Topic: Sandblasting the frame - masking the seat lock

[Jonm99]

Hi guys,

I'm on the tail end of my build and preparing the frame for sandblasting and then powder coating. Any suggestions for how to mask the seat latch lock (specifically, the key hole) to safeguard it from the soda blast?

[Don R]

 Remove it?

[69cb750]

Remove it.

[jakec]

Remove it.

[Scott S]

 Or you could remove it.

[rocket johnny]

+4

[bryanj]

Take it off ( just to be different!)

[scrambler]

How about removing it?
Just kidding. You can also mask it off, but much easier and nicer just to remove it.

[Jonm99]

It's a custom build and the lock housing has been welded into place, so unfortunately, removing it is not an option. How would I go about masking it before sandblasting?

[Steve_K]

I mask taped my fork lowers before glass beading them.  The tape was in place when I finished, but I had to wash it 4 times with hot soapy water before I got it clean.  I would  not bead blast engine parts,  but masking and cleaning the lock should be ok.  Can you remove the key lock part and replace after painting?
Steve

[Scott S]

 There's usually a little bit of grease inside the lock, for lubrication.  I would be concerned about it leaking out while it was in the oven. And then the lock would be dry inside.
 Is painting the frame an option?

[Tomshep]

Locks can be re lubricated. Just grind it off and weld on a plate to take a conventional one before you get it blasted because if the welded on lock ever fails you will be stuck good and proper.

[bryanj]

But the lock housing is an alloy so how has it been welded?

[pmanning]

Also be aware the VIN plate doesn't hold up well to sandblasting - not going to tell you how I know.

[XC204]

Electrical tape works really good when sandblasting beads or sand just bounce off and it seals well to itself. Leaves no residue at least if you use a good brand like 3M.

[Jonm99]

Well... I guess I only needed 6 people to tell me to remove it, before I understood that I can simple remove it :-) I thought what I welded on to the bike was one unit, but apparently it was a plate + lock 

Thanks for the recommendation with the electric tape, that will come in handy to mask exposed threads (for ex. The rear shock mounts).

Thanks everyone, looking forward to getting this beast back into one piece!

[Stev-o]

I was going to suggest remove it...

[Jonm99]

lol