 Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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For those of you who have coated your forks, I'm curious if if you're using paint or powdercoat. I have mine off for a Gaitor install and figure nows the time to do it. Is the original finish on my lowers (05 speedmaster) just a paint or are they powdered? Any tips on doing this would be greatly appriciated...Would now be a good time to upgrade springs also or can I put that off a little longer? Do I have to replace dust seals with OEM or can I order them elswhere? Thanks for any advice...
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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Originals are powdercoated and from what I can gather the majority have gone for powdercoat. As far as I know the original seals can only be used.
As for putting springs in this can be done while the legs are on the bike afterwards. Hope this helps
Ray(UK)
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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I painted mine with dupli color prim paint and clear they turned out nice. They are just cleared from factory scuf them and spray.
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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My 02 lowers were painted grey. I used paint stripper and polished mine. Powdercoating is much harder to remove than paint.
If I had to re-coat, I would definitely powdercoat. It's much more durable than paint.
Last edited by ssjones; 02/13/2011 10:56 AM.
Al
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Jul 2006
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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Powder coating will last a long time...I painted mine because of cost. I figured when they start looking bad I would repaint...so far I have been running for a year now...I also think it depends on the color..mine are semi-gloss black so they hide allot of nicks and etc that you pick up over time
Last edited by SDKimo; 02/13/2011 1:01 PM.
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Feb 2010
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Quote:
My 02 lowers were painted grey. I used paint stripper and polished mine. Powdercoating is much harder to remove than paint.
If I had to re-coat, I would definitely powdercoat. It's much more durable than paint.
got a pic?
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Powder. Had a guy doing it in my neighborhood but he's since shut down and sold his equipment. Stripped lower legs and powder coated them along with the upper shrouds for $40! Man I wish he was still doing powder coating.
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Aug 2009
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
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DIY ---->http://www.eastwood.com/hotcoat-deluxe-powder-coat-kit.html
'04' Black America
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I hate replying to the wrong thread.
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5 |
Quote:
Quote:
My 02 lowers were painted grey. I used paint stripper and polished mine. Powdercoating is much harder to remove than paint.
If I had to re-coat, I would definitely powdercoat. It's much more durable than paint.
got a pic?
I stripped and polished mine too. I would like to do it again and get even more of a shine.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Feb 2010
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Uh WOW!!! FRIGGIN SWEET!!!
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Looks good Roadworthy! If I had spoke wheels, I'd definitely go that route. Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'd really like to powdercoat 'em but I'm not sure I got the skills(or tools) to take them apart...Are there any special tools required to put these tubes back together after removing seals...Got a guy who says he'll coat the lowers and the upper shrouds for $50.00 but that was assuming they were painted and not coated originally...
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Quote:
Quote:
My 02 lowers were painted grey. I used paint stripper and polished mine. Powdercoating is much harder to remove than paint.
If I had to re-coat, I would definitely powdercoat. It's much more durable than paint.
got a pic?
Al
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
I just pulled each fork, set it upside down in my garage tub sink, stipped with "aircraft" stripper from Autozone, than sanded with 4-5 different grades of paper (2000 wet, the final). Than, buffed with three grades of polish on a buffing wheel. There are some casting marks around the fender lugs that you need to work out. I used a 3M Bristle disc to work those rough spots out. I hit them once or twice a year with Mothers to keep the shine up. I guess one day, maybe I'll pull and hit on the buffing wheel again. Quote:
Looks good Roadworthy! If I had spoke wheels, I'd definitely go that route. Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'd really like to powdercoat 'em but I'm not sure I got the skills(or tools) to take them apart...Are there any special tools required to put these tubes back together after removing seals...Got a guy who says he'll coat the lowers and the upper shrouds for $50.00 but that was assuming they were painted and not coated originally...
Al
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 853
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 853 |
This post talks about taking apart the forks. I think you need an impact wrench to remove the Allen bolt in the bottom of the fork. I think this was another reason I went with paint http://www.bonnevilleamerica.com/forums/...true#Post488038
Last edited by SDKimo; 02/14/2011 11:18 AM.
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 245
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
My 02 lowers were painted grey. I used paint stripper and polished mine. Powdercoating is much harder to remove than paint.
If I had to re-coat, I would definitely powdercoat. It's much more durable than paint.
looks like i might hace some work to do ?????Looks GREAT!
got a pic?
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5 |
Quote:
I just pulled each fork, set it upside down in my garage tub sink, stipped with "aircraft" stripper from Autozone, than sanded with 4-5 different grades of paper (2000 wet, the final). Than, buffed with three grades of polish on a buffing wheel. There are some casting marks around the fender lugs that you need to work out. I used a 3M Bristle disc to work those rough spots out. I hit them once or twice a year with Mothers to keep the shine up. I guess one day, maybe I'll pull and hit on the buffing wheel again.
