DIY Network

'48 Indian Motorcycle Restoration: Frame Repair and Painting Fender skirts and other parts are fabricated as the restoration of the 1948 Indian chief continues. From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-305

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Although the fenders and fuel tanks weree taken to a professional paint booth to be sprayed, we're able to save a great deal of money by painting the frame ourselves. Since most of the frame will not be visible we can do a thorough prep and use a good quality paint and get a very good result. The basic steps are summarized below.

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	Chris and Craig prep the metal parts for painting using a professional paint booth.
	At the professional paint booth, Chris paints the newly fabricated metal fender.

Painting the Frame

• The first step in any painting project is to prepare the parts that are to be painted. In the case of our Indian, everything needs to be cleaned.

• The first step is to go over the frame completely with wire brushes and scrapers to remove any large bits of dirt or grease.

• Once that is complete, go over the frame with sandpaper. This will remove any remaining dirt and also feather the edges on any chips or scratches in the paint. Using an orbital sander will make this process much quicker.

• Once all the surface dirt and scratches have been removed, soak a rag with chemical degreaser and wipe down the entire frame. Once this process is done, do not touch the exposed metal, as the oils on your fingers can affect the final paint.

• Once the degreaser has fully evaporated, it's time to paint.

• Keep the spray can about 10-12 inches from the frame and cover it entirely with a light base coat. Allow this to dry and the follow up with another coat. The number of coats you apply is solely based on your discretion, but more than three is not really necessary.

• When the frame is completely covered, allow the paint to dry for a minimum of 24-48 hours before handling.

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RESOURCES :

Welders
Lincoln Electric
Website: www.lincolnelectric.com

Kiwi Indian
Website: www.kiwi-indian.com

V-Twin Mfg.
Rims, Spokes, Hubs, Tire Irons and Truing Stand
Website: www.vtwinmfg.com

Motorcycle Lift
Handy Lift
Website: www.handy-lift.com

Various Tools
Eastwood
Website: www.eastwoodco.com

Hepavac Asbestos Vacuum
Bullseye
Website: www.bullseyecorp.com

Parts Washer
Safety Kleen
Website: www.safety-kleen.com

Chrome Polish
G & H Metal Finishers
282 Dakota St.
Paterson, NJ 07503

Belt Grinder
Ellis Manufacturing
Website: www.ellissaw.com

Gaskets/Headers
James Gaskets
Website: www.jamesgaskets.com

Coker Classic White Wall Tires, Tubes and Spoke Covers
Coker Tires
Website: www.coker.com

Powder Coating Shop
Best Signs
Phone: 865-922-5247
E-mail: bestsigns@tds.net