After talking to the mannie in the shop and explaining what was to take place, namely the painting by hand of the frame and other parts, he suggested that some type of alkyd based paint be used.
Said paint doesn't need a catalyst but needs some work to apply. So a quart was got and will be used.
The frame and a few sundry bits were already sprayed with an etching primer and then with a coat of a filler/gray primer combination and the frame hung in the garage for the painting.
The sundry bits such as swing arm, oil tank, battery tray etc will be hung on wires from the garage door tracks. The frame is hanging from chains and s-hooks from the tracks already.
Small turnbuckle type fasteners were used to support the rear frame assembly while a long eye-bolt was put throught the headstock and then hung by chain.
The large eye-bolt has two large flat washers and a couple of nuts to keep everything in place and secure. Also should keep any paint from inside the head stock and bearing races.
A little bit of work on the fork sliders has gone on. Seems that rust has taken it's toll and made things difficult but it'll get done.
Here's a useful tip.....for working with delicate things such as aluminum, some type of soft holder needs to be used in a vise. If you don't have any and need some for a quick job, a pair of aluminum beer cans can be used.
A pair of Guinness cans were used for the forks. The small round white thing was found inside the can. A drink and a prize, can't beat it!
As the weather is a little cooler today, there's a good possibility that the frame may get painted tomorrow. There may be a chance of rain so we'll see.
Unusual to see a frame being painted by hand now a days, most go the easy route with powder coating . Saying that I've done a few by hand and they turned out good. One tip some one gave me was to try and get a tin on spray paint with the same paint, and once painted by hand leave it for half an hour, then lightly spray the frame. It took the light brush marks out and gave it a smooth finish. Only thing I'd say it must be the same paint/ thinners combo. Really good to see you getting on with Vicky ;-)
ReplyDeleteLong story but originally was gonna spray but due to the move and other things, decided to do the old fashioned way.
ReplyDeleteWas gonna build a "booth" out in the back and paint there 'til hit on the garage method.
Closed in, secure, dry and hopefully dust free. Plus the tools, bench and a place to put the supping ale.
I like the way your eyebolt/washer combo "masks" the head bearing cups. Going old fashioned on the paint method, reminds me of the stories I've read about how they used to dip gas tanks in old bath tubs full of enamel paint back in the day at the old factories in England. We have stuff powder coated sometimes in the school district. I have noticed rusting on some cages that were built to protect AC units from vandalism. I know if you got a good powder coating guy,some people are sold on powder coating. For my own bikes I used to use good old Krylon in a can. Easy to touch up. I haven't priced coating a frame at the local guys here yet.
ReplyDeleteI thought that waay of hanging th eframe woulld be the easiest way to go and the eye bolt/washer seemed to work out the easiest as well.
ReplyDeleteOriginally was gonna spray with a compressor and gun, but didn't work out so hand painting was Plan B. The more thought of it the better I liked the idea.
Will see how it goes. Keeping the fingers crossed.