Vintage (or not) Motorcycle Painting?

[DaveTN]

Does anyone here paint motorcycles or have someone they would recommend in the MidState area that does?

I just reacquired a 1976 Kawasaki KZ900 that I owned 25 years ago. The last person that had it painted it with a spray can. These are highly desirable collectables, but not painted with a spray can and a skull on the gas tank.

I say vintage or not because I haven’t decided if I am going to paint it the original color or the color I want. It is my understanding that the original paint although still available isn’t used anymore and is special order with a two color coat (Diamond Brown). That probably involves me sending the parts off to someone. If I decide not to go original I’ll have it painted high gloss black, which should cost much less and any motorcycle painter should be able to do.

It would be painting the tank, two side covers and tail.

This isn’t it, I haven’t seen it for years (and bought it sight unseen), but this what it would like original.

Edited December 14, 2015 by DaveTN

[peejman]

Cool project. A friend of mine does that sort of work, but he's here.

[Dolomite_supafly]

There are solvents that will remove rattle can without damaging the original paint. Things that are painted with rattle csn tend to be pretty decent shape underneath.

[KahrMan]

If it is not cost prohibitive take it back to original colors.  

[kieefer]

Might check with the Harley shops for local bike painters.

 

I've had bike parts painted by an auto body shop twice, they did a good job. One was painted black and the other was in a Saturn Blue color.

[jpx2rk]

If the bike is a "highly desirable collectors item" then it seems like it would make sense to return it to the original color.  Based on the other comments above, I would see if the original paint is still there, and in good shape, and go from there.  One comment indicates rattle can paint can be removed w/o damage.  Original everything really helps on the collectors value.

 

If you want the bike because it has good memories and not necessarily for the collectors value, paint the color you want.  

[Just2Honor]

For the original colors try Color Rite on-line.  They had the color for my 2002 Kawasaki when the manufacturer wouldn't even tell me or a dealer the color formula.   Bought the paint and a body shop did the prep and painting.