Best frame paint?
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Joined: Nov 2014
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From: Asheville NC
Best frame paint?
I'm new to the forum, and HD... I'm attempting to restore a '75 FLH. I am now faced with a clean frame... Before I start bolting things back on. What should I finish the frame with? Is rustoleum paint a good idea?
Sorry if this is a noob question...
Sorry if this is a noob question...
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
if doing a true restoration, then paint.
there are sources such as American Iron Magazine which have a pretty active old bike restoration community - check their website and you can find out exactly the correct paint for your bike
( restoration means like factory correct...rebuild is other than that)
or there is a section here for shovels.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/shovelhead-62/
when i last had the motor out of my evo fxr, I hit the frame with a gloss black rustoleum on a couple of spots- worked great
if you want a better finish think about a powder coat, this would be the time to do it
mike
there are sources such as American Iron Magazine which have a pretty active old bike restoration community - check their website and you can find out exactly the correct paint for your bike
( restoration means like factory correct...rebuild is other than that)
or there is a section here for shovels.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/shovelhead-62/
when i last had the motor out of my evo fxr, I hit the frame with a gloss black rustoleum on a couple of spots- worked great
if you want a better finish think about a powder coat, this would be the time to do it
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Nov 8, 2014 at 11:55 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Richmond, VA
I would NEVER paint a frame of any motorcycle with a spray paint, let alone a Shovelhead. If you choose to paint it versus getting the frame powdercoated, go to a professional auto body paint supplier and get a true automotive paint. A two part urethane or epoxy paint with an actual hardener. Something that can withstand everything that a Shovel will dump on it, like gas and oils. Shovels are Gods gift to man, don't insult one with a spray bomb paintjob. Not even on the frame.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Santa Clarita
Agree about the spray bomb paint job...very thin paint, doesn't protect much, Rustoleum or not. Either powder coat or use conventional HVLP automotive painting equipment. Either will get the job done quite well. The advantage of the auto painting method is that chips can be easily touched up, and since I'm set up for that, it's my chosen method. Powder coating is second to HVLP for me, but others would disagree; many would agree.
But the bottom line is DON'T cheap it out!
But the bottom line is DON'T cheap it out!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: CT/FL
I don't have it written down here but there is an epoxy paint that you can brush on and flows out as good as spray paint. Very rugged and chip resistant. Someone here may know the name or over in the shovelhead forum.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Western Washington
You may be thinking of Hammerite (sp?) I would go with powder coating or HVLP if it were me, but Hammerite is more robust than rattle can.
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From: Santa Cruz
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From: Minnesota
Emeron paint is a good hard coat paint, DuPont HLVP is also very good, or powder coat is another great way to go.
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