Leo Martínez
In Timothy Remus's book, How to Custom Paint Your Harley-Davidson, he provides a comprehensive guide to personalizing your Harley-Davidson motorcycle. With over 20 years of experience as an author, Remus offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone looking to customize their bike. The book includes detailed instructions on painting and finishing, as well as other modifications such as suspension and brake adjustments. It is a great resource for both novice and experienced riders who want to learn how to customize their Harley-Davidson motorcycles and make them unique.
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What You'll Learn
Painting a motorcycle
Timothy Remus's book, *How to Custom Paint Your Harley-Davidson*, is a good starting point for anyone new to painting a motorcycle. The book is a detailed, hands-on guide to personalizing your Harley-Davidson, with colour chapters dealing with major subassemblies such as suspension and brakes, as well as painting and finishing. It includes colour photo sequences that show you how to perform the work, including frame moulding and installing a wide-drive kit.
The book is highly recommended for those new to painting a motorcycle or anything metal using supplies made for autos and bikes. It serves as a good primer for today's paint systems.
The process of painting a motorcycle involves several steps, including:
- Disassembly: Start by disassembling the motorcycle, removing all the parts that you don't want to paint. This may include the seat, lights, and any other components that are not meant to be painted.
- Surface Preparation: Once the motorcycle is disassembled, you need to prepare the surface for painting. This includes sanding, priming, and cleaning the surface to ensure that it is smooth and free of any dirt, grease, or old paint that might affect the new paint job.
- Primer Application: After the surface is prepared, you will need to apply a primer to the motorcycle. The primer will help the new paint adhere better and provide a more durable finish.
- Painting: Once the primer is dry, you can start painting the motorcycle. This may involve using a variety of painting techniques, such as spraying, brushing, or even airbrushing, depending on the desired effect.
- Clear Coating: After the paint has dried, you may want to apply a clear coat to protect the paint job and give it a glossy finish.
- Reassembly: Finally, once the paint and clear coat are dry, you can reassemble the motorcycle, putting back all the parts that were removed and making sure that everything is securely in place.
It is important to note that painting a motorcycle requires time, patience, and the proper equipment and safety gear. It is always recommended to consult detailed guides or seek professional advice before attempting to paint your motorcycle.
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Painting metal surfaces
Oil-based paint is more durable but harder to work with, whereas water-based acrylic paints are more forgiving but may be difficult to find in spray form. Spray-can paint is the easiest way to paint metal, especially for pieces with many contours, such as patio furniture or fences. However, the finish may not be as smooth or uniform as with brush-on paint, and it may take several coats to achieve the desired finish. Good ventilation and a respirator are essential when spray painting.
Before painting a metal surface, it is crucial to prepare the surface by removing any existing paint, rust, debris, grease, dirt, and oil. Use sandpaper, a scuffing pad, a wire brush tool, or a handheld wire brush to remove these impurities. If the metal surface is smooth and has nothing on it, you will still need to scuff it up to ensure the paint adheres properly. Once the surface is clean and scuffed, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust or debris. Then, remove any remaining grease by wiping the metal with a shop rag dipped in acetone and allow the acetone to dry.
Primer is a must for painting metal. Priming metal before painting helps to prevent rust and ensures that the paint sticks to the metal. If you couldn't remove all the rust before priming, use a zinc chromate primer formulated to cover rust. After applying this special primer, add a coat of self-etching primer, which will help the paint bond to the bare metal. The primer you choose should be compatible with the type of paint you intend to use (oil-based or water-based) and the specific metal you are painting (ferrous or non-ferrous). Always follow the instructions on the primer label regarding drying and curing times. If the metal will be placed outdoors, consider adding a second layer of primer to protect against metal oxidation.
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Colour photo sequences
When it comes to custom painting your Harley-Davidson, creating a unique and eye-catching design is crucial. Timothy Remus, a renowned custom painter, has developed a technique that utilizes colour photo sequences to achieve stunning results. This method involves breaking down the desired design into a series of colour photos, which are then used as a guide for painting.
The first step is to choose a design or theme for your Harley. This could be something as simple as a two-tone colour scheme or as intricate as a flame design or airbrushed scenery. Once you have selected the design, you will need to gather the necessary materials, including the base coat and clear coat paints, primers, and of course, the colour paints required for your design.
The key to a great custom paint job is proper preparation. Start by disassembling the bike to the extent needed for the paint job. Then, thoroughly clean and prep the surfaces to be painted. This includes sanding, priming, and ensuring the surface is smooth and ready to accept paint.
Now, the fun part begins - creating the colour photo sequences. Start by taking photos of the bike from various angles, making sure to capture all the surfaces to be painted. Print out these photos and cut them out accurately so you have a physical template to work with. Using your design idea, start planning the colours and effects. Cut out the shapes and colours from coloured paper and play around with the design, overlaying the paper cutouts on the bike photos.
