Since my parts are taking their sweet time getting here, the engine rebuild has stalled till the big brown truck shows up at my door. But in the true spirit of a guy who hates to sit still, I have started the process of cleaning and repainting the engine! So here are some pics of the process so far, feel free to provide any input!
Here is a view of the engine tapped up from the left side:
(http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/6856/dsc01833ho2.jpg)
Here is a view of the nasty area where the front sproket was, this was VERY NASTY before a little clean up:
(http://imgcash3.imageshack.us/img75/3935/dsc01834pm8.jpg)
Here is the back of the engine after a little rough sanding and cleaning, almost ready for a light first coat:
(http://imgcash1.imageshack.us/img75/8017/dsc01835nk5.jpg)
Here is the right side cover after a little cleanup and sanding, again almost ready for light first coat:
(http://imgcash3.imageshack.us/img75/4186/dsc01836ko0.jpg)
I need to go grab some metal files to do a little shapping on a portion that was damaged on the front, and a little more sanding before I do the first coat.
Thanks,
Nick
I'm not quite sure why these pictures have all at once gotten a white border? Shutterfly is really a stupid site to load pics with.
**EDIT*** changed links to get imageshack pics and full size
So... What color? :)
Neon Pink?
Bright Orange?
Purple?
Spill it!
Sticking with the gloss black, just wanted to freshen it up a bit. I'm curious as to anyone's input on the damage to the left side covers, what the hell can I do with that?! At this point I'm not looking to buy new covers, however that might happen later down the road!
Also, the sanding seems to be complete (short of fixing the entire right side cover damage), but I'm curious as to the difference between using Acetone and Brake Parts Cleaner as the final spray cleaner?
Thanks,
Nick
Looks like you are off to a great start! :cheers: Im glad I didnt start mine yet, I would have done a less intense method, but after seeing what you have so far... Im gonna strip her down a bit more :thumb:
Thanks for the post! Keep em comin as yu progress :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
Quote from: utgunslinger13 on June 21, 2008, 07:44:51 PM
Sticking with the gloss black, just wanted to freshen it up a bit. I'm curious as to anyone's input on the damage to the left side covers, what the hell can I do with that?! At this point I'm not looking to buy new covers, however that might happen later down the road!
Also, the sanding seems to be complete (short of fixing the entire right side cover damage), but I'm curious as to the difference between using Acetone and Brake Parts Cleaner as the final spray cleaner?
Thanks,
Nick
Wire wheel on an angle grinder. It'll smooth it out. Put filler on it if you really wanna make it look smooth. I'd put the dremel on it and engrave something myself :)
I used rubbing alcohol as the final cleaner before paint.
(http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/8157/2163462170073478356S600x600Q85.jpg) (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2163462170073478356gWFKRV)
Yeah that looks good! I was asking because I have a can of brake parts cleaner handy I could use but I don't know if it would leave any residue? I suppose if necessary I can head out in the am to pick up some acetone. Anyone have any feedback on using Brake Parts Cleaner as a residue remover before paint?
Thanks,
Nick
In the past I have used Brake Clean with no ill effect, sorry I didn't mention it in my earlier post.
I have heard of some brake parts cleaners leaving a residue. I'm sorry that I do not know which brand does or does not...
I do know that mineral spirits work great as a final prep before paint, even the "oderless" stuff made by clean-strip, sold at Home Depot.
8)
Laquer thinner from the parts store or just plain old rubbing alcohol works good as well. I would stay away from brake cleaner. :thumb:
I'm not sure if it would matter, but its "CRC Brand Braklean". If anyone has had any experience using that as a final cleaner please speak up, otherwise I'll just have to run to the store first thing in the morning.
Thanks,
Nick
Conventional logic would dictate a break cleaning fluid would not leave a residue behind as that residue would most likely have an adverse affect on braking. WTH give it a try.
Yes, CRC in the Red and White can, you can use it.....It evaporates and leaves no residue.
I would try to fair in the side cover scratches. First start with a mill file.
Then go after the remains with some 220 sandpaper. :thumb:
Quote from: Fry on June 21, 2008, 11:12:51 PM
Yes, CRC in the Red and White can, you can use it.....It evaporates and leaves no residue.
Rocking, first thing in the morning I'm gonna hit it with a final clean then spray the first coat! Did you do any sanding between coats? I'm trying to determine what grit, or if I even should sand between coats. What about a clear? Yours looks like a gloss paint, but was that from the clear or just the paint? How is everything holding up?
Thanks, and sorry for all the questions!
Nick
That picture is decieving in person it's a Flat Blat, I think the Flash of the camera gave the motor a Redish hue?
