| Author | Message | ||
     Luisemilio25r |
Hey guys wanted to know if any of you have any experience with this coatings? I ask because I'm planning to have my frame re coated with a different color on the outside of it and I want a coat of ceramic on the inside part of it(the part that faces the engine). Now my concern is the curing temps for this coatings and the special finish the frame/gas tank has inside (where gasoline is stored). The operating temps of the frame are pretty high hence my interest for the ceramic coat on the inside so I assume it should be ok. I would appreciate your opinion on this matter knowing that there is a lot of knowledgeable people in this fine forum  . Thanks in advance! | ||
| Luisemilio25r |
One other thing, I was quoted 275.00 dlls for powder coating the frame, another 40.00 for the swingarm and 65.00 for each wheel for a total of 445.00 for a complete change of color. The said they media blast all parts before coating them. I think is pretty reasonable. Please chime in guys! | ||
| Dannybuell |
I would ceramic coat the frame on all outer surfaces. They can color the ceramic coating to what ever you want. | ||
| Luisemilio25r |
Well i am not familiar with ceramic coating but, is it not easily chipped? The idea is to have the exposed part of the frame powder coated 'cause is a pretty tough finish and then ceramic coat the inside for thermal protection. Am i wrong thinking the ceramic coatings are fragile? | ||
| Oldog |
check on the cure temps for ceramic, you may find that they are excessive for aluminum | ||
| Xbud |
They ceramic coat aluminum exhasuts all the time. | ||
| Zacks |
I've had ceramic coatings put on 4 different bikes (2 Jap, 2 Buell) on the exhausts. haven't seen a chip yet. For temps, a quick google shows that the ceramic is baked at 650F. I'd more worry about the inside coating of the frame at that temp than the aluminum itself. Melting temps of pure aluminum is 1220F. Ceramics are limited on colors compared to powder and are usually a dull finish unless using the various 'chrome' colors available. Powder cures at around 400F and once cured won't remelt, but can be burned off which is why it's not used on exhausts. Yes, everything has to be media blasted to give the powder something to grip to. If you look at JetHot's website they mention that they phosphate bathe everything before to remove all oils. Again, I'd be worried that they treat the inside of the frame correctly. I'd be interested if the frames are powdered before the inside is coated. That would tell you something there about temps and what will work for recoating. | ||
| Luisemilio25r |
Who could confirm the kind of material used inside the frame (gas tank) maybe Erik Buell Racing racing? Could it be filled with some kind of coolant while is in the kilt for the ceramic or powder to cure? | ||
| Blk09r |
How about this stuff for the inside facing surfaces of the frame? http://www.lizardskin.com/pages/ceramic.php | ||
| Dannybuell |
In 1998(?) there was a swingarm recall on my 96S1. I asked LatusHD if they would let me take the swingarm for ceramic coating. They said yes and the swingarm is fine to this day. With 96Kmi I have wiped up after that bike with 90+ oil changes. The usual aggregation of grit and oil on the swingarm wipes up easy. The ceramic shows no signs of wear. Ceramic on all outer surfaces completely insulates the gas tank. The outside of the frame is exposed to the headers, engine heat, radiator heat. People complain about it burning their legs. I have to pull my knees/legs away when the frame gets hot. Ceramic would also keeps the knees/legs happy. Do the same to the headers inside and outside. A friend has ceramic pipes on a very large and modified BT. After a 1.5 hour long 70+ mph ride we arrived at our destination and within 10 minutes he grabbed his header up by the cylinder head and smiled. I grabbed his header in the same place, it wasn't even warm. Lizard Skins -Is this as robust as Kiln dried? | ||
| Zacks |
Luis, filling it with a coolant wouldn't work. Frame has to be at temp for either the ceramic or powder to flow. 3 gallons of coolant would act the same as a large heat sink and only make it take longer to get to temp. In the end, it'd all be the same temp anyway. | ||
| Luisemilio25r |
It makes sense Zacks thanks. Well the shop guy told me that they have done buell frames/fuel tanks before and said there were no issues. How about the pricing? Do you think is fair? 275 the frame, 65 each wheel and 40 the swingarm. | ||
| Boogiman1981 |
well it wouldn't be completely insulated as there are fasteners that go between the engine and frame it certainly would help cut it down thats for sure esp if you went ahead and got the headers done inside and out at the same time. here's what i wonder. can you do the powder coat over the ceramic? i personally like the blue but would love the ceramic | ||
| Dannybuell |
Colors are OK! http://www.zircotec.com/page/-_performance_colours /47 | ||
| Boogiman1981 |
i am still curious if powder coat of the original 08 diamond blue can be applied over the ceramic. that is a pretty wide range of colors on that link danny. thanks | ||
| Luisemilio25r |
So what do you guys thing about the price the quoted me for coating the frame, rims and swingarm? | ||
| Hammer71 |
Price is spot on but why ceramic the inside of frame. Regular powder will not be an issue. Exhausts can be powdered its the headers that need ceramic. | ||
| Luisemilio25r |
Hammer, my reasoning is that the ceramic coat should help with the heat problem. My guess is it would help the gas boiling issue. Don't you think? | ||
| Vactor |
i noticed a reduction in felt frame heat when i put on just a ceramic coated heat shield that i got from American Sport Bike, compared to the stock one in similar 90+ temps in stop and go on the same stretch of highway. no longer too hot to touch, still hot, but definitely cooler. it's the heatshield that sits right below the frame on the right side, ... | ||
| Chopped_burban |
You're going to have to post back up with some results if you get this done. Your logic seems sound and I think you may be on to something. | ||
| Hammer71 |
Ceramic is typically done on the headers to keep the heat in for flow purposes not shield it. Thats my reason for asking, Techline has a thermal dispersant coating that may work for you but cost go up with that. looks as if Vactor has a cheaper solution for you. Also youre talking ceramic on one side of frame and powder on the other (not a common procedure in the coating industry) so make sure youre clear with the shop about it because the pricing doesnt seem right for the ceramic and powder on the frame. | ||
| Cowboytutt |
Danny, thanks for the link as well. I was looking for a copper color for the factory head-pipes that looks similar to stock. -Tutt | ||
| Anakist |
Powder on the stock exhaust can melts and burns off. And on the heat shield on the rear header. I want to ceramic the stock can. Saw a picture of it on here and it is awesome. James | ||
| Hammer71 |
Powder correctly done on exhaust can will not melt off. Have mine for 11000 miles and still looks like glass. Correct prep application and cure time is critical. I'll post pics later The header would need ceramic | ||
| Luisemilio25r |
Update: today I striped the frame from all the hardware (fuel pump, some nuts, bushings from the enngine mounts, fuel gas cap base, etc) did not remove the neck bearings yet because I don't have the tool for that. The frame weights 22 pounds. Extremely light!. Amazing how that thing holds everything together and also serves as a fuel tank! That is genious! |
