help with paint

[Phyberoptic]

My '78e has developed a failing clearcoat. Where the clearcoat is shedding the paint is nice and solid. I'm wondering if the clearcoat was an addition to the tank by PO when it dulled?

Would I be able to carefully sand the clearcoat off and reapply a new clearcoat to the basecoat? I don't think I'll be able to match the maroon if I try and shoot a new base.

I've got to pull the tank to clean/rebuild the carbs as she's been sitting neglected for tow years since the move from west to east cost. So a paint resto added to the winter projects is in order.

-=Phyber

[donebysunday]

I think I'd give up trying to get that clear off to save the paint under it.YMMV
A friend that does auto and bike painting had a car in the shop when I stopped by years ago, the clear was coming off in sheets. I asked why and he said he thought most likely the color had been allowed to cure to long so the clear when applied could not bond right with the color. So even if you took the clear off the paint under would not accept the clear and soon start peeling again.

[cajun31]

This question comes up

quite often. The simple answer is don't try to repair the clear coat then try to paint clear back over it. The results will not be satisfactory. When I recently redid mine I followed the advice of my painter and just prepped the paint by sanding all the imperfections down and in my case I exposed a few areas of bare metal so I had to prime mine. I then had my painter respray the base followed up by several coats of clear. I then took that and wet sanded the clear with 1500 wet sandpaper sanding by the wet method followed by a good buffing with an orbital sander with a 3m pad and finishing polish. Results came out very nice. I have had most folks that look at the bike tell me it looks brand new in showroom condition.

I too was tempted to just try and repair but was flat out told that I would not like the results and any painter worth anything will tell you the same thing. As for the color you can take the tank to a reputable paint store and have it color matched. When you buy the base just have them sell you a compatible clear and their you have it.

I found this you tube video that basically tells you the same thing I have just said.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU9JnLoJGGI.

Hope this helps.