I did practically the same thing, only lazier. I didn't sand with a super fine grit, probably only went to 800 myself, polished with a bench buffer. The 3M pads are the way to go for sure.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
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It takes about 3 hours per fork of sanding, than polishing. I put duct tape on my finger tips, they were so raw from the wet sanding. There's a number of polishing threads on this site, here is one: http://www.bonnevilleamerica.com/forums/...&PHPSESSID=
Al
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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If you loosen the buttom allen bolt before you take the cap off it comes off easy. No impact needed
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Mar 2009
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Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
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Hmmm, me thinks I'll do this while my bike's down. Thanks for the inspiration guys!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883 |
Quote:
Hmmm, me thinks I'll do this while my bike's down. Thanks for the inspiration guys!
I'm surprised you don't chrome your forks Keith. 
~Brent
~Brent
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"Nothing you can be is more terrible than what I am." ~ 2007 Black Speedmaster!!
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I think he's headed that direction...
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Jun 2007
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 Does this plastic ring serve any purpose other than keeping your lower shroud from floppin' around? There's no reference to it in my Hayne's manual..It looks like ya gotta destroy the thing to get it off...I'm putting gaitors back on so If thats it's only purpose I have no problem cutting it off. After reading StevieB's Gaiter install thread I see that ring is used to hold the gaiter in place. So now I need to figure out how to remove in one piece so i can reinstall after powdercoat.
Last edited by swa; 02/15/2011 10:28 AM.
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Aug 2008
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Member
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Member
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I painted mine but if I had more time I would have ceramic coated them, I believe that would be the most durable finish compared to paint or powdercoat.
What it can't reach it spits at.
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Thanks for the opinions guys. I guess I shoulda been more clear....I want to powder coat them, I just didn't know what was on 'em originally. That question has been answered. Now I just need someone to tell me how EASY (or hard) it is to dismantle and reassemble these things. It seems to be pretty straight forward...
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883 |
Quote:
Does this plastic ring serve any purpose other than keeping your lower shroud from floppin' around? There's no reference to it in my Hayne's manual..It looks like ya gotta destroy the thing to get it off...I'm putting gaitors back on so If thats it's only purpose I have no problem cutting it off.
After reading StevieB's Gaiter install thread I see that ring is used to hold the gaiter in place. So now I need to figure out how to remove in one piece so i can reinstall after powdercoat.
I just used a black zip tie. No problem, and you don't even notice.
~Brent
~Brent
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"Nothing you can be is more terrible than what I am." ~ 2007 Black Speedmaster!!
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
That just keeps the shroud from rattling/vibrating. No shroud, no need. Quote:
Does this plastic ring serve any purpose other than keeping your lower shroud from floppin' around? There's no reference to it in my Hayne's manual..It looks like ya gotta destroy the thing to get it off...I'm putting gaitors back on so If thats it's only purpose I have no problem cutting it off.
After reading StevieB's Gaiter install thread I see that ring is used to hold the gaiter in place. So now I need to figure out how to remove in one piece so i can reinstall after powdercoat.
Al
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 90
Member
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Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 90 |
Hi all,
looking at powder coating my forks black (like many here have done) and was wondering
a) has anyone had any problems with this in terms of powder coating being to thick or damaging the forks, is there anything you need to tell the powder coater to be aware of
b)anyone know of a good one in New Zealand who has experience with bike forks and as I said is VERY GOOD.
thanks
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
POR15 is a very tough coating and doesn't require heat, my friend uses it instead of powder coat in his VW restorations.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 90
Member
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Member
Joined: Dec 2010
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mmm most interesting Ian, one wonders if this could be done by removing the forks but not taking them to bits, either way it looks like a good option. http://www.por15.co.nz/
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
The stuff isn't cheap but it remains flexible and doesn't chip.I'm going to try the clear on the 07 SM wheels I bought for my 04.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,643
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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Posts: 7,643 |
I stripped mine off the 02 america, managed to pick up a set of new ones on eBay and had them powdercoated. The powdercoat was £5.00 to do them both. The harsh bit is replacing the seals and dust seals they worked out around £90.00 but I did go for Triumph ones.  I had a prooblem unlocking one of the bolts at the bottom, and then again tightening them to 43nm as the inner keeps spinning, need to be done on an air gun or shove something inside the leg. 
Ray(UK)
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
That is cheaper than the POR15, at least the prices I have seen for it. Then with aluminum you need another chemical to assure adherence of the POR15.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Powder or paint on fork tubes?
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212 |
Quote:
I painted mine but if I had more time I would have ceramic coated them, I believe that would be the most durable finish compared to paint or powdercoat.
I would not use ceramic coat, its great for the exhaust because of the heat properties of the stuff but it does not wear well and very easy to mark up, anything but the exhaust should be powdercoated IMO
2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
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