Yahoo!! Finally have completed a long overdue project on the FJ. Will try to condense this down to a few paragraphs :drinks: Started this a few weeks before Christmas, and things were delayed as usual at that busy time, but it all came together quite ok I think. Had to get new tyres and decided to either paint ,polish or powdercoat the wheels. After visiting a recommended custom powder coater, ( Robertos Custom Powder in Brisbane, http://www.robertoscustompowder.com.au/ (http://www.robertoscustompowder.com.au/) who drives a fantastic DeLorean, with all the Back to The Future gear!), he showed me what he could do. He is expensive but knows exactly what to do, only works on motorcycles, cars and bicycles, no fence panels in his shop!
After looking at some complete wheels in his display we settled on a Dark Gold Metallic, and he agreed it would complement the FJs Violet paint fairly well. He does a 2 stage process, building up the base colour which fills in the rough casting on the rims, and then actually bakes on a clear powdercoat top, (clear powdercoat? :shok:). His masking and cleaning of the metal surfaces not to be coated was absolutely meticulous, it was stunning. Picked up the wheels 2 days before Christmas day, rushed down to the Yamaha shop to get the tyres and bearings/seals etc fitted ( Pirelli Angel GTs) with strict instructions, NO SCRATCHES. They did a good job so I was happy. Decided then to check the rear Suzuki caliper as the rear brakes were pretty lousy. After splitting the caliper I could see why, the brake fluid had congealed inside and things were pretty bad. Suzuki said I could get 2 new caliper seals for $30.00 or they could help me out with a full kit of seals,pistons etc for $67.00. One original piston did have some nicks so 1 x full kit please :good2:
Also decided to check the front brakes, a few pistons were not moving and some scrubbing with a toothbrush/simple green had them moving freely again, and the front brakes actually felt noticeably better when bolted back up. Some components (rear caliper, front discs etc) were looking a bit grotty so gave them a contrasting metallic blue coat of paint. Researched the Duplicolour Metalcast paint, and gave it a go. Its a long process to do it properley, 3 coats of the silver base, 4 coats of the metallic colour, and then 3 coats of clear (optional). But I love the results, really contrasts well with the Metallic Gold and the rest of the bike. One thing I found is those filthy front rotor bolts can be cleaned/buffed to a high shine on the buffer!
So.. just spent the weekend reassembling everything, bleeding brakes, trying not to scratch paint etc. The smooth coating on the wheels should now also be a lot easier to keep clean. Anyway, heres a few piccies, and there are a few more here http://s367.photobucket.com/user/raywise_2008/library/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres (http://s367.photobucket.com/user/raywise_2008/library/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres)
I'm very happy with the results :drinks:
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Fuji%20F550-18587.jpg)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/IMG_0999.jpg)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Fuji%20F550-18595.jpg)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Fuji%20F550-18594.jpg)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/IMG_1002.jpg)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/IMG_1014.jpg)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Panasonic%20G7-18658.jpg)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Panasonic%20G7-18690.jpg)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Panasonic%20G7-18692.jpg)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Panasonic%20G7-18700.jpg)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Panasonic%20G7-18705.jpg)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Panasonic%20G7-18701.jpg)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Panasonic%20G7-18707.jpg)
Looks shit hot Ray. Cant wait to see them in the flesh. :good2:
Ray,
That is stunning!!! I never would have thought that gold wheels would look that good with that paint scheme.
Joe
That looks really good! :good2:
Looking at your bike, what side luggage bracket do you have? I am looking for something to keep my soft luggage in the right spot.
Looks awesome Ray! I've had a couple sets of Angels now. They are great!
Derek
Niiiiiiiiiice! :good2:
The wheels look great Ray, but I reckon they'd look better on my bike. :biggrin: Swap ya.
Hahaha, good one Tony. This has taken waaayyy too long, and cost waaayyy too many dollars. :lol: I know a good powder coater who can look after you ......... Would you believe he also does a virtual chrome finish as well in powder?, its amazing.
I realised I've only taken photos from one side, so to even things up ---
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Panasonic%20G7-18708.jpg)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Panasonic%20G7-18709.jpg)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Panasonic%20G7-18710.jpg)
Eeeekkk, She-Wolf attacks!!
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Panasonic%20G7-18711.jpg)
I was a bit nervous about the gold/blue/purple etc all coming together but I love it now. Went for a test ride this arvo as I had to pull both front and back wheels again today, after realizing i was a bit light with the grease on a couple of important seals. The squeaking alerted it to me, :biggrin: .
