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Which paint closely resembles the original factory color and finish...

Vmass

Vmass

Forum Sage
Past Site Supporter
I realize there are a ton of threads on the paint subject.

I thought it might be helpful to list what you have found to be a close or exact match to obtain the factory color and finish for the various parts below.

FYI: so far I am 0 for 2 in my quest for a match. Would anyone like to list what they have found to be a match for the following:

1) Frame

2) Calipers

3) Engine paint (black and silver)

4) Foot peg brackets

5) Wheels

And anything else that may help!!
 
I have no good ideas on how to color match. Only thing I can suggest is to use your old parts as the basis of the match, only colors fade with time so that's no good either.

The white color on your S body work parts is a particularly questionable subject. I had a local paint store match the white to that on the Reproduction Decal's white stripes, who in part matched to a set of NOS Suzuki decals. This white is more pure and bright compared to what Larry (nvr2old) uses, which is more yellow. In my opinion, Larry's white is too yellow, but the Reproduction Decal's and subsequently mine, is likely too bright. Who's to know? Larry said he matched off the inside of the tank which is fine, but the clear of the 80's era yellows with time so where to get a true match?
 
Not so concerned about the body parts, I have seen larry's bike in photo's, as well as other S bike photos and I cannot tell them apart.

I am more concerned with the blacks and silvers of various bike parts. I painted my calipers and am not happy with the authenticity of the look. It may be more of a sheen difference versus a color difference.

I know many have done the same and I am hoping to get some good feedback on the subject.
 
Vmass, I was very happy with the match of the shopline singe stage urethane I used on the Skunks frame.
 
For the calipers, try GM satin black engine paint. (rated to 500 degrees)
For the silver engine, I like the VHT cast aluminum caliper paint. (rated to 900 degrees)

Daniel
 
Last edited:
Vmass, Many here also use VHT Universal Aluminum SP127 for their engine paint.


Andy
 
Rover said:
Vmass, Many here also use VHT Universal Aluminum SP127 for their engine paint.


Andy
Click to expand...

This is what I used but it is not a perfect match - more dull (less silvery) than the Suzuki silver. In particular, the Suzuki paint on the upper crankcase half is smooth and semi-gloss. The VHT is flat. Not too bad though.
 
Ed: Do you need to use VHT primer on the engine before you apply the Universal aluminum?
 
Rover said:
Ed: Do you need to use VHT primer on the engine before you apply the Universal aluminum?
Click to expand...

I didn't use primer but that doesn't mean it's a bad idea. To be honest, I didn't research the need.
 
Vmass said:
I would prefer the low tech method of rattle can paints.
Click to expand...

SVSooke said:
So when I wanted to do my 78 1000 frame I got some more
2011_07010011.jpg

Black this time.
2011_07010001.jpg

Before and
2011_07010007.jpg

after.Not bad for a rattle can.It does need to be left to cure though.
Click to expand...

ask SVSooke what he thinks about the paint He used.
 
Nessism said:
I have no good ideas on how to color match. Only thing I can suggest is to use your old parts as the basis of the match, only colors fade with time so that's no good either.

The white color on your S body work parts is a particularly questionable subject. I had a local paint store match the white to that on the Reproduction Decal's white stripes, who in part matched to a set of NOS Suzuki decals. This white is more pure and bright compared to what Larry (nvr2old) uses, which is more yellow. In my opinion, Larry's white is too yellow, but the Reproduction Decal's and subsequently mine, is likely too bright. Who's to know? Larry said he matched off the inside of the tank which is fine, but the clear of the 80's era yellows with time so where to get a true match?
Click to expand...

I understand what you're saying about the white on the S body work, but on every one I've painted, the white on the decal stripes is too white compared to the white of the paint. All 6 that I've done now were that way, and the paint on all of them was not particularly faded or yellowed. I have a really nice stock tank with low miles on the bike it came from to use as a guide, and every one so far has had that same shade of white. It's not a pure white like the stripes. It's more of an antique white. I guess the only way to tell for sure would be to go back in time when one was on the show floor, but I'm confident I've got the white and the blue colors dialed in, man..:D

As far as the caliper paint, I think DupliColor satin black engine enamel is a dead on for the factory black. Their Aluminum silver engine enamel is very close, too, but it doesn't hold up well to gas spills. VHT is a better paint for that.
 