Once you are happy with the design, stick the paper cutouts in place on the photos, creating a full colour 'plan' of the design. These photo sequences will be your guide as you paint, ensuring a consistent and accurate design across the bike. With the plan finalized, you can start the painting process, using the photo sequences as a reference. Work through the bike, section by section, following your colour photo guide.
Finally, once the painting is complete, reassemble your Harley-Davidson, and admire your one-of-a-kind creation! The use of colour photo sequences ensures a professional and cohesive finish to your custom paint job. With this technique, you can truly make your Harley stand out and reflect your unique style. So, get creative, and don't be afraid to experiment and bring your vision to life!
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Frame moulding
Painting the frame of your Harley-Davidson is a challenging task, especially if you are a novice motorcycle rider or mechanic. It is difficult to paint the frame without removing all the parts of the motorcycle. However, if you are attempting to paint the frame without removing the engine, you will need to take extra precautions to ensure the spray paint does not contaminate the engine, chrome parts, and wire harness. To access the frame, you will still need to remove the seat and gas tank.
Before you begin painting, it is important to prepare the frame. First, cover your work area with plastic sheets and mount a rail to the ceiling to hang the frame parts. Next, identify any dents, scratches, or damage to the surface and fill these imperfections with glazing and spot putty. You can use a flat blade scraper to identify and mix the spot putty. Before applying the spot putty, clean the frame with a microfiber cloth and acetone to remove any dust or grease and ensure better adhesion. If there is rust on the frame, sand it down with 40-grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth.
Once the frame is prepared, you can begin painting. It is recommended to wear a respirator and gloves for this step. Apply two coats of etch primer spray, waiting at least 5 minutes between coats. After applying the primer, wait 45 minutes for it to dry. Then, spray on three coats of paint, waiting 10 minutes between each coat. The final coat should be a medium wet coat. After applying the paint, let the frame parts dry for seven days.
For a quality finish, it is best to hire a professional painter or outsource the disassembling and reassembling of the motorcycle. However, with the right tools and preparation, it is possible to achieve a satisfactory paint job on your Harley-Davidson frame at home or in your garage.
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Installing a wide-drive kit
Select the Appropriate Wide-Drive Kit:
Firstly, you need to choose a wide-drive kit that is compatible with your Harley-Davidson model. Popular options include the Zodiac series, which offers a range of kits for different Harley-Davidson models, including Softail, Dyna, and Touring variants. Ensure you purchase a kit that is specifically designed for your motorcycle's make and model.
Gather Tools and Safety Equipment:
Before beginning the installation, ensure you have the correct tools and safety gear. Refer to the service manual for your Harley-Davidson model, as specific tools may be required. It is crucial to prioritise safety, as improper installation could lead to serious consequences. Wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, and ensure you have a clear and well-lit workspace.
Disassemble the Rear Tyre and Wheel Assembly:
Referring to your service manual, carefully disassemble the rear tyre and wheel assembly. This process may involve removing the existing tyre, wheel, swingarm, and related components. Take note of the procedure and ensure you have a safe and controlled method for performing this step.
Prepare and Install the Wide-Drive Kit:
Follow the instructions provided with your chosen wide-drive kit to prepare and install the new components. This may include fitting a new swingarm, offset kits, or other custom parts. Ensure all components are securely fastened and torqued to the manufacturer's specifications. Pay close attention to any instructions regarding tyre size, as this will impact the overall performance and safety of your motorcycle.
Reassemble and Test Ride:
Once you have installed the wide-drive kit, carefully reassemble any remaining components, ensuring that everything is securely fastened. After the installation, perform a thorough inspection of your work and conduct a test ride in a safe, open area. Ensure that your motorcycle handles and performs as expected, paying close attention to the feel and behaviour of the new wide-drive kit.
Remember, if you are uncomfortable or unsure about any aspect of the installation process, it is best to consult a professional Harley-Davidson mechanic or dealer to ensure a safe and proper installation.
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Frequently asked questions
This book is a good primer for today's paint systems. It is highly recommended for beginners who are new to painting a motorcycle or anything metal using supplies made for autos and bikes.
Reviews for the book are generally positive, with praise for the numerous pictures and tips that make the customizing process easier. One reviewer says that the book is "certainly worth the price for anyone not happy with just a 'stock' bike." However, another reviewer says that the book is boring and outdated.
Timothy Remus is the author of more than 30 how-to books. Some of his other titles include "How to Build a Cheap Chopper" and "Advanced Airbrush Art".
The book can be purchased on Amazon and eBay.
The book includes color chapters dealing with major subassemblies such as suspension and brakes, as well as painting, finishing, bolt-ons, and planning. It also includes case studies on building a hot-rodded engine, building an FXR, and converting a dresser to a Road King.