Isaac, I have an original Givi Wingrack, bit hard to find now as the newer model I think is the Wingrack II, heres what I started with http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=12824.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=12824.0)
Time to get cleaned up from all this grease etc, :rofl:
Quote from: X-Ray on January 10, 2016, 03:43:15 AM
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Panasonic%20G7-18708.jpg)
Nice job on the wheels Ray, the gold looks sweet and there's nothing like the handling new rubber gives you.
Not sure I like the side stand extension though, doesn't it drag on left handers?
Noel
Thanks Noel! Yeah I was a bit worried about that stand extension when I ordered it, but the seller assured me it would wear down to the correct profile eventually and would cause no further problems! :biggrin:
Quote from: X-Ray on January 10, 2016, 05:09:01 AM
Thanks Noel! Yeah I was a bit worried about that stand extension when I ordered it, but the seller assured me it would wear down to the correct profile eventually and would cause no further problems! :biggrin:
Splinters instead of sparks, that's a first.
Noel
Very pretty. (the wheels and asst. other bits)
You know, now you're gonna have to keep it chean.
Arnie
Yep I know Arnie. But, frequent cleaning will stop the grime building up in the first place, so that should be a good thing. Hve been for a ride and the "non fling" chain lube that ended up on the back rim cleaned up easily with just a soft cloth, awesome! Beats using kero and whatever else I used on the plain wheel before.
Quote from: X-Ray on January 11, 2016, 04:22:50 AM
Yep I know Arnie. But, frequent cleaning will stop the grime building up in the first place, so that should be a good thing. Hve been for a ride and the "non fling" chain lube that ended up on the back rim cleaned up easily with just a soft cloth, awesome! Beats using kero and whatever else I used on the plain wheel before.
Great job on the bike Ray. Here's a tip for cleaning chain lube from rear wheels, Prep wash or Prepsol. Great stuff. Don't eave it on for too long though, it can affect paint if left on too long. Is this the bike you're riding to the Rally? Looking forward to seeing it and you there.
Regards, Pete. :drinks:
Thanks Pete, yep this is my main bike. The other one is still on the work table looking very sorry for itself. I was actually just reading that Mr Sheen is one of the better things for cleaning chain gloop etc from clear coated rear wheels, and brake dust etc without damaging them. Will have to give it a whirl and see how it goes. :good2:
Ray, you shouldn't need much cleaner for your wheels. The powder coat finish is extremely smooth and hard. A damp cotton rag will have the grime wipe off with no effort.
Fred
Quote from: X-Ray on January 11, 2016, 08:03:47 AM
just reading that Mr Sheen is one of the better things for cleaning chain gloop etc from clear coated rear wheels, and brake dust etc without damaging them. Will have to give it a whirl and see how it goes. :good2:
I've been using Mr Sheen on my bike for years Ray. After washing my bike and drying it I'll pull the seat off and spray the whole bike bar the wheels and rotors, let it sit a bit then wipe it off and polish with a microfibre cloth, gives the paintwork a nice shine. Popular with Hot Rodders apparently.
Ray,
Those wheels look awesome on your bike!
I'm a big fan of Gold wheels myself.
I chose to polish the lips on mine however. Not sure if I like the polished edge, or all gold ? :scratch_one-s_head:
Maybe I should have left them all gold?
(http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/firehawk068/FJ1200%20Wheel%20Project/CIMG4295.jpg) (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/firehawk068/media/FJ1200%20Wheel%20Project/CIMG4295.jpg.html)
(http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/firehawk068/FJ1200%20Wheel%20Project/CIMG4288.jpg) (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/firehawk068/media/FJ1200%20Wheel%20Project/CIMG4288.jpg.html)
(http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/firehawk068/CIMG4516.jpg) (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/firehawk068/media/CIMG4516.jpg.html)
I like the polished edge. I did the same thing with red. The podwercoating on the original poster's rims ( and yours) looks very well done.
I did that last night Fred, found some chain lube on the rim, just grabbed a soft cloth and off it came, man, can't do that with the standard rim as easily. Going to start carrying a can of Mr Sheen with me Bones I think, it really works!.
So many different shades of gold hey Alan. And they seem to go with most of the FJ paint schemes, (just not sure about the pink striper). I was torn between the polished/non polished lip on the rims, but liked the colour so much I decided to cover it all, :rofl:
Quote from: X-Ray on January 11, 2016, 08:26:00 PM
...... Going to start carrying a can of Mr Sheen with me Bones I think, it really works!.
Ray, I can remember using Mr Sheen to keep bikes sparkling under showroom lights 40 years ago, it really does work.
It's really only a spray wax and in recent years automotive polish manufacturers have all come out with much the same thing and called it "Quick Detailer" or similar. It's the same idea but probably better suited to auto use.
I'm using a Meguiars product at the moment, use it on everything, instant results and as the name implies, quick. Spray on, buff off.
