Paint quantity

[Zeke on Wheels]

How much paint does it take to repaint a tank and the two side covers?

Also, what is a good product to repair a cracked side cover?

And.........Is there a special clear coat to help protect from stone chips?

I am thinking about changing the color of my bike this winter.
I would also have to see if I can change the color of the custom leather seat from wine to black. I have the stock seat too, but the custom seat that came with the bike is way more comfortable.

[CatatonicBug]

I can't speak on the paint issue, but the side covers can be repaired with superglue and baking soda. Use the liquid superglue and form a drop on the plastic sidecover. THen, just dust it with baking soda. The glue will instantly harden. Repeat this process over and over to build up a "weld" along the crack. It can be sanded and painted just like plastic.

[BA80]

I don't know about rock chips, there ain't a lot that will stand up to that.

When I painted my tank and covers I just used regular Dupli-color Van and Truck spray paint, sanded between coats and let them each dry at least 24 hrs and cleared with THIS stuff.

That clear is tough stuff, I've spilled gas on it repeatedly and it doesn't touch it. I haven't seen any chips in it either.

[natemoen]

I can't speak on the paint issue, but the side covers can be repaired with superglue and baking soda. Use the liquid superglue and form a drop on the plastic sidecover. THen, just dust it with baking soda. The glue will instantly harden. Repeat this process over and over to build up a "weld" along the crack. It can be sanded and painted just like plastic.

The Superglue won't work for a crack, you will just build up a pile and then sand it off. If it was a full out break it might work better but for a crack I don't think so. Unfortunately I don't really have an answer though.

For the paint a quart would be enough. You rarely can buy auto paint in.less than a quart anyways. For the rock chips I think you just have to deal with it, clear coat and paint is not meant to withstand impacts. Unless you go with a custom colored bedliner.

[crazy steve]

How much paint does it take to repaint a tank and the two side covers?
And.........Is there a special clear coat to help protect from stone chips?

I am thinking about changing the color of my bike this winter.
I would also have to see if I can change the color of the custom leather seat from wine to black. I have the stock seat too, but the custom seat that came with the bike is way more comfortable.

A lot of variables here.... Are you planning on using rattlecans, or spraying with an actual gun? Solid, metallic, or translucent color? Covering a dark color with a lighter color?

I can tell you that with a small HVLP 'detail' gun (like this one: http://www.harborfreight.com/profess...kit-94572.html), you can easily paint a tank and sidecovers with one pint of single-stage solid color, because I've done it. Generally, the minimum amount of paint you can get is one quart, so having enough is rarely the issue. This assumes that you've prepped and primed the parts to an even color.

As far as protection from stone chips, use a catalyzed paint (either a single-stage or a basecoat/clearcoat system, but the latter will cost you more $$) for the toughest finish. There are plastic films you can apply over the paint for protection also, but I don't know how well those will do with fuel exposure when you inevitably spill gas on it.

For dying leather, try these guys (http://www.angelusshoepolish.com/). I just got done redoing a chair and ottoman using their products and am quite pleased with the results. Wash the leather with acetone to remove any finish and clean it, then apply the dye, followed by a finish coat. A pint of each should be more than enough....

[crazy steve]

The Superglue won't work for a crack, you will just build up a pile and then sand it off. If it was a full out break it might work better but for a crack I don't think so. Unfortunately I don't really have an answer though..

Nate, for crack repair I've had good luck super-gluing the crack then reinforcing it on the backside of the part with the baking soda. Build it up to 1/8"+ thick for at least a 1/2" on either side of the crack and it seems to work pretty good...

[jwhughes3]

On a sidecover I have also had them backed with fiberglass mat and resin to reinforce the front filler. Could not tell from outside.

John

[mikubuilder]

you can also reinforce the crack with a red hot paper clips, and then lay up mat and resin...I'm trying to fix a broken locking tab on my left side cover, so I might take some pics

[Zeke on Wheels]

Thanks everyone!
Looks like lots of good info.
I have a friend who would prep and gun it for me for around $100.
I have to decide on a color yet, but pretty sure I want to die the seat black.
It was custom ordered by the original owner and matches the color of the bike.

[MPittma100]

The Easy Way

I did my side cover the easy way - took it to my favorite body shop. These days the shops have special adhesives that they use to practically glue a whole car together with. Not a lot of welding going on anymore.

My left side cover came off and was run over? Cracked it on the one side and across the top. Did not look like it could be easily repaired.

BUT the repair is not visible and the seams are perfect. Didn't even disturb the emission label on the inside and it was cracked right at it. Took a little effort to match the paint, but it was doable. Pretty much a perfect repair.

Below is a picture taken prior to obtaining a new emblem.

MP

[CatatonicBug]

Nate, for crack repair I've had good luck super-gluing the crack then reinforcing it on the backside of the part with the baking soda. Build it up to 1/8"+ thick for at least a 1/2" on either side of the crack and it seems to work pretty good...

That's what I was aiming at. Kinda like a "weld". You'd likely not want to sand the inside of it flat though, to leave as much material as possible to retain strength.

[natemoen]

That's what I was aiming at. Kinda like a "weld". You'd likely not want to sand the inside of it flat though, to leave as much material as possible to retain strength.

Well if I weld something, I grind it flat so you don't know there is a weld.

[motoman]

Well if I weld something, I grind it flat so you don't know there is a weld.

Not a good choice.............just advice from a certified welder up to and including 1"

[natemoen]

Not a good choice.............just advice from a certified welder up to and including 1"

You always gotta rain on my parade...

If it were actual structural I don't grind it off cause then it isn't something that needs to be pretty.

[motoman]

You always gotta rain on my parade...

If it were actual structural I don't grind it off cause then it isn't something that needs to be pretty.

Just sprinkle on occassion......