V-Rod Painting?

[Stretch]

How would you all go about painting the aluminum on the Harley V-Twins? I'm interested in both adding a small graphic to the factory paint job as well as a complete redo?

TIA-Stretch

 

[Jim]

Stretch,I'm not sure what your asking,If it's raw aluminum,I'd clean it,6 or 800 grit it down,clean again and use an epoxy primer.If it's the aluminum air box,I never saw one up close but,I would think they are coated with clear,in that case,you could 6 or 800 it and paint.My buddy has an 03 but,it came painted black from the dealer.I'm sure Scott has done some and he'll probably post an answer as well.Hope that helps,Jim

 

[Stretch]

The one that I need to paint is the stock aluminum color and it has a matte finish. It may be cleared but it has a flattening agent. The 'Harley Davidson' text on the side looks to be an enamel or something, you can feel it when you run your hands over it.

Doing a full repaint wouldn't be too bad but what should I do if someone just wants a small graphic painted on the cover? Reclearing would be a problem as I'd have to match the matte finish with the rest of the bike. Could I just use some one-shot?

Thanks-Stretch

 

[Jim]

You could use an enamel but,IMO,it wouldn't look as good but,that's just me,I like everything buried in the clear,nice and smooth.I would use the flattening agent in the clear myself.But,it's all up to the customer and if they want to pay the extra to do the whole thing or not.

 

[Stretch]

Yeah, I was thinking some thinned down OneShot might work out ok. The Harley name on the side of the tank appears to be enamel as well. Would I have to protect the enamel with anything or would it hold up. I'd really like to stay away from clearing the whole thing if at all possible.

Thanks-Stretch

 

[Jim]

Man,I'd hate to give you some bad advice,I would think it would but,I'm not sure on that.Scott,any advice??????

 

[Stretch]

Sorry to bring this up again but with more V-Rods out there I'm getting more people wondering about paint for them. Has anyone painted one of the originals with the bare metal finish? What did you do, any advice, how's it holding up.

Thanks-Stretch

 

[TAZ]

These are powdercoated with a clearcoat. We normally just sand them *very good*, prime them, the paint them. Never had a problem.

 

[Stretch]

Thanks Scott, that's what I was hoping to hear, someone knowing how it's done and getting good results! That's exactly why I continue to send people to this board, I know they'll get the answers they're looking for.

Thanks again-Stretch

 

[Ripp]

The V-Rod finish is Anodized Aluminum and most aluminum has to be treated befor painted. I wouldn't know what to tell you to treat it with but talk to the guys at House of Colors.
http://www.hokpaint.com
They've been in the business since the early seventies and I'm sure they've already seen and heard every down and out to painting the Anodized Aluminum.

Ripp