DIY Network

Frame Work: Sand and Prep From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-105

In this fifth episode of nine, host Kevin Tetz (seen here) and Dunk, our resident Harley-Davidson expert mechanic, service the frames, wheels and tires of the project '65 Electra Glide.

The '65 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide project bike can't be ridden by host Kevin Tetz just yet, but in this week's episode the frame, wheels and tires will be serviced, replaced or renovated. In this first segment Kevin gets started on finishing the mechanicals by preparing the bike's frame for paint and detailing.

The frame is the backbone of the whole motorcycle, and if you allow it to rust and corrode, the integrity and safety of the project will be compromised.

Prepping the Fame

• The welds look good and solid on the project bike. Be sure to look for signs that the frame has been cut on your classic ride. If there are stress cracks, you may need to strip the frame and have it re-welded.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

• There are chips and rust on the bike, and these spots (figure A) will be feathered out to give it a little bit of corrosion protection. The bike will receive a quick paint job as well.

  Note: Before Kevin does this he'll get his camera and record these parts so he'll be able to put it back together again.

• Start with the headlight housing (figure B). Take it off and be sure not to get overspray on it. This will give you better access to the neck and the frame. Later Kevin will apply a polish job.

  Tip: Remove or tie up any parts needed for access to the frame, and be sure to keep them in labeled bags.

• Remove the shock absorbers (figure C) because they'll be replaced later. Snip and tie up any wire or cables that are attached to the frame.

• Now it's time to prep for paint by wiping the frame down with a cleaning solvent to remove any grease that will contaminate the paint.

  Tip: Wipe the solvent off while it's still wet because you don't want it to dry back and deposit the contamination.

• Before you start sanding, be sure to lay down some masking tape on the chrome pan to protect it from scratches. Tape the engine guard as well.

• There are two ways to make the paint stick:
  1. Use a chemical bond, or

  2. Use a mechanical bond. This means that you're sanding the surface, producing tooth so the paint will adhere to the surface instead of cross linking with it.

• Start with some of the chips and a coarse sandpaper. Kevin recommends a coarse 180-grit sandpaper first to level out the chipped areas (figure D). Feather the edges of the hcips by sanding into the painted areas.

• Change to a 400- or 500-grit scuff pad for a nice finish. This grit will produce a tooth that contours into the little crevices and allows a sand where sandpaper can't even reach.

In the next segment the frame work will continue with painting and detailing and the rear suspension is upgraded.

RESOURCES :

The Eastwood Company

The Eastwood Company is a supplier of automotive-restoration parts, tools and supplies.

The Easthill Group, Inc.
The Eastwood Company
Website: www.eastwoodco.com

Eazyrizer Big Blue Motorcycle Lift (Driven Gear)
Driven Gear Inc.
Website: www.drivengear.com

RaceDeck Modular Flooring (SnapLock Industries)
SnapLock Industries
Website: www.racedeck.com

Restoration Parts (Custom Chrome)
Custom Chrome
Website: www.customchrome.com

Bias-Ply Whitewall Tires (Dunlop)

These tires are restoration correct 130/90-16 front and rear bias-ply whitewall tires.

Dunlop Tire Corp.
Website: www.dunlop.com

Norton Abrasives

Sandpapers, cleaners, abrasives and bodywork supplies.
Website: www.nortonautomotive.com

GUESTS :

William "Dunk" Dunkelberger
Restoration Coordinator / Mechanic
Harrly Hoggs & Piggletts
1409 Piney Rd.
Maryville, TN 37803
Phone: 865-681-7699
E-mail: hoggsandpiggletts@yahoo.com