72` engine paint dillema. Need help.

zman

Hello and thank for any help.
I`m trying to decide either black or aluminum paint for my engine.
Its a 72` I would have liked to restore to original but could not afford the paint so now it is bowtie black.
I need to paint the engine but i`m really having trouble sticking with a color.
I like both black and silver but I dont want to keep spraying the motor.
I need to find a pic of a 70-72` in black with a silver or black motor .
Thanks for your help.

Teebs · Full Member Joined: Aug 26, 2008 Posts: 255

I guess I'm confused as to why you would paint it. And when you say "paint the motor" What part(s) of it specifically?

A. If you go with silver you will have the same problem with dirt and grease... and you'll end up having to deal with peeling and discoloring etc on top of that.

Are you going to dismantle the engine and do it right? From the pic that bike looks damn good so far and you won't accomplish more by painting it than lots of elbow grease with rubbing/polishing compound, aluminum cleaner and aluminum polish do.

nudude53

Here ya go. Just the upper engine case and jugs are painted black.

xjwmx

I think the heads were originally black, at least sometimes. That would look cool on your bike.

www.amckayltd.com/rotor3.jpg

xjwmx

Painting the fins black would help cool them...John...???

zman

Thanks for the replies.
Thank you nudude53 for the pics.
I just think since its not stock anymore I have a perfect canvas to experiment with.
I would leave the covers polished but the jugs,cases,head are open for modification.
It`s funny sometimes painting simple things make a big difference to the eye. I`m wondering if a little more black may bring out the total bike better .
The aluminum cases ect. do not look as good in real life as the pics show.
I dont want to just start spraying without knowing.
thanks again.

Teebs · Full Member Joined: Aug 26, 2008 Posts: 255

Yeah, zman I wasn't suggesting not painting parts of the engine, but I'd definitely go with black, and nudude has the right idea. Painting certain areas is going to make it look sharp. Painting the whole thing will not look nearly as good. A look I particularly like is having all of the fins painted black, but polish the edges.

Ultimately though, when it comes to looks, go with what you like. I was really suggesting staying away from the silver, it will likely be more trouble than it's worth.

About one thing you're totally right; go crazy with it. Paint the engine purple if it's what you like and to hell with what other people think.

acetek · Full Member Joined: Feb 24, 2008 Posts: 68 Location: PNW

for the classic "Triumph" look, leave the heads silver and paint the cylinder jugs black

JeffM

+1 acetek... that is a great look. It would suit that bike well.

Here's head and jugs painted black with (somewhat) polished edges.

zman

Thanks for all the advice guys. I think the black jugs and head are the way to go.
Appreciate all the advice

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