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Daniel..The VHT CAST ALUMINUM has a bit of a off tinge to it. If you want the bright silver aluminum look, then you want the UNIVERSAL ALUMINUM. Part # SP127. As for the calipers you will want tom use a caliper paint specifically. Brake fluid easily strips the other types of paint right of the first time you bleed the brakes.
 
Used Rustoleum Appliance "Epoxy" on 2 frames now.In a rattle can it's really tough paint,barely scratched it putting the frame on the engine 2 times with my 85 GS750.Longer it cures the better it is.Yes Dale I really like this stuff:p
Used VHT black satin caliper paint on the Skunk calipers.
2011_11040001.jpg

Turned out great IMHO.Grab bar's Rustoleum to.
 
nvr2old said:
I understand what you're saying about the white on the S body work, but on every one I've painted, the white on the decal stripes is too white compared to the white of the paint. All 6 that I've done now were that way, and the paint on all of them was not particularly faded or yellowed. I have a really nice stock tank with low miles on the bike it came from to use as a guide, and every one so far has had that same shade of white. It's not a pure white like the stripes. It's more of an antique white. I guess the only way to tell for sure would be to go back in time when one was on the show floor, but I'm confident I've got the white and the blue colors dialed in, man..:D

As far as the caliper paint, I think DupliColor satin black engine enamel is a dead on for the factory black. Their Aluminum silver engine enamel is very close, too, but it doesn't hold up well to gas spills. VHT is a better paint for that.
Click to expand...

Larry,

I picked up a can of Duplicolor for the calipers. I did not see any that said Satin, the can I grabbed is Low Gloss Black DE1634.

I found an NOS rear caliper that I should have in a couple of days, I will wait until I have that before shooting the front calipers, Again!
 
Vmass said:
Larry,

I picked up a can of Duplicolor for the calipers. I did not see any that said Satin, the can I grabbed is Low Gloss Black DE1634.

I found an NOS rear caliper that I should have in a couple of days, I will wait until I have that before shooting the front calipers, Again!
Click to expand...

Cool..I think that will work for you. Chuck had a good point about brake fluid eating that stuff alive, though. I really like the way this paint looks, but I also had it get ruined when I bled the system..oops. :o I stripped them, bled em again, and then painted them the final time.

BTW, your body pieces are looking real nice. Just finished the 3rd and final primer blocking stage, and should have the 1st and 2nd colors on this weekend sometime..:dancing:!
 
nvr2old said:
Cool..I think that will work for you. Chuck had a good point about brake fluid eating that stuff alive, though. I really like the way this paint looks, but I also had it get ruined when I bled the system..oops. :o I stripped them, bled em again, and then painted them the final time.

BTW, your body pieces are looking real nice. Just finished the 3rd and final primer blocking stage, and should have the 1st and 2nd colors on this weekend sometime..:dancing:!
Click to expand...

OK, maybe I will use this can of low gloss elsewhere.

Looking forward to some pics of the S body pieces!

I am hoping to go see a 76' Honda 550 that I found for sale. It is in very nice shape with only 12k miles. It will need a paint job, due to the fact that it is the orange scheme ( I do like that color), but it's not the brown scheme I am searching for.
 
Vmass said:
OK, maybe I will use this can of low gloss elsewhere.

Looking forward to some pics of the S body pieces!

I am hoping to go see a 76' Honda 550 that I found for sale. It is in very nice shape with only 12k miles. It will need a paint job, due to the fact that it is the orange scheme ( I do like that color), but it's not the brown scheme I am searching for.
Click to expand...

1976 is a very good year for a Honda 550. 12K is awesome, that thing should still run like a top. My 550F is also a '76 model. I love that bike. Brown seems to've been a rarer color for the CB's. Most opted for the orange and green ones. I painted a CB450 in that same color. As it turns out there's a Toyota color that's a dead ringer for it.
 
nvr2old said:
1976 is a very good year for a Honda 550. 12K is awesome, that thing should still run like a top. My 550F is also a '76 model. I love that bike. Brown seems to've been a rarer color for the CB's. Most opted for the orange and green ones. I painted a CB450 in that same color. As it turns out there's a Toyota color that's a dead ringer for it.
Click to expand...

Sounds like I was too late on this one. I was told a sale was pending.

Another one will come along.
 
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