How many rattle cans?

[JustcallmeMrT]

Here I sit at my lunch break pondering how many rattle cans of VHT paint it would take to do my engine... then I decided to stop wondering and ask to experts. 😊

Also, do you guys use the VHT clear afterwards?

[Trigger]

What paint? What colour? what size can?

[JustcallmeMrT]

I was going to use VHT colour SP127 (heard it is the closest match to original) and it comes in a 11 oz (311g) can. 

[Trigger]

The best match i use is Simoniz SIMVHT31C. It will require 2 cans for the whole engine (2 coats) excluding the sprocket cover, alternator case and clutch case. The engine needs to be clean. Soda blasting is a good finish for paint or to start polishing
I have found if you put a clear coat it always yellows over time.

[JamesH]

The best match i use is Simoniz SIMVHT31C. It will require 2 cans for the whole engine (2 coats) excluding the sprocket cover, alternator case and clutch case. The engine needs to be clean. Soda blasting is a good finish for paint or to start polishing
I have found if you put a clear coat it always yellows over time.

Thanks for sharing this Graham...really useful info.

[Green1]

Don't say that James it will go to his head

[Trigger]

No problems. Have shared it before. Good stuff the Simoniz in all its paint range. MR Holts if your watching please send me a FREE Trade pack

[JustcallmeMrT]

Thanks Trigger,  really appreciate the info.  I'm more than a little concerned about my ability to take the engine to pieces to paint and then put it all back together.  I read a few posts where guys have painted the engine assembled, then cured the paint using a heat gun and monitoring temp with an infrared thermometer.  I know this wouldn't be ideal, but is it reasonable?  Can an amateur really tear this thing to pieces without a lot of specialist tools? 
The doubt and fear creep up on me with this job...

[Trigger]

The engine will need the basic's. ie, cam chain, primary drive chain and if the bike has been sitting a while, the valve stem seals would of gone hard and the head gasket may leak. I have known lots of people that try to get the engine looking good without doing the basics and regretted it with oil coming out of seals and mucking up there nice paint job.
Have sen you a mail showing engines that have been finished in SIMVHT31C.

[Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)]

Mr T
Wish I could advise you but I have never painted one.While I like the bike to look good I also want it to look something like its age.Saying that boy they do look good when done.As for taking it apart do you need to?How many miles has it done would it hurt to take it apart and thoroughly clean her out and rebuild with shells,rings and chains.Until you pull her apart you wont know.I think the only tool apart from the obvious is the clutch tool.With me I have always stripped them down and replaced parts that I know to be past their sell by date as I do not trust PO who are mostly full of crap.All they want is to sell it.
Best of luck
Bitsa

[tom400f]

Mr T

These engines are a piece of p1ss to take apart.

Second point, we want those posts.

Seriously the job will be so much  better and you will learn lots.

[JustcallmeMrT]

The engine will need the basic's. ie, cam chain, primary drive chain and if the bike has been sitting a while, the valve stem seals would of gone hard and the head gasket may leak. I have known lots of people that try to get the engine looking good without doing the basics and regretted it with oil coming out of seals and mucking up there nice paint job.
Have sen you a mail showing engines that have been finished in SIMVHT31C.

So, if it starts up and runs this weekend, you'd still recommend replacing the cam chain and valve stem seals as a precautionary measure?

[JustcallmeMrT]

Mr T
Wish I could advise you but I have never painted one.While I like the bike to look good I also want it to look something like its age.Saying that boy they do look good when done.As for taking it apart do you need to?How many miles has it done would it hurt to take it apart and thoroughly clean her out and rebuild with shells,rings and chains.Until you pull her apart you wont know.I think the only tool apart from the obvious is the clutch tool.With me I have always stripped them down and replaced parts that I know to be past their sell by date as I do not trust PO who are mostly full of crap.All they want is to sell it.
Best of luck
Bitsa

Yeah, PO has not inspired confidence, found the brakes were a botched dual disc conversion, some lights were held on with bits of wire, and a condenser was tied into its mount with butchers string.... guess I should probably crack things open and see before I try and make it pretty.... scares the hell out of me though.  I guess that's where all you guys and a good manual come in!

[JustcallmeMrT]

Mr T

These engines are a piece of p1ss to take apart.

Second point, we want those posts.

Seriously the job will be so much  better and you will learn lots.

Well, posts will be in no short supply if I tackle it!

[JustcallmeMrT]

Well this thread has taken a turn, but once again I'm learning to do things the right way.  Thanks for all the help guys!