Priya Kapoor
Painting your airbox cover is a great way to customise your V-Rod. There are a few things to keep in mind when painting your airbox cover. Firstly, if you have an anodized cover, it cannot be repaired or polished if it is dented or chipped. You will need to paint the front and rear fender and radiator trim as well. When spraying on paint, it is important to build it up with light coats and to sand between coats to ensure a smooth finish. Dust is your enemy, so be sure to use a tac rag to remove any dust particles. You can also use a clear coat on top for added protection and a buffed-out finish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting the airbox cover | Spray paint in light coats, sand between coats, use a tac rag to remove dust |
| Painting primer | Use 220 grit paper to start, then work down to 320 grit. Use Chroma-based paint for easy spraying and good coverage |
| Clear coat | Sand with 800-1000 grit and buff |
| Paint colour options | Chevy's Sunburst Orange Metallic, Ford's Blazing Copper Metallic, Copper/Tangerine, Aluminium |
| Airbox cover models | Stealth, GT, Racing, Special, CUSTOM, RACING |
| Airbox cover materials | Fiberglass, billet aluminium, ABS plastic |
| Airbox cover suppliers | Eurocomponents, Cult-Werk, Harley Davidson |
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What You'll Learn
Painting advice for a two-tone airbox cover
If you're looking to paint the airbox cover of your V-Rod, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to determine the material of your airbox cover. For instance, if it's made of plastic, you'll need to prepare the surface by scuffing it up with sandpaper to ensure the paint adheres well. If your airbox cover is aluminium, you could consider wrapping it with aluminium wrap and then applying a matt clear coat over the top for protection. Alternatively, you could strip and polish it, but this may be difficult to maintain.
Once you've prepared the surface, you'll need to decide on your paint colours and technique. If you're going for a two-tone look, you'll need to mask off the different sections of the airbox cover using fine-line masking tape and masking film. This will help you achieve clean, defined lines between the two colours. Make sure to apply the tape carefully around the edges and bends of the cover to prevent any paint bleeding.
When it comes to painting, you can use a brush or a small roller, depending on the finish you want to achieve. If you want a smooth, even finish, a small roller may be best. If you're concerned about getting paint into all the nooks and crannies, a brush might be a better option. Apply several thin coats of paint, allowing ample drying time between each coat.
Finally, consider applying a clear coat over your paint to protect it and give it a glossy finish. Again, make sure to apply thin coats to avoid drips and runs. With the right preparation and technique, you can achieve a great two-tone paint job on your V-Rod's airbox cover.
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Removing emblems and insignia
To paint the airbox cover of a V-Rod, you will first need to remove the emblems and insignia. This process can be done in several ways, depending on the tools you have available and the condition of the airbox cover.
One popular method is to use a hair dryer or heat gun to soften the adhesive holding the emblems in place. Once the adhesive is softened, you can use fishing line, dental floss, or even your fingernails to carefully pry and peel the emblems off. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the airbox cover during this process. You may need to use some elbow grease to remove any leftover adhesive residue, and products like Goo Gone or Zippo lighter fluid can help with this.
Another method is to use a chemical solvent like WD-40 to loosen the adhesive. Soak the emblems and insignia with WD-40 and let it sit for a while before twisting and removing them. You can then use your thumb to roll up any excess rubber backing. This method may also leave some adhesive residue, which can be removed as mentioned above.
If you are looking for a more custom look, you can also consider purchasing a Stealth Airbox Cover for your V-Rod. These covers are made of fiberglass and can be custom-painted to match your desired colour and design. They also provide relocation for the stock V-Rod gauges and are compatible with various V-Rod models, except for the V-Rod Muscle.
Before proceeding with any of these methods, it is important to assess the condition of your airbox cover and determine whether it has any dents or chips. If it is an anodized airbox cover, it may not be possible to repair or polish it due to the clear anodized coat finish. In such cases, you may need to consider purchasing a new airbox cover or exploring alternative solutions.
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Repairing a dented airbox cover
Repairing a dent in your V-Rod's airbox cover can be a tricky process, and it depends on the type of dent and the material of your airbox cover.
If your airbox cover is made of aluminium, it has an anodized coat, which means that if it's dented or chipped, you cannot strip or polish it. You can try to separate the outer shell from the inner liner, but this is tedious and can be tricky due to the heat-sensitive adhesive used to bond the two layers. Even if you successfully remove the dent and re-assemble the cover, the stresses caused by the process will be visible in the coating.
For aluminium airbox covers, small dents can be fixed by a paintless dent remover, but this won't work for larger dents.
If your airbox cover is made of another material that can be painted, you may be able to fix small dents with a hardwood block. Work from the inside, taping over the outside and placing it against a thin rubber mat on a table. Rub out the dent with the hardwood block, taking it slowly and checking your progress as you go.
