On selecting the paint this time

[bobhamlin]

I've rebuilt several bikes and, this time, I'm getting close to figuring out how to choose my paint.

First, a little about me. I tend to turn the bikes over every year or two, so a fancy paint job is of no pressing concern. I like a basic look. A bike's lines give it elegance and the lines of the Vulcans are absolutely beautiful. Paint should add to -- not over-power -- elegance. (I'm kind of the same way with women and make-up).

I got my first 1500 Classic painted a black metallic. The chrome and black were pretty good looking. However, unless you were close enough to see the rainbow sparkles, it was a little bland.

For the next Classic-- the one on the left in my signature photos, I wanted some color and decided on a Kameleon Color-technology. The House of Kolor combinations just didn't work for me.

My painter gave me some samples from DuPont. In the samples was a color Blasberry. It was primarily blue, but from an angle was purple and, backlit, gold-ish. It wasn't a complete "Wow," but having decided to go Kameleon-like, I tried it. I picked it thinking that the main color was blue. From straight on, it is. However, very little on a bike gives a straight on view. There was too much purple.

For this Nomad, I almost went back to black. Even at the house, I cannot imagine how a wall will look from a little sample. I was trying to describe to the painter what I wanted, but I wasn't sure myself.

Then, one day the light bulb went off. There were lots of car colors I liked. Why not just pay attention, find a car color I liked, get the model and year and voila!

The Nomad is Newport Blue Pearl (Subaru). The Ford Expedition has a similar color, as does Honda, Jeep and the PT Cruiser. All I had to do was imagine how the color would look with the chrome.

I still have some pin striping to do --specifically on the bags and maybe on the side panels. And the tank may get some type of airbrush (I never seem to get this far, though).

I just can't believe all the time I've spent looking at small paint samples when large paint samples have been driving by me all the time.

By the way, a local body shop estimated $1200 to paint the bike. I don't pamper bikes enough to want to spend that much.
I asked around and got a name on Maryland's eastern shore. Over the phone, Eddie gave me an estimate of between $400-$500. Fot 2 tanks of gas -- one to take the parts and one to pick them up -- and $500 (I had a ding in the tank, and Eddie had to remove the pin stripes on the front fender because they were under the original clear coat), I got a great paint job.

I thought I was getting a guy (although recommended) who would paint my bike out in his chicken coop. Not so. Eddie has a car restoration business. If anybody wants his contact information, send me a message. I have no idea how you pack all the parts though.

[Top Cat]

I had my bike painted two tone. Purple faded into black. All I did was ride the bike to the painters and he took it apart, painted it, installed my baglights, repaired a couple holes where my other bag lights were, did some custom lettering and flames put it back together and charged me $1800. It was worth it to me to get a quality job.
Will post pics as soon as the freakin' snow goes away so I can get it out in the sun.

PS, could you resize one of the pics in your sig line? They are so wide they make me have to scroll from side to side in every thread you post in. the map looks exceptionaly wide. If you don't want to resize them could you stack one of them under the other two? That would help also. Thanks for your concern.

[Yellow Jacket]

That is nice looking and a great idea on choosing the paint.

[rooster1]

Thats a good way to pick a color. Nice looking bike.

[zoom45]

What's your opinion on this color?
http://www.attitudecustompainting.co...uery=retrieval

I was leaning toward the real fire look but I still like the old style flames. I sort of like this color since I can keep my black frame and still have some color to see.
Zoom45

[bobhamlin]

Originally Posted by zoom45

What's your opinion on this color?
http://www.attitudecustompainting.co...uery=retrieval

I was leaning toward the real fire look but I still like the old style flames. I sort of like this color since I can keep my black frame and still have some color to see.
Zoom45

This is pretty much what I have trouble with. Trying to imagine from the little pictures what the color will look like with all the different pieces and angles and chrome.

Use my solution. Just ride around until you see a car with that exact color and flame combination. When you find it, tell me where it is and I'll check it out.
;)

[socwkbiker]

Originally Posted by zoom45

What's your opinion on this color?
http://www.attitudecustompainting.co...uery=retrieval

I was leaning toward the real fire look but I still like the old style flames. I sort of like this color since I can keep my black frame and still have some color to see.
Zoom45

I also like the real flames look, but I've seen in on other bikes and it depends on how good they do the job. I personally like old school flames now.

[bosko]

Originally Posted by SWB,voices tell me evil things

I also like the real flames look,

I think I'll stick to my stock silver and blue.

[rksaw]

OUCH!!!!!