The Starter Cover, Valve Cover and Inspection Covers are painted with Dupli-Color Graphite Wheel paint which I also used for the wheels and will be using for various other components.
I have 4 applications/coats of paint, I did not sand between coats. The Graphite items have a high Gloss and Metallic content and provide a nice contrast to having an entirely flat black motor.
I have yet to run or install the motor so no reports yet on durability. Dupli Color rates the Flat Black Ceramic Engine paint I used heat resistant up to 1200 degrees.
(http://inlinethumb09.webshots.com/42696/2079255020073478356S600x600Q85.jpg) (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2079255020073478356xjutEM)
(http://inlinethumb37.webshots.com/20388/2969331170073478356S600x600Q85.jpg) (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2969331170073478356NlXzvd)
Wow, I can't see the difference in paint between the parts? I thought everything was graphite? Btw I'm looking at graphite or charcol when I get around to stripping the frame for a repaint. I think I'm going with Charcol on the frame, wheels, upper trees, and gauge cluster with the engine, headlight cage, gauges all gloss black, and the tank or any other body parts a deep metallic blue (I painted my last gs BMW blue and it looked amazing!).
Quote from: utgunslinger13 on June 22, 2008, 09:14:14 AM
Wow, I can't see the difference in paint between the parts? I thought everything was graphite? Btw I'm looking at graphite or charcol when I get around to stripping the frame for a repaint. I think I'm going with Charcol on the frame, wheels, upper trees, and gauge cluster with the engine, headlight cage, gauges all gloss black, and the tank or any other body parts a deep metallic blue (I painted my last gs BMW blue and it looked amazing!).
Um, difference beteween colors? Is this a bad thing?
Starter Cover, Valve Covers, and Inspection Covers are a Dupli Color Rim paint called Graphite, High Gloss, with a High metallic content, the Block and rest of the Motor are a Flat Black Ceraimic paint from Dupli. Once sprayed on it "Lays Down" with a nice even sheen and coat. 1 Light "mist" coat, baked with a space heater under table holding motor, then 3 heavy coats, each coat baking for 15-20 minutes, atleast I think thats the time frames I used it's been awhile. I just followed the directions.
My Shifter, Brake Pedal, Upper and Lower Trees along with the Dash will be the same Graphite Color. The Bars im using are Renthal Fat Bars in a nice titanium color which is a few shaded lighter than the Graphite and will contrats nicely with the Triple Trees.
The Suspension Bits or Chassis will be some form of Silver or Aluminum, I'd like a finish that mimicks machined aluminum.
The Tank will be the same color as the Motor, Flat Black High Heat Paint.
Basically 3 colors shades:
Flat Black
Aluminum/Silver?
Graphite
I'll be tossing in a few Gloss Black items ( Bar end mirrors and levers) as well as some select and very few Gold Anodized (Chain and minimal fasteners) items to provide a bit of contrast and a somewhat Cheap, "Works" look, LOL.
Please post up some pics of your progress, your prep work looks outstanding and your concern overall would indicate you'll take your time and do a great job so please share.
Looks brand new, good job!! :cheers:
I just got back from breakfast with the lady and here are some updated pics after the first coat:
My paint shop:
(http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/9278/dsc01837qs9.jpg)
Clutch Cover, Starter Cover, and Right Side Cover:
(http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/3664/dsc01838ex0.jpg)
Right Side:
(http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/1310/dsc01840fx8.jpg)
Here is a first look at the idea I had for the head and cylinders when I get to painting them. I'll go with the same gloss black on the engine, but sand the edges of the fins. I don't have a dremel yet, but this only took 5 minutes with a piece of sandpaper. I think I might grab a dremel for the entire job though. What do you think?
(http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/3928/dsc01841dt4.jpg)
Thanks,
Nick
I don't see anything?
Pics didn't show up?
Sorry I meant to hit preview to make sure the size was right and I hit post instead! Hopefully they show up now!
I also thought about taking the heat fin edges down to bare metal after painting and may wait til I see your results before I do.
Look up Diamond Cutting on the Web as it relates to Harley Davidson Cylinder heads, your basically doing the 1st step of that process.
Your work looks really good, keep updating this thread.
Got the engine painted and the head started with the silver fins. Unfortunately it was to dark to take any good pictures of the engine, starter cover, clutch cover, or right side cover but I did get some good ones of the head since I could carry it into the kitchen :dunno_white: Here are some pics!
Here is the left side spark plug view. I think I'm going to end up having the vertical lines run down to the spark plugs, I wasn't sure when I first started grinding, but now I think it would look much better. Note the top fin needs a final sand to cover the final touch up I taped off and painted.
