When To Paint?

[Buzz_Kanter]

OK, so you have a very original and correct old bike and you decide to restore it. At what point do you decide to repaint it, and what determines when to leave it original paint?

I make this decision based on a) the age and rarity of the bike, and b) how much of the original paint is still there.

For example, I'd need a lot more (and better quality) of the original paint on a Shovelhead then a JD to leave it alone.

[ohio-rider]

Why does this topic always recieve such a "hush/hush" out pour? Is it really up to the individual owner to decide which is most "correct".?

I would be interested in knowing at auction time which would fetch a better price? Sure everyone comes around to look at the rusty old looking machines, but when it comes to auction time, it's the nice looking paint bikes which demand the most money.

I will hold my own and not be lured by a fancy paint job(.)

Why would a shovel need repainting already, anyway?? Humm....

[chiefj48]

hey the paint is only original ONCE! if you've been reading resto projects lately, you will see that the new trend it to do a rusto restro. i think in one of the AMCA mags, there was an article about how they are putting in the right patina to match original paint bikes. so now you need to ask, whats original, and what was made to look original? they say that both will bring the same price, as one is a work of art.

whats your thoughts?

[pogo seat]

Originally Posted by chiefj48

hey the paint is only original ONCE! if you've been read resto projects lately, you will see the new trend it to do a rusto restro. i think in one of the AMCA mags, there was an article about how they are putting in the right patina to match original paint bikes. so now you need to ask, whats original, and what was made to look original? they say that both will bring the same price, as one is a work of art.

whats your thoughts?

That stuff has been going on for years and the guys doing it are getting better at it all the time. I'm not in favor of it if the idea is to fool someone. But not sure how I feel about it someone is replacing a missing part and trying to make it look right. The more I think about this the more I'm confused by it all.

[moonwolf]

This subject makes my head hurt. That said, I'd love to have an original paint 66-69 Shovel. I like restorations, though, because you can ride them and then restore them again.

[joestuff]

Originally Posted by Buzz Kanter

OK, so you have a very original and correct old bike and you decide to restore it. At what point do you decide to repaint it, and what determines when to leave it original paint?

When the paint is failing to do it's job, Corrosion protection and appearance, and cannot be convinced to do such by less intrusive measures, such as buff, wax, repeat...

It's only original once...so it would have to be pretty bad for me to repaint original paint. If you must have it pretty and don't want to repaint original, try trading your original paint parts for some with fresh paint.

[DaveSwanson]

I've been struggling with this concept with one of my bikes for a couple of years. I bought a bone stock original 1962 Triumph TR6SS with 3500 miles. 95 percent of the bolts have never been touched since it was screwed together. It's a beautiful original paint bike. What bothers me is there are areas of rust on the frame and swingarm that part of my brain wants to paint. It would require disassembly to paint them properly. After being together for 46 years it's hard to tear it apart. Then how far do you go and how nice do you make it? So instead I just leave it as is. It's still an awesome piece.

[DaveSwanson]

I agree with Lonewolf. A bike that must be restored such as my 56 KHK that started a very rough basket case has no such decisions. Much tougher project but no one will bust your chops for painting an original bike.

[Buzz_Kanter]

Originally Posted by DaveSwanson

I've been struggling with this concept with one of my bikes for a couple of years. I bought a bone stock original 1962 Triumph TR6SS with 3500 miles. 95 percent of the bolts have never been touched since it was screwed together. It's a beautiful original paint bike. What bothers me is there are areas of rust on the frame and swingarm that part of my brain wants to paint. It would require disassembly to paint them properly. After being together for 46 years it's hard to tear it apart. Then how far do you go and how nice do you make it? So instead I just leave it as is. It's still an awesome piece.

Just a thought - if you leave it original and as is you always have the option to repaint it in the future (but it's still original and correct).

HOWEVER, once you take it apart and repaint the frame and swingarm it is no longer and will never again be original and correct.

My vote it to leave it alone and enjoy the bike for what it is.

[joestuff]

Originally Posted by DaveSwanson

What bothers me is there are areas of rust on the frame and swingarm that part of my brain wants to paint. It would require disassembly to paint them properly.

I would vote leave it as it is. Maybe, and I'm going out on a limb here, you get get a brush on rust treating product, the brands escape my memory, and just touch a bit on those rust areas to deter the rust from getting worse. A small artist brush could help reach tight areas. Most of those products turn the rust black.

There is no such think as original rust, right?