KZ400 before/after ideas?

[Ethanol]

What do you think? I wouldn't polish the tank. Just strip it and clear it.

Hmmm.....

 

[Big R]

I like the idea, but is that your bike? There's 2 problems with stripping and clear coating: usually there's bondo under that paint somewhere and I've heard that clear coat doesn't last on bare metal.

I haven't tried clear coating bare metal personally, but that's just what I've heard.

 

[Ethanol]

It is my KZ. No bondo and I am making new side panels from sheet steel to replace the plastic factory ones. As for the tank I have a couple of possible donors. I'll also need a new headlight. I've heard similar things about clear over metal being a problem. Probably because there's no primer to help hold it in place. Right now I'm more concerned with general aesthetics, the rest I'll figure out.

Thanks!

 

[Big R]

Aesthetically, I like it!

There's a rattle can of clear primer (for lack of a better term) called "adhesion promoter". It's more for plastics I think, but it might do the job.

 

[Ogri]

Clear does'nt provide any adhesion properties or corrosion protection for bare metal. The adhesion promotor will do no more than waste your money. It is designed for plastic.

There are those that have cleared over bare steel. I'm not saying it cannot be done, what I'm saying is that you need to understand that it is a short term finish that lacks durability. Plan on repainting in the near future.

 

[borzwazie]

I have shot clear over bare steel. It doesn't work for long.

If you must try bare steel, try a trick two-stroke guys use for expansion chambers: mop-n-glo.

 

[Kanticoy]

Is it just me, or am I the only one that likes that green color? Damn that's pretty.

 

[jonescafe72]

Are you planning on using a different tank? The tank in the 2nd picture looks like a totally different shape.

 

[Ethanol]

Yeah completely new tank.

 

[Ethanol]

Also the seat, tank, headlight and side panels are for sale if anyone's interested.

 

[mookieo2]

You can use clear powder coat. My friend did her monster tank that way.

 

[Ethanol]

I actually like the mop-n-glo idea. I don't mind if it gets a little rust (New Mexico is dry as hell, too) and I sure don't want it shiny. I found the perfect moto guzzi tank but it's like $300.