$1,100 - $1,500 Quote for Fenders & Air Filter Covers

Spargett · Post by **Spargett** » Thu Mar 05, 2009 6:23 am

So I took both fenders and air covers down to a recommended auto body and fender shop called Bertoluccis.

I was quoted between $1,100 - $1,500 to strip and paint the pieces. At which point I took my parts and left. I was told there's a "motorcycle guy" that paints parts, but he'd charge around twice as much. Am I crazy here? What's a ballpark reasonable price I can expect to pay based on your experience? I'd love to have some of the main pieces professionally painted, but if prices are anywhere near this high, I might just look into getting a paint gun.

P.S. I would also like to have the tank painted, but just for reference that wasn't part of the quote.

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kustommusic · Post by **kustommusic** » Fri Mar 06, 2009 5:44 pm

Sparget, Man, That sounds like alot to me. I guess paint is alot more than it used to be. I'd buy a HVLP touch up gun and do it myself! Kustommusic

Vince Lupo · Post by **Vince Lupo** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 7:12 am

To have my fenders, side panels and tank done -- including the custom hand-painted checkers on the fenders and the tank -- was $800.00, so I can't imagine why they'd be quoting that much money for pretty simple stuff (maybe California vs. Maryland prices?). Seems like $600.00 would be more like it, though I know that paint isn't cheap. Perhaps doing the small stuff is more trouble than it's worth for them, and to compensate they quote those kinds of prices? Or have you ever looked into powder coating to see how that might be? Or how about Earl Scheib???

Spargett · Post by **Spargett** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 3:41 pm

I contacted a few people on Craigslist, and the quotes ranged from $400-$600. The higher price point being someone who specializes in motorcycles.

I didn't think powder coating was an acceptable method for tanks/fenders. Isn't the result rather "crass"?

Vince Lupo wrote:Or have you ever looked into powder coating to see how that might be?

Vince Lupo · Post by **Vince Lupo** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 4:10 pm

I don't know, actually. The only experience I've had with powder coating is having my new headlight brackets done in black, and they turned out great (and it was $ 20.00 for both!). Plus, the finish is very durable and is very resistant to chipping. The place that I used here in Baltimore can do all sorts of colours and multiple layers with different finishes, and they looked pretty impressive to me. Mind you, they were just on small samples and not on something like a fender or a tank, so you may be right in terms of its potential 'effect' on a larger piece.

Spargett · Post by **Spargett** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 5:23 pm

So I have a few general questions regarding painting that I haven't really been able to find clear answers on my own.

1. Does anyone have any general experience painting over chrome?
2. If so, how long did you wait before you applied the layer of black paint?
3. How many layers of black paint and clear coat did you use?

As of now, I've been waiting for coat to cure up to a week like the instructions on the can recommend. Though a few paint shops I've contacted said they can have the parts back in 4 days. So it sounds to me like you might not have to wait so long. Sorry if the questions seem obvious.

Right now I have one session (2-4 layers) of black paint on my chain guard, and I'm wondering if I should just move on to clear coat now.

eyedragaknee · Post by **eyedragaknee** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 9:33 pm

$1000 depends on how much bodywork needs to be done. I personally think it is high and more in the $600 range but not much less for a really good job. More than that is a stretch.

Painting over chrome. Won't stick no matter what you use. Either blast or strip it first and start from there. Might look good, but it WILL come off.

Powder coating will stick to the chrome after blasting just fine. Powder coating needs to be put onto a metal surface that is smooth. Any bondo or filler will melt or gas out when you stick it in the oven. Liquid metal can be used as a filler but it is a pita and needs to be baked to work right.

You should phosphate coat the finished metal prior to powder coating for best results.

Powder coating is very difficult to touch up. It is basically like a plastic that melts and flows to cover the metal. Not exactly, but the same principle.

Powder coating is thick unlike paint that might be a few thousandth thick. Powder coating can be 10-20 thousandths thick and mating parts wil be affected. Plan accordingly.

Powder coating is pretty immune to fluids like gas and oils, unlike paints.

I'd say use it on brackets, frame,hubs,fork lowers, side covers,and little misc parts and paint the rest. Bengal silver is a good match for the Honda parts.

We powder coated a complete CA95 including the frame, fenders, and tank and it came out spectacular. It was a LOT of work!!!!!!!!!!!!

www.2wheelconnection.com if you want to see the silver color. under current projects.