Painting Parts 101

[SwedeXT600Z]

After having seen Mezo and the others restoration pics....I can only stand back and admire ! I am also in process of restoring and maybe even Paris/Dakar "pimping" my old (yet recently purchased) XT600Z. Asides from the struggle of finding the classic Faraway Blue and Gauloises Blue in Sweden (postal order solution next ) - how to repaint the engine??? Should I strip it completely? Remove head & barrel, then the sides and try to paint the block (still attached to the bike)? Once again-sorry for the stupid questions, but I am blonde, damn, meant newbie(but not a quitter)!

Looking forward to the advice from the old timers in here!

//P

[steveloomis]

While it is best to have the top end in pieces for a good clean and prep, you can paint it in place with a little careful masking. I use caliper paint, satin black. On the can it says to wait until the paint is dry then bake in the oven at 200 degrees F. for an hour to set it. You can do the same by running the engine and let engine heat cure it. I just painted my top end today this way and it looks great. I have another top end to do but it is apart so I will have done it both ways. I have painted other engines during a build and always baked the paint on via the oven. So far the paint is staying put.

[SwedeXT600Z]

Thanks for the tip Steve! Much appreciated!