Options for blacking out engine.
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 67
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From: Leesburg FL
Options for blacking out engine.
XL883 L, just curious if I wanted to black out the engine and pipes, how would I go about it, I know nothing about engines, I'm a computer guy but I do want to learn so I can start to do mods to my bike.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 130
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From: Edmonton AB CA
I'm not exactly sure if the same process applies to the XL883 L but I was looking at possibly blacking out a Nightster and it seems a lot of people have had success just taping off/removing items they didn't want painted and they had at'er with a vehicle high temperature paint found locally at Autozones and etc. Any chrome items were either powder coated though or scuffed up and they hoped the paint would hold in place. That or go through the process of procuring a motor from an Iron... hehe. I've seen a few threads detailing the work on here as well as the XLforum. I basically did a search for "VHT" and I got more then I needed.
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 93
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From: Virginia Beach, VA
Like jackolo said, high temp paint and tape off what you dont want to paint. another guy did this not long ago. check out the link. as far as pipes, they are easy to take off, few nuts and clamps. possibly an o2 sensor if your bike has them. scuff them up and paint them with same high temp paint
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...-big-pics.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...-big-pics.html
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,272
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From: Shamokin, PA
Interesting I want to do this to the nightster as well. And like the op I'm just a computer guy. Is it just the VHT engine paint you need? I see they have 4 steps (Prep, Prime, Coat, Clear). Did you guys do all the steps or what? Thanks.
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Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Virginia Beach, VA
Lots of companies (duplicolor, rustoleum, vht) make high temp paint. Your best bet is to go to your local auto store, autozone, pepboys, etc. and check out the rattlecan paints. They also have a high temp clear coat, will give it gloss finish but should help protect it better.
I went with duplicolor 500 degrees flat black paint on my exhaust. 2-3 coats should do the trick... hope this helps
I went with duplicolor 500 degrees flat black paint on my exhaust. 2-3 coats should do the trick... hope this helps
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Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Virginia Beach, VA
one other thing, if you decide to take off your exhaust, go ahead and stop by the dealer and pick up new gaskets. Better to get them before you start, that way you dont have to stop and run to local dealer in the middle of the job.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 130
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From: Edmonton AB CA
On the Nightster, the paint is already a rough wrinkle/matte(?) paint, so most of the guys who did this before just did a really good clean of the engine area and where else needed painting and then just start spraying with the rattle cans once the area was taped off and ready. No Primer or clear coat process involved. If you want to take the extra steps involved, it's up to you.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
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Chrome pipes:
while waiting for my black shields to arrive I sprayed my chrome heat shields with 2+2 carb cleaner (no residue) and a couple coats of BBQ black. After running the bike a few times the paint would Not come off...... Unfortunately I was to eBay the chrome after my black shields came in but the paint stuck and now I'm stuck with them.
while waiting for my black shields to arrive I sprayed my chrome heat shields with 2+2 carb cleaner (no residue) and a couple coats of BBQ black. After running the bike a few times the paint would Not come off...... Unfortunately I was to eBay the chrome after my black shields came in but the paint stuck and now I'm stuck with them.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2009
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when i refurbished my 90 evo i brushed all the finns and casings with brake cleaner and scrubbed everything with scotch bright pads then more brake cleaner then dry with compressed air if available , i used duplicollor 1200 , 500 will work also.... lots of wprk but man it turns out great.. good luck and have fun....J.B.