Gold plating

[scratcher09]

Just bought this '80 Midnight Special. Runs strong but needs some work. I am going to tear it down to frame and redo it cafe style. Since I've heard the Midnight Specials are rare I want to stick with the black & gold. My question is what are my options for redoing the gold plating? Doing everything else(engine, welding, fiberglass tailpiece, upholstering, paint, powder coating, etc.) myself because I'm working with a limited budget.

[DGXSER]

Mack was the last member I recall that did an amazing resto of a MNS.

FYI, those side covers are from an 81 Special.

[b.walker5]

Ummm.... is that actually a Midnight Special, or just an SG that someone went mad with gold paint on the wheels. Whats the frame number?

[scratcher09]

I believe it is a midnight special. Vin is 4H3000831. Has all the black chrome and there are more gold pieces that are off the bike. The black chrome is black chrome--not black. How can I tell from the vin if it is a Midnight Special?

[Prisoner6]

Midnight Special?

I believe it is a midnight special. Vin is 4H3000831. Has all the black chrome and there are more gold pieces that are off the bike. The black chrome is black chrome--not black. How can I tell from the vin if it is a Midnight Special?

WELCOME to the group, Erik!
If your VIN starts with 4H3, then it is a 1980 MNS ... 1980 Midnights were the only XS Eleven models whose VINs started with 4H3 ... but make sure the engine number matches the number on the frame.

[crazy steve]

Mack spent well over $500 (emphasis on over) re-doing the gold trim on his, if you're on a 'limited budget' paint will be about your only choice but won't be very close to the OEM finishes....

[TomB]

Welcome Scratcher

I'm a little confused, you say you know the MNS is rare and therefore want to keep the bike black and gold by re-plating the gold, good point for originality, but you're on a limited budget. The part confusing me is "cafe style and "welding". Don't take this as a criticism because I've modded bikes on a tight budget, but why bother with the original gold plating which is going to eat big time into your budget if you're going to make the bike un-original.

I am going to tear it down to frame and redo it cafe style. ...... welding,

Or is the welding just to repair damaged parts back to original? and your cafe mods are going to be reversible? in case you want to later swap back to original spec?

Whatever you do please post pics of your build, we love a build.

[jetmechmarty]

I like the XS1100 Sport that was not made available in the USA. Simulating that will keep some originality and get you the cafe style you're looking for.




Note the rearward position of the pegs/controls.


Perhaps your seat pan can be modified to simulate this one.


Nice bike! Good luck with whatever you decide to do with it. Just get it going and stopping first.

[Gallaecus]

hitting a bike with your garden hose or leaving in the rain isnt the best idea.
nor is cutting the frame tails and welding on a cafe loop.
but if you want to take a limited production, collectible classic and chop it up, then I hope you have fun with the project cuz that is what it is really all about.
I can say that it would probably be cheaper to put back to stock, cuz customizing isnt cheap. IMO, the special tank doesnt flow well with a cafe look. You could make a "Midnight Standard" ? ( the 78 look, but with a black and gold theme ) Im pretty sure that the special triple trees will come in contact with a standard tank though, ?

[Prisoner6]

Gold plating?

As to the gold plating, Erik, I know you are on a limited budget, but as Steve said (post #6), paint wouldn't be very close to the OEM finish, and IMHO, wouldn't look very good. You could try this place close to you:

http://www.cdplating.com/

They may be able to help you. If they can, obviously it will cost more, but it may be worth it to you to get the right finish.

FWIW, I say don't chop it up - if anything, go for the look Marty suggested (post #8). It's the best of both worlds, IMO.

[Schming]

CMIIW Is that a 750 front disc rotor ?

[QUOTE=scratcher09;428394]/QUOTE]

[mack]

Gold

Yes as Steve mentioned I did my LH gold and it was very pricy if you want to match the original. If as you say are looking for a more economical route you can try having it plated with "bright brass" at any plating company. Far cheaper but I can't vouch for the durability.
As for the cost of what I did, it was closer to $1000.00 Steve. But so far it has lasted three seasons and still looks like it did the day I got it back.

[crazy steve]

..As for the cost of what I did, it was closer to $1000.00 Steve..

I knew it was a lot but didn't remember the exact amount. Besides, if $500 wasn't scary enough, his budget couldn't be all that 'limited'....

[Crusty Snippets]

Mns

I know zip about the MNS. But I do know a bit about seats and upholstery.
First thing I would do is put some foam on the seat base, and cover it with black material. Then I would go for a ride and probably spend my money on beer and loose women. The rest I would just waste. HTH.

Unkle Crusty

[scratcher09]

I changed internet providers so I was without service for a few days so it has taken me a while to get back online. I don't leave my bikes out in the rain. Took that pic when I pulled it out to wash off the layer of accumulated gunk--easier to work on a clean engine. My first goal is to get it running like it should. Gonna clean carbs in an ultrasonic cleaner, change oil, fix oil leaks from timing chain tension adjuster and valve cover, and figure out why throttle doesn't snap back like it should.

I had decided to redo it cafe style because I know that I can't afford to restore it properly. If I had the means it would be worth it to do a complete and proper resto, but reality is I'm on a shoestring budget. I plan to weld on a cafe loop. But still considering the options. Thanks jetmechmarty for posting pics of the XS1100 Sport--never seen it before but I like that look. And I agree with gallaecus about the special tank not flowing with the cafe look. I may reshape some knee cut outs in the original or look for an earlier standard tank. And I appreciate Mack's input. I'm going to look into the bright brass plating to see if I can afford that. If not, I'll be limited to powder coating and paint.

I really dig the look of the black with a few gold accents (and no chrome). It looks clean and classy and it would be a nod at it's MNS roots.

I don't know if the front rotors are original. If anyone sees anything else that doesn't look original please let me know. It didn't have a right side panel so I replaced it with an '81.