Another method is to use a big ball bearing and a magnet, a technique often used to refurbish musical instruments.
If you're unable to repair the dent yourself, you could look for a "paintless dent repair" service in your area. However, keep in mind that if the dent is on a crease, it may not be repairable.
Finally, consider the cost and effort involved in repairing a dented airbox cover. By the time you've paid to have the dents removed and the cover re-anodized, you may be better off simply buying a new or used cover.
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Painting primer tips
Painting the airbox cover of a V-Rod motorcycle is a delicate task that requires careful preparation. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to guide you through the process:
Preparation:
Before you begin painting, it's crucial to gather all the necessary materials and safety equipment. This includes a paint spray gun, motorcycle paint, gloves, a mask or breathing device, and plastic sheets to cover the surrounding area. Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area or use a respirator to avoid inhaling toxic fumes. If you're working in a garage, remove any items that might interfere with the paint job, such as containers with spent oil or gas.
Surface Preparation:
Start by removing any decals or emblems from the airbox cover using a heat gun and fishing wire. If there are any dents, use a filler like Bondo to create an even surface. To ensure proper paint adhesion and prevent rust, it's essential to sand the surface. Use 400-grit wet/dry sandpaper for light sanding, and if there is an existing paint job, sand it down enough to remove the clear coat. If you're working with bare metal, use a primer to prevent rust and corrosion.
Primer Application:
When choosing a primer, opt for an epoxy primer designed for motorcycles. Epoxy primers protect the metal from moisture damage and corrosion. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the primer with the appropriate hardener. Using a spray gun, apply two coats of primer, allowing each coat to dry for about an hour. Move the spray gun slowly and evenly to ensure a consistent application.
Painting:
After the primer is dry, you can begin the painting process. Mix your chosen paint colour with a thinner according to the recommended ratio provided by the manufacturer. Load your spray gun and apply three to four layers of paint, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.
Clear Coat:
Consider applying a clear coat over your paint job for added protection and shine. You can also add sparkles powder to the clear coat for a unique finish. Remember that clear coats can sometimes alter the shine or colour, so test it on a small area first if you're concerned about the final look.
Additional Considerations:
If you're painting a gas tank, ensure it's as empty as possible, and use a plumber's siphon to remove any remaining gas. If there is an existing paint job, remove it completely before applying a new coat, as leftover paint can interfere with your new paint and cause cracking. Always follow the specific instructions provided by the paint and primer manufacturers, and ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area for your safety.
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Airbox cover colour options
The airbox cover is an important component of a V-Rod motorcycle, and customising its colour and finish is a popular way to enhance the bike's aesthetics and performance. Here are some colour options and methods to consider:
Factory Paint Options
Harley-Davidson offered different paint options for the airbox cover on their V-Rod models. The Anniversary paint set, for example, features a bluish stripe and can be repaired and repainted. The colour codes for this set can be found in the VRSC Paint Codes PDF. It's important to note that the anodized version of this paint set cannot be repaired or polished due to its clear anodized coat.
Custom Painting
Custom painting allows you to personalise your V-Rod with your desired colour and design. Some companies offer custom painting services for V-Rod airbox covers, such as the Fiberglass Stealth Airbox cover. However, not all companies provide this service, so it's essential to inquire beforehand. When considering custom painting, keep in mind that you may need to paint other parts of the motorcycle, like the front and rear fenders and radiator trim, to achieve a cohesive look.
Aluminium Wrap
Another option is to use an aluminium wrap on the original airbox cover and then apply a matt clear coat over it. This method can result in an appealing finish, as some car wraps with similar treatments look amazing. However, keep in mind that clear coats can slightly alter the shine or colour.
Carbon Fibre Cover
For a unique look and performance enhancement, you can opt for an airbox cover made of pure carbon fibre. Carbon fibre covers, such as those offered by Maxicarbon, feature a thick anti-UV transparent layer and are exact copies of the original part. They can be easily fitted by the owner, although consulting a mechanic is always recommended for unfamiliar installations.
Polishing
If you prefer the original look of the early V-Rods, you can consider stripping and polishing the airbox cover. This method can be challenging to maintain, and clear coats applied to protect the finish may alter the shine or colour.
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Frequently asked questions
You can paint your airbox cover yourself by spraying on light coats of paint, sanding between coats, and using a tac rag to remove dust. You can also buy a custom paint set for your airbox cover online.
You can use a Chroma-based paint for your airbox cover as it sprays well and is easy to work with. You can also use Chevy's Sunburst Orange Metallic or Ford's Blazing Copper Metallic.
If you have an anodized airbox cover, you cannot repair, strip, or polish it as it has a clear anodized coat. You will need to buy a new airbox cover and paint it to match the front/rear fender and radiator trim.
