engine finish

[freddyz1r]

Don't know if this should be here or 'discussion'? But I need a little help hence here it is if it needs to be moved, then please do so

The engine is a 1981 z1100st.
I have just taken my totally stripped engine down to the 'vapour blasters'.
he has given me 2 options:-
1, vapour blast = which will give me a 'polished' finish and will be no good for painting or lacquering.
2, bead blastered = a bit rougher, still an even smoothish finish, but ideal for painting or lacquering. He says it gives a good key.

Questions / Considerations:-
What was the original finish ? Bare ally, painted silver, lacquered or painted silver then lacquered ???
I want to ride the bike , not a show pony and I don't want to spend 'hours' polishing
I've never had a bare polished engine and it sounds like a lot of work later ?
I'm thinking painting or lacquering ?
What finish have you used ?
no pressure guys, but I've got to let him know by friday
thanks in advance, freddy

[baz]

why waste your money on either if your going to re paint it
just have it dipped in an acid bath and away you go

[neilbarrett]

get it powder coated

[Gavin]

Original is Alloy finish. I had 2 of these.

[Garn 1]

I have seen a Z900-A4 painted and it has lasted for years. Don't know the name of the paint, however, it was hard to tell it wasn't alloy.
BTW. I've always left them alloy.
RegardZ

[ADRIAN H]

Bare aluminium finish I believe is the standard.

If you ever want to revert back to standard - bead blasting is too aggressive.

I would vapour blast them and then etch prime before paint, so you can revert back if you wish ?

Depends what you want ?

Personally I would go for powder coating, talk to Nick at Griffs Powder coat, Bristol and ask what prep they do before powder coating.

[chrisu]

Bare aluminium finish I believe is the standard.

If you ever want to revert back to standard - bead blasting is too aggressive.

I would vapour blast them and then etch prime before paint, so you can revert back if you wish ?

Depends what you want ?

Personally I would go for powder coating, talk to Nick at Griffs Powder coat, Bristol and ask what prep they do before powder coating.

^^^^ this

[Gavin]

Bare aluminium finish I believe is the standard.

I would vapour blast them and then etch prime before paint, so you can revert back if you wish ?

You will need to check if etch primer is heat resistant, i was told it wasn't.

[ADRIAN H]

Bare aluminium finish I believe is the standard.

I would vapour blast them and then etch prime before paint, so you can revert back if you wish ?

You will need to check if etch primer is heat resistant, i was told it wasn't.

I have used Heat resistant etching primer in the past on a DT400 engine. They may not make it anymore ! I think manufacturer was Metacote, I will have to have a look and see if I have any left ?