Is there an engine paint guru in central Jersey that would be willing to teach me? I'm not looking for someone to do it for me, just someone with the knowledge, experience (and perhaps the facilities) to help and guide me to do it myself.
I've used the search function on GSR, read dozens of threads, googled, watched youtube vids, literally spent dozens of hours researching engine paint since I started this build. I got lots of great info, but now am completely overwhelmed by all the conflicting opinions on here and elsewhere about every step in the process from cleaning/degreasing, to prep, to paint brand and technique. :indecisiveness: I'm about to just send my parts to this guy http://www.arnoldsdesign.com/Vapor-Blastin.html and call it a day...
I'm still taking my engine apart. I was almost done, then the very last case bolt stripped out so now I'm dealing with that. (Why is it always the last bolt that strips?) :hopelessness:
Link to my rebuild thread here:http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?231050-78-GS-750-Rebuild
But soon enough I'll be moving on to the finish. The cleaning/degreasing I'm ok on. Try different chemicals and throw a lot of elbow grease at it until it's spotless...been there before. After that, soda blasting with bolt holes and oil passages masked seems to be the safest route to go, while still being effective. Never did it before, but I think I can handle it.
That's where my confidence ends. I need help with the paint prep and actual finish. My painting experience is limited to rattle cans with ok results sometimes, but finishes that crack, chip, and look horrible pretty quickly. My facilities are limited to what I can do in the small work area I've set up in my living room...
I want to do this right. With all the time, hard work, and money I'm putting into this, I want the bike to look as good as it runs, and I want the results to last. My bike is almost 40 years old, and I don't plan on tearing down the engine like this for at least another 40 years lol
Anyone local willing to help? You supply the know-how (and facilities if possible) and I'll supply the materials, hard work, and 6 packs of your favorite brew...
I've used the search function on GSR, read dozens of threads, googled, watched youtube vids, literally spent dozens of hours researching engine paint since I started this build. I got lots of great info, but now am completely overwhelmed by all the conflicting opinions on here and elsewhere about every step in the process from cleaning/degreasing, to prep, to paint brand and technique. :indecisiveness: I'm about to just send my parts to this guy http://www.arnoldsdesign.com/Vapor-Blastin.html and call it a day...
I'm still taking my engine apart. I was almost done, then the very last case bolt stripped out so now I'm dealing with that. (Why is it always the last bolt that strips?) :hopelessness:
Link to my rebuild thread here:http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?231050-78-GS-750-Rebuild
But soon enough I'll be moving on to the finish. The cleaning/degreasing I'm ok on. Try different chemicals and throw a lot of elbow grease at it until it's spotless...been there before. After that, soda blasting with bolt holes and oil passages masked seems to be the safest route to go, while still being effective. Never did it before, but I think I can handle it.
That's where my confidence ends. I need help with the paint prep and actual finish. My painting experience is limited to rattle cans with ok results sometimes, but finishes that crack, chip, and look horrible pretty quickly. My facilities are limited to what I can do in the small work area I've set up in my living room...
I want to do this right. With all the time, hard work, and money I'm putting into this, I want the bike to look as good as it runs, and I want the results to last. My bike is almost 40 years old, and I don't plan on tearing down the engine like this for at least another 40 years lol
Anyone local willing to help? You supply the know-how (and facilities if possible) and I'll supply the materials, hard work, and 6 packs of your favorite brew...