Clear Coating Parts

[samootin]

Hi all,

I've decided to rebuild my RE5 as close as possible to the original, which means that I"ve decided to clear coat the wheels and engine as per the factory.  I've managed to get some KBS clear coat which I've use before on my Z1300 and it works really well and it's durable.  However I've lost track as to what was clear coated as I've polished all the bits now ready for painting.  So I'm seeking some help to help my memory loss as to what needs to be clear coated.  From memory the following needs clear coat:-

1. Wheel rims and hubs.  I know the centre of the hubs were rough casting but was that area also clear coated?
2. Front Folks
3. All engine cases on the left including the chain and sprocket cover
4. The huge right hand side engine case

Is there anything else that I may missed?

Is there anyone out there that's got an original unrestored bike that could have a look for me?

Thanks in advance guys.

Mike

[wayne]

Everything I say below was clear coated comes from either owning original unrestored parts or owning NOS parts. If I'm not sure, I say so:

1: Wheel rims are clear coated, I strongly suspect the hubs were as well, at least on the polished sections, but can't confirm.

2: Front forks (lower legs) were clear coated.

3: At least the alternator cover, sump cover, air inlet horn,sprocket cover and clutch release (adjusting) cover. The counterweight cover (between alternator and sump and engine)I'm confused about. They were not polished, they seemed to have a natural flat aluminium finish from the factory but I've seen what appear to be slightly different finishes on different bikes. Perhaps some of our more anally retentive members can help. Similarly, the timing inspection cap, not polished, not 100% sure about coating though.

4: The huge right side casing (clutch cover) was clear coated as was the points housing, waterpump cover and the gooseneck.

5: Metering pump cover was probably clear coated but can't confirm. If they were polished, which I'm pretty sure they were, then near certain they'd be clear coated. EDIT: looking at the new bike in this post, I'd say the metering pump is both polished and clear coated for sure.

re5rotary.proboards.com/thread/2498/new-re5-reference-photos

6: The trochoid pump case (right side between oil filter and clutch cover. Another mystery one for me. Appeared to be a flat aluminium finish with no polish but have heard differing opinions.

7: Rear wheel drum brake cover (called a "panel" in the parts book, item 5 on page 62-1 in the genuine parts book).

8: Rear wheel "Drum", left side of rear wheel between sprocket and wheel hub.

9: Instrument can on the M......will get back to you. I'll have to go look. Don't think so.

If you have a look at that uncrated new bike, you'll see that the whole factory polish and clear coat is nowhere near a mirror polish nor perfectly clear overcoat. The reflection you get from the casings is very hazy. I've removed clear coat from RE5 engine casings using stripper chemicals rather than mechanical polishing and the original factory level of polish is a long way from mirror. It's pretty dull and absolutely ANYWHERE they didn't need to polish, they didn't. For example, the bottom face of the alternator cover or the channel formed on the clutch cover between the rounded clutch cover casting and the waterpump cover.

There's a really nice A that's as close to original as I've ever seen. All the engine cases are NOS, not restored. Everything else is original unrestored. It's in the Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum in Tamworth

[timpa136]

I also seem to remember that the earliest production bikes may have had a slight tint appearance to the clear coatings where as the later production cases appeared brighter. Great description Wayne.
little touches like the chromed bolts attaching the Radiator crash guard was a nice touch too.

[jm0406]

I use a multi-meter to check the resistance across the face of a part. If it is coated, it will not conduct electricity. If you are in doubt as to if a part has a coating.
Jeff

[wayne]

Thanks Tim.

Multimeter's a great idea Jeff and on the subject of one of your other recent posts, I'd give $$$$ to see THAT photo.

Anyone ever see a painted counterweight or trochoid pump cover on an original bike ? Or was the former just unpolished aluminium. Sometimes the latter looks almost anodised but I'm not sure it is.

[re5rotary]

yep I have seen painted on quite a few bikes including mine which was unrestored when I bought it many years ago regards Terry

[samootin]

My Trochoid pump was just plain casting no paint or clear coat.