Re-assembly tips?

[Stretch]

I just finished up a job and need to bolt everything back together. For those of you who have painted and assembled bikes (or anything for that matter), do you have any recommendations or tips on how to keep the paint job fresh while bolting things to it. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks-Stretch

 

[BonesFX]

Strech --- Take Your Time - and if it doesn't fit, don't try to make it!!!

Get yourself some towels and rags and lay them over the parts that the pieces might hit if you slip --- maybe some cotton gloves so you don't transfer grease or something worse to the finish -- That hardest part on a harley is the rear fender - if its a softail - mount up the rear struts and lights before you install it -- it usualy takes me twice the time to put it back together than it did to take it off -- don't forget the loc-tite!!! Bones!~

 

[Stretch]

Thanks for the response. For areas where metal is touching paint, do you put anything between the two? I noticed on the American Chopper series that they place a rag or something between the surface and the bolt. I didn't know if some sort of buffer material might help prevent the paint from chipping or scratching?

Thanks-Stretch

 

[blaino]

I like to apply and leave Masking tape, to the frame areas that will not be seen after assembly.....like inside of the fender struts especially there are side covers (sportsters).
Helps protect paint when sliding fender into place.

 

[DenB.]

Stretch, do you have any friends who own or work in auto body shops? if so see if you can maybe slide'm a few $$$ to use the heat lamps to cook the paint if not, the tape treatment is one that i use like mentioned in the previous posting. Good Luck

 

[Stretch]

Thanks for the additional replies. I don't have access to heat lamps so I'll see about setting it up outside in the sun and then maybe use some AutoMask on the metal. Seems like that'd be a little less adhesive but would work well for a buffer.

Thanks-Stretch

 

[rex]

Some good tips here.I use 2" masking tape to protect surfaces as I'm putting something in place.On cars I'll wrap it up in a certain thickness close to the gap I want and tape it in place like hanging a door.On other things 4-5 layers takes a good whack to cut through.It's definately best to let the paint set for a few days to toughen up.The worst thing is custom paint on bikes where the bolt goes.If it's thick paint you have to be careful about cranking it down tight or it'll chip like you said.I try to keep the paint thinner in those areas and let it cure out.Better to get it real snug with locktite than crank down on the torque.

 

[Ripp]

Always use loc-tite.......but never red.....so do us techs a favor use blue loc-tite and use a torque wrench and the proper torque values located in the manual..this will add to the life of your bike and years to your own life.....never use anything but 6 pt wrences.

P.s. some of the techs out there have huge student loans to pay off take it to them let the pros turn the wrenches. They're usually a lot faster, and very thorough