Topic: NEED OPINIONS--> KEEP MY PAINT FLAT , OR ADD ALITTLE SOMETHING ?

[Uncle Ernie]

The trouble with flat paint is gas and stuff eats it up. You can't clear-coat it because it then becomes glossy. You just have to get used to carrying a rag to prevent gas drips.  That's my experience anyway.
I've been staring... how 'bout flat black base on the tak and sidecovers, then when dry, prop them up and drip a couple of colours down from the top (front). Maybe layer a little with some tothe brush action for some misting and spotting- getting a little more intense right at the front.  Seems like it would look sort of like you rode through a  science fiction/organic/psychadelic/shop mess cloud. Not too complicated, but different. Hard to explain, but I might have to try it on something of mine now that I think of it.

[stingray]

I think that your bike would look great with a black tank, lime green scallops with gold or silver pin stripes buried under deep gloss clear coat.
Oh, and side covers also.
My 2 cents.

[Gordon]

The trouble with flat paint is gas and stuff eats it up. You can't clear-coat it because it then becomes glossy.

Don't they make flat or semi-gloss clear-coat?

[ElCheapo]

The trouble with flat paint is gas and stuff eats it up. You can't clear-coat it because it then becomes glossy.

Don't they make flat or semi-gloss clear-coat?

Krylon makes a semi-flat clear. this is what I used

[ProTeal55]

I know you can take reg. automotive clear and just scuff it up for a "flat" look. Then , when you get sick of it, alittle wetsanding & buffing will bring it right back to "shiny"...
Lots of hotrod / ratrod guys do this, then they buff the shine back when they wanna sell the car.

I was thinking about maybe stripping the tank to bare metal, then doing a flat factory Honda tank logo, then clearing over everything , ala HD Screaming Eagle Fatboy paintjob...

[ProTeal55]

Maybe stip the tank and have it ceramic coated silver, then a quick scuff with a scotch-brite pad will make it look like raw alum, ala the frame on this Exile bike--->
http://www.exilecycles.com/bikes_pure_sex_dragster.shtml
Russel is a big fan of being able to get the raw alum. look on his parts....

Might be a cool look, then just paint the sidecovers to match....

[Chris Liston]

Man, I'm not into choppers at all.  But if I were ever to purchase one it would be Exile all the way.  Russells bikes look like they would smash through a brick wall and ask for more.  Love it.

[marvsho17]

Well i'm no help, teal's new avatar is very distracting.

[ProTeal55]

Well i'm no help, teal's new avatar is very distracting.

Which one are you referring too ? 

[putnaja1]

Holy crap PT!  You are the king of the mega-hottie avatars!  Did you take that one yourself?  If so, is that your lady?  Big kudos if so!  Right on!

 

Jason

[ProTeal55]

Holy crap PT! You are the king of the mega-hottie avatars! Did you take that one yourself? If so, is that your lady? Big kudos if so! Right on!

Yes, I took this pic myself. Her name is Julie, and was the last GF I had (went out for awhile), before the current.
I have allot more pics of her, but this one is about as far as this site's moderators will let me go....

[ditchen]

BAN HIM

dayme kids!!! (Franks voice from everybody loves Raymond)

[ProTeal55]

BAN HIM

dayme kids!!! (Franks voice from everybody loves Raymond)

Don't be jealous their Ditchen.....

[mrbreeze]

So Pro Teal,Is this shop thats gonna finish up your bike gonna put the 16 inch wheel on the rear? Thats what I have been waiting to see along with the 21 front.

[ProTeal55]

So Pro Teal,Is this shop thats gonna finish up your bike gonna put the 16 inch wheel on the rear? Thats what I have been waiting to see along with the 21 front.

The 16'' HD rear, as well as the 21'' front are allready on the bike.
The shop is gonna sort out the brake lines, re-install the tuen signals, general tune-up, etc...
See below....

[mrbreeze]

OK... I see the the 16 inch wheel now and I know you have the the shortie(11") shocks but I think it is the seat/rear fender that is throwing everything out of whack.I still have stock 18" wheel and seat/fender that makes it look like butt although I do have the shorty shocks.I am getting a custom Corbin seat made in June(I live less than 100 miles from their headquarters...Hollister,Ca.)(Hey......the wild one!!!!!!!)Anyway.....These bikes are kinda hard to get the right blend to make them look sweet but I'll say one thing....Your front end is a step in the right direction.What size is your rear tire and can you post a pic of it from the rear view?You know...it will never be able to look like a Harley....There just ain't enough room to fit a wide ass tire without modifying the swingarm.Lets see what yours looks like with the fattest tire on a 16" wheel.

[ProTeal55]

I think it is the seat/rear fender that is throwing everything out of whack.

I am 100% aware that I am in need of some sort of different seat on the bike. I am leaning towards a cafe style
seatpan at the momment, becasue they are cheap, and I know it will make the bike look better. Not buying anything for awhile, so the stock seat will have to be on their for alittle while longer...

These bikes are kinda hard to get the right blend to make them look sweet but I'll say one thing....Your front end is a step in the right direction.

Thanks for the thumbs up on the front-end. It will look allot better once I get it back from Triple-O. He is gonna basically re-do everything I hacked up, and make it as clean and simple as possibile. Me and fred the owner share the same "less is more" idea towards motorcycles. I was gonna ditch the stock tach for a smaller unit, but I think I am gonna refurbish it, as it kinda goes with the vintage feel of the bike. Maybe do a Carpy gauge face, or have ElCheapo make me one up custom...

What size is your rear tire and can you post a pic of it from the rear view?You know...it will never be able to look like a Harley.Lets see what yours looks like with the fattest tire on a 16" wheel.

I am aware that my bike isnt a HD, and will never look like a HD. I just happen to have two HD wheels on it because those were the sizes I wanted. If I found a 16'' & 21'' wheel off a suzuki, those would be on my bike. As far as the rear tire , it is a 130mm x 16 Avon Venom X tubeless. I think it looks kick-ass on their, as it gives the rear a much more "beefy-er" look to it.  See pic below...

You have to remember, I haven't even had the bike a year yet, and keeping that in mind, you must admit, I have made some major leaps towards having a kewl scoot I am proud to ride...

ProTeal Out..............

[mrbreeze]

Alright ...a 130 looks cool but how much space do ya' got left in the front part of that swingarm? Pretty tight eh? Good putts to ya' Pro teal (never give up!!)

[ProTeal55]

Alright ...a 130 looks cool but how much space do ya' got left in the front part of that swingarm? Pretty tight eh?

Thanks for the kind words. Actually the 130mm looks like it came stock with the bike, with modern day clearances. The only modification that had to be made was alittle bending of the factory brake stay, to clear the sidewall of the tire, thats it. Their is plenty of "safety room" on both sides & in front of the tire. This is the def. of a "Bolt On" mod....

[putnaja1]

Hey, did your avatar really get axed?  Or are you just joking around in between avatars?

[Rushoid]

Well, I know I'm probably the only one, but I like the seat that's on it now. It just screams classic. Keeps the classic lines with the clean mods on the rest of the bike. Kinda like lowering a '55 Chevy and putting custom wheels on it.  Still looks like a '55 Chevy, not a Lotus Europa. 

Have you thought about a crinkle paint look? Not saying I recommend the look, it's just another way to go.

[ProTeal55]

RUSHOID--->
Thanks 4 the kind words. I am def. a fan of the term "RestoMod". Basically taking something vintage, and adding modern touches here and their. Kinda what I am doing with my 55, I.E modern suspension, wiring, ignition, etc..I do plan to do something with the seat on the bike, but for now I think it looks ok. Much better than the stock mini king-queen thing that was on their when I 1st bought the bike..

As far as the paint goes, I am gonna stick with the rattlecan flatblack for the time being, untill I get some other "areas" taken care of. I developed a nifty little trick with a old bedsheet to re-spray my tank while it is still on the bike. So now, once the finish gets nasty,  can do a quick scuff with some sandpaper, and a quick spray and I am back in business...