Paint Preparation/Body Work -
Prep the fenders, tank and frame
before we add color
Front Fender Prep: The front
fender was in good shape. All
it needed was Metal Glaze (Polyester
Putty) around the welds on the
mounting hardware. The sheet metal
was scuffed with 180 and wiped
down with DuPont Final Klean 3901.
The Metal Glaze was sanded with
100, 220 then 320.
Additional Rear Fender Support:
During the test ride the rear
tip had a small vibration so additional
sheet metal was added along the
sides and rear tip. This really
made a big difference in decreasing
the flexibility of the fender.
The sheet metal was stitched welded
on the sides and spot welded in
middle. The grinder smoothed out
the welds. Glazing Putty will
be added to under side near the
edges for a smooth feel.
Rear Fender Tip Prep: 3 light
coats of Glazing Putty were added
to the under side of the fender
and smoothed down with 100, 220
then 320 grit. 2 light coats were
applied to the top and also sanded.
Only about 1.5" from the outside
of the underside was totally smoothed,
the underside will be coated with
under coating.
The tip has smooth thick feel
that is very rigid.
Tank Prep: The WCC Tank is hand
made so it will require a lot
of prep work. Glazing putty is
placed on all the weld seems and
sanded 100, 220 then 320.
Frame Prep: Where the Tank meets
the frame by the seat, a cosmetic
point was previously welded on.
This was filled using Z-Grip Evercoat.
After the based shape was formed,
Glazing Putty is applied for the
final affect and sanded smooth
with 100, 220 then 320.
Frame Prep: On the lower part
of the frame where the seat post
meets the bottom rails, 2 steel
plates form the base. For a cleaner
look, sheet metal was added to
fill in the gap between the plates.
This will make the frame painting
easier and provide a clean look
for the wire harness.
Frame Prep: The under side of
the Fuel Tank has sheet metal
welded on to the frame give the
illusion that the Tank and frame
are one part. This also hides
the wire harness and throttle
cables. The ignition key is also
located here, this all needs to
be filled and smoothed.
Swing Arm Prep: The 'stock' belt
guard tabs were removed and grinded
smooth. Glazing putty was applied
and sanded smooth. Holes were
drilled in the tubing to hide
the tail lamp wiring.
Neck/Down Tubes Prep: All the
welds where the neck was cut off
and reinstalled have been grinded
smooth. Glazing putty was applied
to the welds for cleaner look.
The neck is very visible even
with the tank installed. To keep
with the Harley look, the welds
are not 100% smooth, we wanted
to show some the work that went
into the neck.
Swing Arm Cage Prep: The swing
arm cage was widened 10mm to center
the tire with the frame. These
welds have also been smoothed
and glazed.
Final Frame Prep : The frame
was suspended in the paint booth
and degreased. The existing stock
black powder coat was scuffed
with red scotch bright pads for
the primer to bite into. Masking
tape was applied to the VIN and
wire-harness. We are now ready
for final degreasing and etch
primer.
The pictures are article on this
page were kindly provided by
www.jhchoppers.com
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