1981 Suzuki GS450L - Cruiser to Scrambler

Progress so far on carrying out the paint scheme I decided on...
 

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Nice paint work so far that will look Factory like you wanted. It really will look like Suzuki made a retro scrambler. I like it a lot.
 
Northish said:
Electronics are now working :) New wires, connectors, lithium battery, LED lights, digital gauge, LED blinker relay all seem to be working so far. First try, even!

I will have to wait until I can start the bike to verify that the new rec/reg and charging system are wired up correctly, but fingers are crossed. Would really hate to fry that new stuff. There is a 20 amp fuse I put in line as a little insurance.

Also, had time to finally get the new chain riveted on with the new tool I had bought. Things are starting come together much quicker as summer is fading fast and I'm eager to try this thing out!

I have that same tail light on my 360 and it gets me oohs and ahhs every time someone sees it.
 
Thanks guys; I'm glad you're liking the paint and overall direction of this first-timer's build. That really makes me feel motivated to keep pushing this thing to the finish line. Sooo close now!

I've been able to get the first few sanding steps done. The attached picture is an "in-process" shot before stepping up to the really fine grades. I'll try to record all the grits I use.

Planning to work hard on it this weekend, so should be able to post some more progress shots. Have a great Friday/weekend all!
 

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Fine sanding and polishing are done on the tank and fenders.

Looks halfway decent for being a backyard spray paint job. The sanding/polishing (3M abrasive) grit steps were 800, 1200, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000 Trizact and finally polishing compound.

My next post should include the Suzuki logo and black stripe outline on the tank. Thanks for stopping by :)
 

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One side done :)

Used some 3M striping tape for the tank outline, similar to how the bike came factory. The turn near the seat was a bit too tight, so I had to split the tape and do the stripes individually there. Otherwise it was a pretty quick job.
 

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Maritime said:
Nice job. Hope you used gas proof clear like spraymax 2k clear.
Thanks! and we are oil, gas and UV resistant.
 
Good deal, I'd hate to see that paint job ruined the first time the gas overflows at the filling station. Cheers

Maritime
 
Habanero52 said:
What paint did you use?
Rustoleum's Engine Enamel. I called their technical group to verify that it would work for my application and they said it should be just fine. I mostly wanted to confirm that it had a UV stabilizer to prevent yellowing down the road.
 
That's a good thing to ask, a lot of white doesn't have it, like the appliance epoxy. It will yellow in one season in white. Did you cure/bake the paint? It will make it last longer if you did.
 
Maritime said:
Did you cure/bake the paint? It will make it last longer if you did.

I didn't bake it; didn't think to do that. It should reach it's full cure eventually, though baking should get it there significantly faster. Now that it's full of gas I think I'll pass on putting it in the oven :eek:
 
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