to spray... or not to spray....paint?

man that is an awesome paint job! for a rattle can or not. I'm impressed! How long that take you? and did you use lacquer or enamel? Any bondo? Any how, excellent job jdrich!

 

I used acrylic lacquer. There was one spot by the filler hole that had a small ding. But I used some glazing putty to fill it. Can't even see it.
Not to sure in actual time how long it took. I worked on it for a month or so every weekend during the winter.

 

I'm painting mine right now. Lots of bondo on the tank and fender. I've just primed it, and will do a little more sanding before painting the color on. I was told that heating everything up before you paint it will give you a nicer finish. Has anyone else heard this? I was told to put the cans of paint in warm water, and to put the parts in a really warm room with space heaters or something. If no one here has any objections, I'm gonna try that method. I'll take some pictures throughout and post them later.

 

I've heard of baking after painting, but not heating before hand.
I'm not sure, but that may make the paint dry to quickly and may not flow out.
But I'm no painter, maybe we have some painters out there.
My 2 cents

 

i like to use the sun on cars n stuff,

i think it just helps to take out the humidity

and it dries faster!

 

Heat on the parts before hand does take the mositure out of the metal, but then you want to let it slowly cool. Also, you want to NOT touch the bare metal with your hands as oils in your skin will make the primer not stick as well or the paint if you are handleing the parts with the primer already on it. Use degreaser before you paint and the paint will stick better, whether a rattle can or automotive paint.

I just painted my 650 tank and it came out nicely, but there are a lot of steps to go through if you want the paint to last...

 

Another beautiful tank... this is inspiring!

 

Nice job Tazz and a nice color to.

Woot did you ever get a tank yet?

 

No - not yet.

There was one available but they weren't interested in shipping directly to Canada. We tried to arrange meeting one of my friends in the area but it hasn't worked out yet. I'll have to follow up on it - we've both been slow in responding... I think it basically boils down to too much hastle to sort out shipping.

I'll wait this season out and reassess... I might even just get a fuel cell. I've got room for it on the back and if I get a larger tank I'll have even more range.

 

Hey woot. what size tank you need? I got a spare from a 82 XJ550.

 

I just shipped that 1100 tank to Canada.
Price for shipping started at $25.00 4 to 6 weeks. (Dog sled))
So I sent it airmail, and it still takes 7 to 10 days (Hot air balloon)
Cost $32.75.

 

How do you edit your own posts? Anyway, The tank is clean on the inside. The outside needs help. I was going to strip and re-paint in Yamaha Black or a nice Red Pearl when I got some more clear weather. Then I was going to sell it. But if you want it, send me a PM.

 

I'm looking for a maxim 750 tank... I've been slow acting on it ( notorious for being slow moving it seems - Dwayne can comment on that ) as I don't have an urgent need for it. I'm waiting for the simplest or cheapest solution it seems.

I've got enough projects on the go that I probably shouldn't acquire another one - but if I do I'll be more than happy to sand it down and paint it jet black. The additonal range would be a huge benefit for my riding style... some of my trips I do have to worry about finding gas stations in time.

Cheers,
Woot.