Jim's $400.00 1986 VF500F

Hi Jim, a couple of things that may be of help. 1) make sure its nice and warm/hot when you do the decals, they will flex and move/conform much easier. 2) those decals will also be way easier to work and apply once you peel off the backing revealing the adhesive side of the decal. Some decals if they have a CLEAR plastic "top" protective layer (that you peel off after) make them harder to apply as they are stiffer , where as some decals have a "release tape" on top thats more like sticky paper, those are usually easier to work. Careful warming of the decal with a hair dryer will make them a bit more workable, but I dont recommend doing tat until your ready to actually apply them.

 

Also dry place the decals first. Use Fine Line low adhesion tape to get your marks in the correct place. Remember - YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GET THEM IN EXACTLY THE SAME PLACE AS HONDA..... You only have to put them in the same place as each other....

You will also start noticing markers for correct location... like in the below picture..

P1070480 by Pete Smith, on Flickr

 

OK, got some other side projects out of the way and time to paint the tank. Took all the sage advice and got the Ford Sonic Blue paint today. That shit is expensive! Going to have them match the RED tomorrow. It sure looks like the red on my Miata...A4A Red. Going to check it out and see how close it is. I tried to have them run the R-134 "Fighting Red" but it did not come up on the mixing computer he had.

 

Really hoping it goes well for ya, JM! Sending some positive mojo in your direction!

 

Think I have 100ml of Fighting red here.... Yep, just ck'd. You can get it from RS paints & they do send world wide. https://www.rsbikepaint.com/en-gb/colours.php

 

Hi Jim, here is the red in this thread (white too)

https://vfrworld.com/threads/vf1000r-paint-codes.58773/#post-619568

 

Oh man thanks, I did not realize the other colors are there also in that thread.

 

Kudos again on all your efforts on this project! I'd have punted long ago I think. It's weird that I'd give anyone a hand doing their project, spend as much time as needed usually and give it my all. But for anything I own, just can't stay committed. Can't explain why, but the good Lord can't give me patience fast enough I guess!

Didn't get a chance to catch up on all the posts here, but is Color-Rite not around anymore? Used to get all our OEM color matched paint from them back in the day for bike projects.

 

They are still in business...


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Price-Rong

I know all paint is expensive these days, but it seems like they went up a few levels in pricing years ago.

Which reminds me... I have 3 quarts of Aleutian, Fighting and Shasta on my shelf from Color-Rite from somebody that decided against a re-spray. Suppose I should do something with them.

 

Thanks for the kudos, it's more than a bike, it keeps my mind off other problems. Also, I am sure all your help was sincerely appreciated on your friend's projects!

 

Throw in the towel! I gave up trying to paint the tank,I just really want to ride and not stress over the paint.

Loaded it up to take to my painter. Hopefully she will take it on and get it done quickly.

 

jim, i hear that you picked up a different, slightly newer honda and will be working your magic restoring that, right ?

 

That "new" bike may or may not have something to do with the lack of enthusiasm for painting!

I hate seeing that 500 just sitting there with the weather so nice right now!

 

your painter is gonna be busy.

 

I think you'll be happier with a proper paint job. Good decision.

 

I think I will tackle the Hawk. It is just a single color and not 2 tone + clear.

That 86 VF500 does not look easy to do (2) colors and then a clear, all in one day!

AND...I don't really have a paint booth set up yet in the garage. I hate to be "that guy" painting shit in my front yard blowing overspray on the neighbor's precious VOLVO.

 

I agree!

 

as u know, the problem with home tank painting is finding truly fuel-resistant paint, which is alot easier for a pro to spray.

 

Man, no kidding on that! I rattle canned a POS 1978 Suzuki GS750 tank many years ago. I put like 10 coats on it, sanding between each coat. The first time I put gas in it the freaking paint started clabbering up. I was so pissed. I vowed to never paint again. But yet, here we are....