engine paint?

[logger]

Has anyone used the black engine paint to black out their engines? I am really digging the darker look but don't know what the results would be if it was one of those shade tree jobs.....or should I use professional services and take the motor and tranny out?

[In4rno]

Here is a copy of what I sent to another member.

This was a bit of trial and error to get the fins polished. If you take your time and remove as much bolt on items as you can, I think you can get good results leaving the motor in, will just take much longer.

The steps I would take after doing it, is as follows.

1. Use a fine file to flatten and shape the fins. This is also the quickest way to get the factory powdercoat off. I filed mine flat.

2. Use a sanding block and some 1000 grit paper to remove the file markes. The file really does a pretty good job and does not leave as much marking as you might think.

3. Get some polishing rougue and the wool hard wound bullet head shaped dremel bits. These are with the polishing selection at Sears. They are white wool/cotton polishing bits, pretty hard, almost feel like they are a solid material.

4. Use the dremel and polishing compound to get the fins to the desired finish. Once done, use some 1/8 inch pinstriping tape and pinstripe the fins. Trust me this will save you a lot of extra work. I did not do this the first time and thought I would just sand the engine paint off the fins. What happens is you get tiny chips along the endge of the paint and where the factory powdercoat is. Takes that crisp edge away and looks like crap. With the pinstriping tape, it is the perfect size to cover what you just polished.

5. Get some gloss black (or whatever color you want to use) 500 degree paint. I used Duplicolor with ceramic additive, purchased at Autozone. Spray 3 coats. The first coat with a upward angle on the spray to get under the fins. Let dry for 10 minutes then spray with a downward angle to get the top of the fins covered. The last coat I sprayed straight on to get inside the fins.

6. As soon as you have the last coat on, start pulling off the pinstripe tape and you will have a nice clean edge.

Since my motor was out of the bike, it was a piece of cake. I would guess I have 3 hours time into it and half of that was just trying to figure out the best methodes. Getting the fins ready will take about 2 hours or so, the taping since you are doing it in the frame will also add some time.

[razorbak57]

Big X also has a write up on this forum that you might be interested in reading. Its "Filing and polishing engine fins".

[zjohnny80]

i did it to mine and my wifes '05 aero 750 its simple just take your time

[MikeVTX]

I'm thinking of doing this same mod possibly this Christmas. I wonder if there is a high heat wrinkle black paint that I could get and use?

[whiskeyrockr]

personally, i like the factory look. black is so common for the fins and everyone seems to be doing it now. i'll stick with the factory look on the fins