Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Handle Bar Painting?

I want to paint my America handlebars black. I bought some coarse and medium sand paper and some flat black enamel by Rustoleum. I originally wanted to have them powder coated, but I already filled the inner bar area with RTV silicone to reduce the vibrations at highway speeds and don't want to do that again. I have ordered Triumph Thunderbird bar ends (they are supposed to fit)to complete the vibration issue. I want to keep the black and chrome concept and the mixed brushed aluminum parts will likely get powdercoated black.

Anyways, I wondered if there are any tips, pointer, etc, that you would want to share on painting the handlebars.

Thanks.

I did it. Obviously, tape off the left hand grip, unless you want to remove it and put it back on. I taped that off, and the area under the throttle. Can't be seen, and I figured it might wear off anyway.

I used high temp engine enamel, cause I was using that on the console too. Nice semi flat finish. REAL nice. A couple guys mistook it for powder coat. I reccomend primer. Of the things I painted, I found the stuff I primed to be more rugged (headlight bucket) whereas the stuff I painted directly chipped a little around the edges.

As for sanding the chrome, I just used 400 to dull it a bit to give it some tooth. CLEAN it really well after!! Use a tack cloth or something.

That's all I can think of now. I love the look!!

any photos?

The best paint in the world won't stick for crap over a poorly prepped surface...conversely even a cheap paint will do well on a well prepped surface...
Scuff the chrome with a 400 or 600 grit wet/dry paper
wipe the surface well with a rag to remove the heavy dust,
use a "Prepsall" type cleaner...(or a good solvent to remove grease, wax, finger prints, and other surface crud.

Use a GOOD quality primer (some of the epoxy primers offer excellent adhesion, and super durability)

paint with the top coat of your choice

There is a brush on product that looks like powder coat when dry and is as tough or tougher. My friend who restores old VWs told me about it but I have yet to try it. He lives in NC so hard for me to just ask him what it was. I have it written down and will look for the paper or ask him when next I talk to him.

Thanks for the info on this coating material. Where does he live in NC (I do too)?

I don't remember the name of the town but if I remember right he is in the mid western part of the state.Never actually made it to his house , he used to live here near me. I have his 65 Triumph in my basement for rebuild, had it a couple years he needs to get money for parts to me.