[kei9th]

what are you guys using to strip the paint from your carbs and motor? right now the bike has flaking black paint, and i want to strip the motor and pretty much all the metal to repaint. the carbs have been soaking all day and the paint seems to be coming off but not without a lot of work. simple green seem to be helping but it is a slow tedious process. i have no idea on how to load a pic or i would show you all the one half i have done.

 

[marshallf3]

Paint stripper from Home Depot. The most powerful kind that contains methylene chloride is the fastest and best but you've got to wear gloves and be very careful with it as it can burn you skin - also need some ventilation. You won't notice a drop of it on your skin at first but 60 seconds later you will. Doesn't leave any burn marks but sure hurts like heck.



The more friendly citrus based stripper will work as well but often needs multiple attempts to get the clear and paint off.



For either, use a cheap "chip brush" to apply it in a thick coat then wait for the paint to bubble, sometime between when it's really soft and of course before it starts to harden back up use soapy water and a nylon scrub brush to remove it.



Inspect closely, reapply as needed if necessary.

 

[kei9th]

thank you ill be going to home depot tomorrow.

 

[Blindstitch]

I use this stuff. And like mentioned it will burn the crap out of you so wear gloves.

http://www.wmbarr.com/product.aspx?catid=72&prodid=112

 

[marshallf3]

I use this stuff. And like mentioned it will burn the crap out of you so wear gloves.

http://www.wmbarr.com/product.aspx?catid=72&prodid=112

#1 ingredient from the MSDS: methylene chloride.



If you can catch any accidental contact with your skin in a matter of seconds common paint thinner followed by a lot of soapy water can prevent the burn. Luckily, even if you wait until you feel it, if you wash it off really good with soapy water it won't leave any sort of redness or indication of a burn but it sure feels like there's a hot ash on you or something for about an hour afterwards. Sure takes off the rock hard clear and paint Honda used in short order though.



Just don't use it in an enclosed area, the fumes don't smell too bad but if it'll do that to your skin you can imagine what it will do to your innards.

 

[Archonius]

Does this work for the side covers? Or will I end up with a smoking puddle of goo? Also good for the frame? As I want to repaint the frame also.

 

[marshallf3]

Does this work for the side covers? Or will I end up with a smoking puddle of goo? Also good for the frame? As I want to repaint the frame also.

Any will work but the good stuff takes less time and the frame is liable to be heavily coated.



DO NOT use it on the side covers as it will eat right through the plastic. I repeat DO NOT!



For the sides just lightly wet sand using 320 followed by 400, then a light coat of primer.

Fill in any obvious nicks with glazing putty and give it days to dry or use common Bondo but in either case be sure you've sanded into the nicked area(s) Bondo will set up in fairly short order but glazing putty takes a bit of time until it fully cures.



Look at them under all sorts of light levels and when you're sure they're perfect then you can use a primer/sealer such as http://www.duplicolor.com/products/primerSealer/ if you got the sanding done right, if not get a sandable primer and start with that then touch it up with 400 or even all the way to 2000 paper in the sink with plenty of water.



What kind of perfection are you looking for and what kind of paint are you using?

 

[Archonius]

I'm not looking for perfection, just a good solid end result. I understand the old beast is 31 years old, and just want to make her look a bit prettier. Should clean up real nice as minus her leaks she runs like a champ. Also, while I'm thinking of it, any of you guys know of a good sissy bar/ backrest? Wife and I are planning on taking some bike trips this summer and I want to make it a bit more comfy for her.

 

[marshallf3]

I'm not looking for perfection, just a good solid end result. I understand the old beast is 31 years old, and just want to make her look a bit prettier. Should clean up real nice as minus her leaks she runs like a champ. Also, while I'm thinking of it, any of you guys know of a good sissy bar/ backrest? Wife and I are planning on taking some bike trips this summer and I want to make it a bit more comfy for her.

Just simple strip and sand. 80% of a paint job is in the prep, 10% in expertise and 10% in buying good paint. It will however pay to do a little research on the subject as if you go to bare metal you'll want a simple can of etch primer, simple can of regular primer/sealer then some good color. Don't go to Wally World, hit up a real auto parts store that stocks Duplicolor products but expect a far longer drying time - however it will hold up on the road.



Old Okie is about to finish some inventory on extra parts and has a backrest / sissy bar that might fit, give him a bit of time as you've still got a lot of project ahead of you as well.