Try some and see what you reckon.
These are the results from "Quick Detailer" below
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8599/16535405317_c9bd81b2b5_c.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8581/16072806413_6cfb8d4efb_c.jpg)
I continued to use Mr Sheen until a couple of years back when I discovered this stuff.
Noel
Holy flappin batshit Noel! You have got to be kidding me, that is incredible. Will pick some up this week and see if I can get somewhere near the glass like finish you have.
Quote from: X-Ray on January 12, 2016, 06:03:48 AM
Holy flappin batshit Noel! You have got to be kidding me, that is incredible. Will pick some up this week and see if I can get somewhere near the glass like finish you have.
Ray, it
is just wax and a cleaner, it needs to be shiny first, but I do it every couple of washes and as Bones said, just spray it on, buff it off, takes no time at all and it stays looking like that all the time.
Those photos were taken at least a year since I last polished it properly, just quick detailer after a wash. It takes the shine to the next level and keeps it there. The trick is to keep it shiny.
It's surprising how clean the bike stays, even in the rain, when clean and waxed.
Meguiars Ultimate Quik Detailer, Meguiars quick ... - Autogeek
www.autogeek.net (http://www.autogeek.net) › Car Care Products › Quick Detailers and Spray Waxes
Rating: 5 - 30 votes - USD10.99
Meguiars Ultimate Quik Detailer is a spray detailer plus a wax booster in one! The Hydrophobic Polymer Technology creates a high level of surface tension that results in a slicker, darker surface that repels water like never before! Meguiar's Quik Detailer removes dust, fingerprints & harmful contaminants like water spots & bird droppings, before they damage your finish.
Keeps a waxed car looking "just waxed".
CPSIANoel
Mmmmm yes I know your bike was super shiny to start with, and that's where I have to do some work. The sides of my tank are a little dull, no matter what I do, so will have to look at some paint rejuvenation techniques/products .
Holy smokes Noel...my eyes, my eyes!
I knew there was something about you I liked....
I use a product called night glaze on my bikes. Always a great result.
(http://i814.photobucket.com/albums/zz63/kennymick65/IMG_9669_zpsu25z6ojf.jpg) (http://s814.photobucket.com/user/kennymick65/media/IMG_9669_zpsu25z6ojf.jpg.html)
Quote from: X-Ray on January 12, 2016, 04:44:32 PM
The sides of my tank are a little dull, no matter what I do, so will have to look at some paint rejuvenation techniques/products .
Ray, the clear on the tank is only so thick and will eventually wear through by constantly cutting out the scratches. Wax (or quick detailer) helps prevent this to some extent but depending on your clothing and riding style, it will still scratch.
I have reported here many times how much I love this stuff, "Tank Slapper" It is static film that can be applied and peeled off endlessly, no adhesive.
This is what my tank looked like when peeled off......you can see the outline.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/331/19546919626_4b0498ba1a_b.jpg)
after 4000km of this......
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/546/19049218102_df0b02d9ca_b.jpg)
I put it on for trips and take it off when I get home.
There has been no further degradation of the tank paint since I started using it, and I'm talking probably 60k.
You can even buy it pre cut for the FJ (well, almost) they could have done a slightly better job.
PM me if you're interested in exchanging ideas on paint restoration.
Noel
Holy fracken gas blower ken! I get night glaze too! :biggrin:
Quote from: ribbert on January 13, 2016, 05:23:02 AM
Quote from: X-Ray on January 12, 2016, 04:44:32 PM
The sides of my tank are a little dull, no matter what I do, so will have to look at some paint rejuvenation techniques/products .
Ray, the clear on the tank is only so thick and will eventually wear through by constantly cutting out the scratches. Wax (or quick detailer) helps prevent this to some extent but depending on your clothing and riding style, it will still scratch.
I have reported here many times how much I love this stuff, "Tank Slapper" It is static film that can be applied and peeled off endlessly, no adhesive.
This is what my tank looked like when peeled off......you can see the outline.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/331/19546919626_4b0498ba1a_b.jpg)
after 4000km of this......
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/546/19049218102_df0b02d9ca_b.jpg)
I put it on for trips and take it off when I get home.
There has been no further degradation of the tank paint since I started using it, and I'm talking probably 60k.
You can even buy it pre cut for the FJ (well, almost) they could have done a slightly better job.
PM me if you're interested in exchanging ideas on paint restoration.
Noel
Oddly, I think the FJ looks really good with some dirt on it. It also looks really good with a nice shine. I guess it is just an overall good looking bike. :good2:
well done Ray - very nice :good2:
Rob
Thinking of leaving the dirt on mine.
Mark