1991 FLHTC in-frame engine repaint
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 246
From: Lakeville, MN
1991 FLHTC in-frame engine repaint
The glaring aesthetic issue with the 91 Classic I picked up last week was the engine. Most of the paint had chipped off and looked it's age. If I could have gotten it all the way to the metal everywhere, fine but without removal and sandblasting, it seemed improbable. Next best thing was to repaint it so I got myself some 3M blue tape, some Harley Texture Black paint, some razor blades, a wire brush and some gasoline.
Cleaned the whole engine with S100 engine brightener then jacked it up and went through every fin with a wire brush dipped in gas. I taped every inch of the bike off that wasn't getting the pain and here we are. I think it turned out really nice! It's a big job but the end result is similar to a brand new engine. The test of time of course will be a year from now how it holds up. Good news is that if I get a chip, I have the paint to touch it up. I'll keep the update going in case someone down the road wants to try this down the road.
And not to worry, the job was done while it was raining so I did NOT waste any time on the road doing all this.
Cleaned the whole engine with S100 engine brightener then jacked it up and went through every fin with a wire brush dipped in gas. I taped every inch of the bike off that wasn't getting the pain and here we are. I think it turned out really nice! It's a big job but the end result is similar to a brand new engine. The test of time of course will be a year from now how it holds up. Good news is that if I get a chip, I have the paint to touch it up. I'll keep the update going in case someone down the road wants to try this down the road.
And not to worry, the job was done while it was raining so I did NOT waste any time on the road doing all this.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 246
From: Lakeville, MN
I hope the HD paint lasts a little better. What a disaster this would be. I scrubbed every inch of that motor with gas and a brush so I'm hoping it holds. If not, chalk it up to a lesson.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 2
From: Florida
That must have been a job! My jugs are all flaking off, I have the bottom end rebuilt and they soaked the cases in break cleaner, took most of the powder coat off, but not all. Lifter blocks look like yours did. It's a mess. Oh well, still runs and rides nice, and looks great from 30 ft!
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,776
Likes: 7,811
From: SE Louisiana
I find the harley texture paint is pretty good, good match, holds up, and easy to touch up if needed,
of course you have to prep it good.
at least it kinda makes it worth the $24 a spray can.
of course you have to prep it good.
at least it kinda makes it worth the $24 a spray can.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,776
Likes: 7,811
From: SE Louisiana
After a good degreasing, sandpaper, then laquer thinner or brake clean and compressed air would have been a better option.
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: E Washington
I did my 89 softail kinda the same way except iused brake clean to degrease. Did it over the winter and used the Harley paint. Dont know how well it will hold up yet. Polishing the fin edges was almost as bad as the tapeing.
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