Engine Paint

[Jonesy]

Thanks Fred
VHT satin black it is then.
You, Ev and another bloke at work are all happy with it so decision made.

[Fred]

Can thoroughly recommend the VHT in Satin black

[Jonesy]

Hey Bryan
Even if its not a spot on match it'll probly still look better than whats there or not there now.

Ev, I like the idea of a spray can, No mixing little batches and cleaning paint pots.

while cruising the auto shops this arvo I also spotted a 3M engine paint at $18 a can.

Anyone used this 3M paint?

[Eveready1100]

A cheaper option that's nearly a perfect match to the original finish is this VHT Satin Black engine enamel - Click
I used it on my first E model and was really pleased with the result. Maybe not as tough in the long term as the POR stuff but it did the trick for me.

[AussiXS11G]

Jonesy.....the thing with the black is that its not a bit glossy.....POR call it "black velvet" - it worked on my barrels but it wont match the standard black of these bikes...

[Jonesy]

Thanks Bryan
Since I'm only doing the head and barrels in black. The POR product shoiuld be well up to the task.
Now I just got get a kitchen reno out of the way so I can get on with more meaningful projects like an XS reno

[AussiXS11G]

as promised... some close-ups of the cases.....the exposed front of the engine has not fared as well as the back parts....






probable could with a touch up here and there.....

[AussiXS11G]

hey Jonsey
the black, only 250ml and there is still the can with some left. The aluminium I suspect was the 500ml.
I am no painter but it went on really easily - I thinned it and sprayed a light coat a day onto the head and cases. Prepared using paint stripper (surprising how well that stuff works) and ground off all the casting imperfections and loosely assembled the halves, masked, and sprayed away.(the engine was completely disassembled at the time)
It was some weeks before it was re-assembled but I dont reckon it was properly cured untilthe machine was being run-in.
I will get a few close-ups of the cases for you tomorrow and post them here....the finish is still satisfactory after 10 years of abuse.
I think the aluminium makes the lump appear a little less bulky.

[Jonesy]

Thanks Bryan
called the Australian distributor $44 for 250mls and $72 for 500mls
How much did you use? did you oven cure or run engine cure?
Yours appears to be wearing well

[AussiXS11G]

I used the POR 15 products in 2000...the black on the barrels and the aluminium on the cases and head - very happy with the results....cleaned back to bare metal and sprayed lots of thin coats...
http://www.por15.com/High-Temperature-Paints/products/8/
also used the fuel tank system
http://www.por15.com/CYCLE-TANK-REPAIR-KIT/productinfo/CTRK/
the aluminium paint is starting to prob. wear thru at the front of the engine but is still ok...
this in 2001

this in 2009

the covers are polished btw...

[Jonesy]

I have a head and barrels to paint.......any tips, advice, brands of paint to recommend.

I was thinking of using the barby for curing.....if required? Or place in a 44 gal drum painted black and left in the sun
missus has a brand new oven and I have a pair of balls I'd like to keep.