curing time frame before reassembly?

[gtc73]

So gang!

Some of us probably have had the experience of reassembling something after we have painted and cleared, only to find when cranking down the bolts, we have distorted the clear coat.

So I have a couple of thoughts/questions;

1. look over the tech sheet for the clear being used to determine curing time frame. So for example, Kustom Shop's 2K speed clear is fully cured in 7 days. Now, does fully cured mean it's safe to reassemble? should we wait the full 7 days before assembly? does fully cured mean the piece will not mar or distort when tightening down the bolts? all valid questions.

2. referring specifically to the covers on my 2002 road star warrior 1700, most of (not all of) but most of the side covers that I remove for painting, the bolts do NOT have washers. So, my thinking is that when I do reassemble this time, (1) I am waiting the full curing time per the tech sheet. and (2) I will be adding flat washers with the thought that once the bolt/washer makes contact with the cover, the washer will sit flat and stationary, while the bolt continues to tighten. This way I may be able to avoid maring or distorting the clear under the bolt.

Whats your experience with this process? interested to hear if YES, you have had this experience and what you did as a remedy, if its even possible.

g

 

[TAZ]

I have assembled bikes the very next day with fresh paint. Normally what I do, it just 'snug' the bolts. Then have the customer come back in 2-3 weeks and we'll tighten them down further. Let's be real, a customer isn't going to wait 2-3 weeks just to let is set sit around waiting for it to cure. Even when it is fully cured, there is the possibility that the paint will still 'smush' out below the bolts or washers.

Just go easy on the tightening is my rule of thumb.

On custom choppers, I know some put a very thin plastic washer below the regular washer in case the paint smushes out. This way, it's under the main bolt and not in a visible area.

 

[gtc73]

right Taz!, me being my own customer....I want to put the tins back on the bike NOW....not like I'll be riding any time soon here in the NE. But, dang, want to see the bike all back together. patience man.....patience!!!!!! still need to heat up the garage and spray the swing arm to get rid of last years paint scheme...the tiger camo....then I can think about putting things back together....

by now, every piece that I paint have marks in the clear.....:freak: