Paint color recommendations

[SuperRat2110]

Hey guys another quick question for you. What are some of the more common paints used for matching up the blue frames such as 98 rat. I seen in one thread that rust oleum navy blue is used. How does it hold up?

[olddogs]

Are you spraying paint over paint or will you be prepping a bare metal frame. There are direct to metal self etching spray can primers available that actually work quite well. Patience when painting or preparing for paint is the trick. I will use a spray can on a top end restoration, but the key is to spray a few coats of an automotive style clear coat that uses a hardener on the frame after the color has been applied. This clear is much harder, not solvent based, and is very forgiving when used over fresh spray can finishes. Many spray paints use a solvent that makes it thin enough to propel out of the can, and then the solvents evaporate to make it dry. Gasoline and carb cleaner are close chemically to these solvents and can soften or strip off or dull these solvent based paints. Many guys have good luck right out of the can, but I like the fuel resistance a clear coat provides.

I have tried these Royal Blues but found them to bright. I used a Toyota automotive color and got a perfect match on 97 SCs and tinted it a shade darker for Model 98s. I will dig up the code if anyone is interested.

[SuperRat2110]

Thanks, not sure how or what I will do yet. Sounds like stripping it down is the way to go. I work with a lot of painters that can paint pretty well, so I might see what they recommend. I would be interested in your color code. Do you have any photos of the frame you used it on?

[olddogs]

I had a NOS blue brake stay arm from a Model 97 that I used to find the perfect color match. Same with the 98. If you can find a NOS painted part, it gives you the best match. No sun fade. I will post the paint code when I get back out to my shop. The bike has been gone a couple years.

PS. Chevy orange engine paint in a spray can is a dead on match for the 97/98 gas tank orange. Spray on only enough to get your color consistent and then clear coat it with an catalyzed automotive 2 part product. This will protect the finished surface from gasoline spills.

[MTrat]

I understand that Kubota orange matches the orange tanks correctly too...

[SuperRat2110]

Should I leave the tank alone. It has very few chips or blemishes.

[SuperRat2110]

....

[viclioce]

If you want to do the tank again, I recommend a stripper for easy removal. Then a self etching primer and whatever color you choose. I did my Red Toad with “touch up” paint from O’Riley’s Auto Parts. I used the Chevy “Victory Red.” Nephew didn’t like the Toad Green, and asked for red. Told him it was his bike & it could be any color he wanted. Also used the automotive clear coat from the same brand & buffed it with 3M Buffing compound, to get that finished “Wet Look!” Victor

[SuperRat2110]

That looks pretty darn good! I really want to preserve any original I can. I think the tank will be a game time decision lol. I'll get frame, motor done and go from there. Thanks for all the tips though if I decide to try it myself, great info!

[viclioce]

You can take the tank and have it scanned and get a half pint of touch up. Or get a pint so it will repaint all your orange parts! Victor

[olddogs]

In case anyone is interested, a 1989 Toyota code 8 B 2 was a great match right out of the can for the Model 97 Super Combat blue frame. Any auto supplier that mixes paint should be able to get you everything you need. I tinted this color a couple shades to match the Model 98 color. Not a ready to use spray can solution, but very accurate for a restoration.

[SuperRat2110]

Thanks for posting that info.

[rough rider]

The old Ford dark blue engine paint is pretty close to matching the 98 super rat frame color. If you use a paint that has ceramic or epoxy two part spray paint that Eastwood sells, it is very durable.