Still riding

[Nix400]

I’m posting some before pictures of my 81 Special as well as showing her off. She’s about to get a new paint job and a new set of tires. Her name is Matilda. Stay tuned!

Nik

 

[BergyPatty37]

Love the bike! Can I ask what color the pain is, and also where did you get that headlight wind screen?

 

[Nix400]

Thank you! It’s Rust-Oleum 2x ultra cover gloss sage green. It’s actually held up really well the past 8 years. No chips or scratches. I want a change though so I’ll be going with a burnt orange satin. The windscreen is from amazon. The listing doesn’t exist anymore but I’m sure there’s similar ones on there. It’s small, looks cool, and keeps air off your chest.

 

[BergyPatty37]

Thanks! Do you know if that windscreen was just a generic one or specific for the XS400?
And is that really rattle can? Thats insane haha, it looks professional!

 

[Nix400]

Generic — similar to this.
Rattlecan all the way! I’ve done a bunch of spray painting so I’m pretty decent at it. I did bondo to cover the indents from the old logo mounting points, primer, paint, and clear coat. Next time I’m skipping the clear coat because apparently it’s not as resistant to chemicals. I also did the engine with high heat paint.

 

[BergyPatty37]

I got a quote and a shop wanted over $1k for one paint color for just the tank and 2 plastic side covers. So ima go rattle can route haha. Interesting Ive heard that the spray can clear coat does that with gasoline. Have you had issues with it? So you would just use a glossy paint and say good enough?
I ended up ordering this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/306666031284

 

[Nix400]

No issues, no chips, doesn’t easily scratch! Even with the clear coat if I wipe up gas spills immediately it’s fine (but I’m skipping it next time). Glossy is the most durable but I’m going satin this time hoping it holds up just as well. I like rustoleum 2x ultra cover. It goes on nice, do light coats. If you get any drips just let it dry and sand them out and put another coat on. Self etching primer from the same brand is good. I have had bad experiences mixing paint brands. Since I’ve had good luck with rustoleum 2x ultra cover I’m sticking with it, I wouldn’t use krylon, duplicolor is probably good but I’ve only done touchups on my old jeep with it. I also used the 2x on chrome parts of the bike and it’s been great.
That shield is nice! Looks like the exact same mounting brackets as the one I got.

 

[BergyPatty37]

That is good to know! I was going to go wit ha 2x ultra cover, but found this at the store and really liked the color Cobalt Blue and the metallic shine so I will give it a go:
https://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/stops-rust/metallic/sku/7251830

 

[Nix400]

That is good to know! I was going to go wit ha 2x ultra cover, but found this at the store and really liked the color Cobalt Blue and the metallic shine so I will give it a go:
https://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/stops-rust/metallic/sku/7251830

Nice! That was my bike’s original color. Post pics when you’re done!

 

[BergyPatty37]

I was really wanting to go green but decided to try blue. Worst case I can change it again HAHA.
Will do, currently filling the old XS400 Special logo holes, letting that cure. Might be done by this upcoming weekend, pending weather.

 

[BergyPatty37]

@Nix400 What did you do when painting the chrome fenders? Did you bring them down to bare metal or scuff them up good?
I really am impressed everytime I come back on here and look at your bike!

 

[Nix400]

Thank you!
I scuffed them up (I didn't remove the chrome down to bear metal) and used a rustoleum self etching primer. I made sure I removed any rust from the minor pitting.
Just a side note, for the underneath, which I didn't really have to do, I used a rust reformer and then painted that with some black spray paint. I don't know if it's held up but I'll find out this week!