Paintjob - Engine top cover

[plc]

Hi All,

While the gearbox is out there are a few jobs on the bike I am doing. The top cover looked awful with thick black paint all over and bristles left behind. So I sanded all the thick acrylic paint off and have primed it and plan to spray it black.

But how were the BMW letters finished? Are they white paint, or are they bare metal? I need the advice of someone who has seen an original one. I had assumed it was bare metal.

Any info would be appreciated.

Best to all,
Paul

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

On my bike ('79) the cover is bare aluminium.  

The panels around "BMW" are black, and the letters are bare aluminium.

Here is a large picture to show: http://www.pbase.com/tomfarr/image/69009424/original

[trolle]

Use a grit 800 wet sanding paper  on a flat sanding block to remove the paint from the letters, mask the lettering off with tape and apply a layer of clear varnish with a spraycan to protect the aluminum surface.

greetings from a grey north with tiny holes in the sky

[Tv]

I have just painted mine also and I was going to leave it all black but I'll try trolle's idea.  Thanks for the tip.

I'm re-assembling my '81 and need all the tips I an get.

[Mike V]

Or you can get them powder coated for a very affordable amount if you shop around.  Here's my valve covers and top cover that I just picked up for around $60, the airbox is getting done now, about an additional $20-$30. It seems the small personal businessman in that back corner industrial complex does very good work at an affordable price. This guy did a beautiful job and I'll definately use him again.
Large picture attached.

[Semper Gumby]

Mike.  Nice!  

[Crossrodes]

Mike I did what you have done.  After the powder coating was done on the valve covers I sanded off the powder coating on the end of the fins.  I am really pleased with the result.  I also sanded off the BMW letters with the same result.  I think I will sand them again next spring and put some clear varnish on them as suggested