So I spent all my money buying this 06 Fatty and had nothing left for a paint job. Was talking to a friend who puts pinstripes and flames on cars one day and he says "Go to Iron Horse Tattoos and get some decals and I will put them on for you." So I did and now for $100 I have some skulls and flames. Now I'm starting to doubt myself cuz of all the fancy bikes with $3000 paint jobs. Does anyone else out there have decals/stickers as opposed to paint? Or am I alone in my lack of money? Have I cheapened my image?

 

paint job doesn't have to cost 3 grand. You can get a sweet paint job for 12 to 15 hundred. I know thats still a lot to most people, but sounds better than 3 grand.
This is my '97 Fatty. Real cobalt blue candy with black outlined ghost flames and ghosted bar and shield on tank sides and front fender. Everything buried in multiple clear-coats, a show quality finish would run $1800




This same paint job with some slightly less expensive colors could easily go for $1500. The materials alone on this one were almost $600. You can't see the subtle differences in the blue on the bar & shield in the pics.

Save up, and shop around, there are good deals to be had. There are a few good painters on this site as well. As for now, you've got some flames and skulls, the decals can work fine while you get ready for a paint job. Its all about personalizing your bike, you do what you can, and dream of what you want. Keep plugging away, and sooner or later the dreams come true. Good luck!

 

I have a friend that does custom bike painting and graphics, and his work looks great.

I also know people that install 'pre-made' decals and graphics, and their bikes look great as well.

Don't worry about what others might think, as you don't need to impress them.

Do whatever makes you happy.

BTW, here is another place to get graphics.

http://www.cyclegraphics.net/productpages.shtml

 

I say leave it alone until you can afford some paint work. Maybe you can find someone toadd some graphics over the stock paint.
Stickers are a PIA to get off.

 

I'll pass on the stickers myself.

 

I would pass on the stickers. Enjoy your ride. Custom paint don't make the ride any sweeter.

 

Perhaps some of you missed the part where he said "so I did". He's already got em. And I can't give you an opinion without putting some eyeballs on the job, so[sm=ttiwwp.gif]

 

Here's a photo of the decal on my Ultra Fairing

It's only money if it's only about the paintor decal/sticker.
What's real is the story behind the paint, decal, sticker, scratch, dent or even the dirt and bugs!

[IMG]local://upfiles/7502/8C8780FDD945428F93558743D12CD0B3.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/7502/00EE4E25769644B09129FBD43E80A78F.jpg[/IMG]

 

Don't you know? Stickers add horsepower.

 

that'll work,,,play wit the graphics,,,it's u'r bike...save some bucks and paint it in later....