Powder Coating

[Bob_Roller]

Does anybody know if parts on the R65 like the grab handle on the left side of the frame, and metal parts on the handlebar controls, if they are powder coated ?

Also, has anyone tried the Harbor Freight powder coating products they have in their stores and catalog ?

Mine are getting to the point where a re-coating would make them appear a bit less 'distressed' .

[bruce_launceston]

Hi Bob, I assume they are powdercoated. Many yearss ago I had the battery box and rear sub frame powdercoated along with a set of custom made pannier frames and a small rear rack that I had made for the LS.
I have since sandblasted and repainted the battery box but the sub frame still looks good.
I actually can't remember if I had the grab handle powdercoated, I think it is still original.

Bruce

[Justin B.]

Bob, I don't recall any of the parts I've sandblasted over the years being powdercoated.

[montmil]

OK, maybe I'm off base but was the powder coating process even utilized and/or available when the factory punched out our early 80s bikes?

I know it's a popular paint process now, but when did it become readily available to us peasants?

Monte

[weasel01]

Bob, I own the whole Harbour Freight system gun and oven( i actually live less than a mile from an outlet).
The system (if kept very clean) actually works well.
The powder they sell is not good at all it is heavily contaminated with crud and it shows up in the finish.
I buy the Columbia Coatings stuff and almost always am pleased with the result.
The coating works best if you lightly sandblast the surface first then use thier cleaner and if you have your gun setup right it will coat perfectly.
If your suface is not right it will just come off.

[montmil]

...Mine are getting to the point where a re-coating would make them appear a bit less 'distressed'.

Last year, I pulled off the '81s grab handle, sanded it really, really good then primed and painted it with the Ace-brand Semi-Flat Black rattle can.

Even with hernia-inducing tugs to get the bike on-center, there are no chips. A cheap fix.

Monte

[Justin B.]

Ampliflyer, have you tried any of the powders Eastwood sells?  I have been tempted to get one of the "guns" but we have a gas stove and it seems I've read somewhere where an electric oven is needed...

[weasel01]

I have not tried the Eastwood powders the Columbia coatings worked so well I never looked any further.
I Dont think gas is a great idea plus you absolutely dont want to use the same oven for powder and food.
Before I bought the HF powder curing oven I went to a used appliance store and purchased a very used home oven for $35.00
It worked for about 8 months of once a week usage and had the worst old grease odor....but it did work.
The key is to pre heat the oven for a long time and make yourself up some hangers for your parts.

[Bob_Roller]

Thanks for the information on power coating .

Using the same oven, that I use for food, was a concern, so I'll have to find an oven specifically for this usage .

[montmil]

I've been watching the Weather Channel, Bob. Have you considered just setting the parts out on the driveway? Seems Tempe/Mesa/Phoenix are already hottern' my oven!

Watch garage sales. Bet you could score a functional electric oven that would handle good sized powder coat bits... for cheaps.

Monte

[Ed Miller]

I've been watching the Weather Channel, Bob. Have you considered just setting the parts out on the driveway? Seems Tempe/Mesa/Phoenix are already hottern' my oven!
Monte

    I can just see it, I would put my new tires out in the sun to soften up for easier mounting, and they would melt!

[Lucky_Lou]

When i did my frame i started to sand it then backed off when i realised it was red lead primer under the black top coat there not powdercoated from new (pre 1980 anyway) i sent it to a blast shop had it blasted and primed for 40 pounds......about 60 bucks then sprayrd the topcoat myself black cellulose.
Lou