quite 425. More like 400-410 with no problems. Looks like Aluminum has a melting point of 1200ish F, though its probably not straight alum you should not have a problem. OK....not definitive.

Thanks for the confidence building comment. I'll continue my search for a powder coating shop to take care of the plethora bits that need covered.

[Elan]

Ive done those exact parts, though not quite 425. More like 400-410 with no problems. Looks like Aluminum has a melting point of 1200ish F, though its probably not straight alum you should not have a problem. OK....not definitive.

Thanks for the confidence building comment. I'll continue my search for a powder coating shop to take care of the plethora bits that need covered.

The temp depends on the powder. I used a urethane powder and the temp was 400 for 10 minutes. Thats 10 minutes from the time the metal gets to 400.


I ended up making my own sandblasting/powdercoating setup for about $150. good old harbor freight.  Something to consider. ANd yes, i did my fork lowers with no problems.