(http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/7672/dsc01842xg9.jpg)
Here is the Exhaust side view, one side painted fully and one side sanded the ends of the fins clean:
(http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/2891/dsc01843oz7.jpg)
Here is the carb side, still debating on keeping the vertical line black or grinding it bare to connect all the lines:
(http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/3047/dsc01845zl6.jpg)
Here is the un-grinded portion just to give you a contrast from the first picture:
(http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/5485/dsc01844bz5.jpg)
Let me know what you think guys! I really think things are looking good and definetly worth the 10-12 hours I spent yesterday and today working on them!
Thanks,
Nick
are u going to paint the valve cover too?
cuz i was wondering why'd u tape it up
The valve cover will be painted the same color as the frame, charcoal. So I covered it so I wouldn't paint a silver piece black before painting it charcoal.
righto
So I finally got the head and valve cover done. The original color I chose for the valve cover didn't match as well as I had hoped in my head so I went ahead and painted it black as well.
View of head and valve cover:
(http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/8287/dsc01848jw7.jpg)
Side view:
(http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/5369/dsc01849vs3.jpg)
Front View:
(http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/7987/dsc01850lt0.jpg)
Carb Side View;
(http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/9691/dsc01851xn9.jpg)
I'm still debating grinding some paint down on the valve cover to match the silver fins on the head, but I might just leave it and let the screws set it off?
Thanks,
Nick
I just got these in the mail tonight, I had to order both left side emblems because for some GENIOUS reason Suzuki decided to no longer make the right side emblem. Looks like I shouldn't have any issues getting them to fit left and right side.
(http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2785/dsc01878io2.jpg)
So the side emblems just peel off on both sides? My left one is gone (looks like a prior owner laid it down, also took off the bar end) and when winter comes my thought is to totally stealth the bike in repainting (ie, you'll have to know what you are looking at, because it won't say Suzuki on it anywhere) - if I can simply peel off the right side emblem and find solid bare metal underneath as seems to be the case on the left side I'll be a happy camper.
that does seem to be the case. Its just stuck on with a simple piece of 3M tape! These are suzuki parts, not an aftermarket part too!
Will you be giving the cylinders the same treatment?How are they coming along?Any word from the shop?
I've been unable to meet up with the machinist due to my hectic work schedule and the fact that the shop is about 45 minutes from my work. I'm supposed to be meeting up with him tonight after work since we found out he lives 5 blocks away from me, but that hasn't been locked in stone yet. Once I get them finalized I will be giving them the same treatment as the heads heat fins got. I really think it sets off the engine, and the emblems have just enough silver/black that it will match amazingly!
Unfortunately, work might be slowing down for the next couple of weeks, I've got a busy July. We are moving apartments (which is a plus because I will now have a garage!), my parents will be out to visit me from Ohio for a week, and my g/f's bday is in July. So this means that money will be tight, time will be tight, and I won't have much say in if I get to work on the bike or not :icon_rolleyes: :oops:
I really really like the treatment you did with the edge of the heat fins.
Thank you! I'm still debating on figuring a way to bring it down into the case but can't quite figure out how it would look, or if it would even look right?
Not much progress but I did get the emblems on! Hard to work on the bike when I'm supposed to be packing to move on Ssaturday! :nono:
(http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/595/dsc01880pj2.jpg)
(http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/6599/dsc01881ma1.jpg)
VERY cool
what paints do you guys use?
i need to paint my engine i've already sprayed every other part =-P
Looks awesome gun!
I love the sanding of the fins, the contrast is great!
Quote from: starshooter10 on July 09, 2008, 01:51:10 PM
VERY cool
what paints do you guys use?
i need to paint my engine i've already sprayed every other part =-P
I went to the local auto parts store and picked up black glass high temp auto spray paint.
Quote from: Yenool on July 09, 2008, 04:25:24 PM
Looks awesome gun!
I love the sanding of the fins, the contrast is great!
I think once its back together it will look really good with the fins like that. thanks!
what kind of rubbing down paper, paint, primer, lacquer did you use on this?
Im in the UK, so if you could recommend universally available ones or links onto ebay. Cheers! :cheers:
The only things I used was a roll or 2 of automotive masking tape, some high temperature masking tape, and a bit of sandpaper to help smoth out any imperfections. I got the automotive tape and sandpaper from Wal-Mart, the paint from the local parts store.
Nick
Do you have a link as to where you got the emblems. I have an "04 and lost one but I like this style better!
Thanks,
Mary S.
I got to emblems from www.bikebandit.com (http://www.bikebandit.com)