Yeah, this does take a while. It definitely IS a pain in the a$$, and yeah, I'd do it again in a heartbeat! I took pretty much the same route as the other posts here: Strapped the bike down real good on a borrowed table lift... broke everything out of the way... coarse filed flat...smooth filed too... sanded from 220 to 1000...small polish wheels in a Milwaukee angle drill... scotchbrited all the other surfaces.... cleaned well with solvent-prep on rags... and with a phillips head in-between the fins.... lots of taping, and 1/8" wide on the fin edges.... then almost 2 cans of VHT 500d satin black Barrel Paint (UP-angle first/then straight-on/then DOWN-angle)...then start peeling away the tape and watch it come to LIFE!)
It really came out perfect, and I wish I'd had it all the time!
http://users.adelphia.net/~blairpga/Polished_left_2.jpg
Now, to answer some basic questions:
1) I used VHT BARREL PAINT from caswellplating.com, and I do believe this finish will hold up extremely well. They also have VHT CASE PAINT in satin black too, but couldn't tell me the difference. They're both 500 degree, and I've read on another post, where an owner had used this paint, and it stuck for 10 years or more, on a dirt bike, and under repeated pressure washings! $10 or $11 a can...good stuff.
2) I haven't noticed any temperature difference (rode all weekend). Don't think the fan ever kicked on. don't really think increased temps. with this paint is any issue at all...
3) Yes, people do notice, and I love to explain the work I put into it. I caught total strangers wondering how I did the engine this weekend...very cool...
4) Yeah, MAYBE I could do it AGAIN....in 15 hours or so, having done it once already, and knowing how much you need to bear down on the files to start with, but it took me LONGER (I'm old and slow.......).
5) I think it'll hold up wonderfully, but what if it wears after a while?.....SO FRIGGIN WHAT! 10 minutes worth of masking, a couple shots of Barrel Paint, and good-as-new! What's the problem?
6) The satin black is PERFECT! And the fin edges will shine like CHROME with a 1-1/2" buff wheel and white compound.
7) Buffing all the edges with a Dremel would be a HUGE joke!!!! But it does get into some tight areas... For the most part, I used the Milwaukee 45 degree drill with a Home Depot or Caswell small wheel & white compound.... instant chrome!!!!!
8) Yes, it definitely is a central feature on the bike, and it does add a lot of richness IMO...
Now.....chrome wheels....or a Proton 4...????????????????????
It really came out perfect, and I wish I'd had it all the time!



http://users.adelphia.net/~blairpga/Polished_left_2.jpg
Now, to answer some basic questions:
1) I used VHT BARREL PAINT from caswellplating.com, and I do believe this finish will hold up extremely well. They also have VHT CASE PAINT in satin black too, but couldn't tell me the difference. They're both 500 degree, and I've read on another post, where an owner had used this paint, and it stuck for 10 years or more, on a dirt bike, and under repeated pressure washings! $10 or $11 a can...good stuff.
2) I haven't noticed any temperature difference (rode all weekend). Don't think the fan ever kicked on. don't really think increased temps. with this paint is any issue at all...
3) Yes, people do notice, and I love to explain the work I put into it. I caught total strangers wondering how I did the engine this weekend...very cool...
4) Yeah, MAYBE I could do it AGAIN....in 15 hours or so, having done it once already, and knowing how much you need to bear down on the files to start with, but it took me LONGER (I'm old and slow.......).
5) I think it'll hold up wonderfully, but what if it wears after a while?.....SO FRIGGIN WHAT! 10 minutes worth of masking, a couple shots of Barrel Paint, and good-as-new! What's the problem?
6) The satin black is PERFECT! And the fin edges will shine like CHROME with a 1-1/2" buff wheel and white compound.
7) Buffing all the edges with a Dremel would be a HUGE joke!!!! But it does get into some tight areas... For the most part, I used the Milwaukee 45 degree drill with a Home Depot or Caswell small wheel & white compound.... instant chrome!!!!!
8) Yes, it definitely is a central feature on the bike, and it does add a lot of richness IMO...
Now.....chrome wheels....or a Proton 4...????????????????????