Frame painting advice sought

[trophydave]

My XT350 frame is looking decidedly tatty and I should like to tidy it up.What I do not want to do is completely strip the bike and get it powder coated.The worst part is the rear subframe.I had a vague idea about stripping the back end,cleaning up the frame,priming it with whatever I can find lying about in the garage then painting it with red Japlac.Does this seem a reasonable plan?

[Steve H]

Smooth hammerite always worked well on my DT. It seemed to be more durable if sprayed rather than brushed on.

[guest27]

Japlac - excellent stuff if you take your time, many layers, going off between each and rubbing back a little, then finish off with grading down wet and dry, finishing with really fine W&D  using washing up liquid to temper the cut, final bit of Brasso and you can go swimming in it, and tough too.

R

[themoudie]

Used to do all my pushbike frames with Japlac, really good stuff with time patience and many coats.

Smooth Hammerite works well, but if spraying make sure you have plenty and I mean plenty of ventilation and a mask! I thought once that I would spray a VW Beetle with the original stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After 10 minutes in the garage with the doors shut and the heat cranked up, I was unable to focus my eyes or orientate, my head had a wardrobe in it and I couldn't string a sentence together! Nothings changed there! Managed to get out of the garage and next day finished the job with a brush panel by panel. Lasted really well until I was front ended by a myopic Dundonian out for a toddle, but that's another story and I'm still bitter and twisted about it 20 years on.

Have fun, Bill

[srx6]

The best way to do this would be to get another frame pre painted ready and just swap everything over.I did this with my bike and it was a doddle.Just remember to swap the frame numbers as well so you dont need to bother the nice people at Swansea.


PS did i mention i have a XT350 frame hanging in my garage!!!!!

Regards
Alan

[trophydave]

The best way to do this would be to get another frame pre painted ready and just swap everything over.I did this with my bike and it was a doddle.Just remember to swap the frame numbers as well so you dont need to bother the nice people at Swansea.


PS did i mention i have a XT350 frame hanging in my garage!!!!!

Regards
Alan

I could be interested if it's up for grabs.Do you have anything else?
For now I wire brushed the frame a bit then used some fifteen year old Hammerite on it.It looks terrible but is an improvement on how it was.

[srx6]

Hi
Sorry i only have the frame,It has had a small fire around the carb area but it has not twisted the frame and is otherwise in good condition.

Regards
Alan