72 paint powdercoat or leave as is

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everything is strip to the bare frame so whats next powdercoat paint or just touch up and leave it original. Does the data plate have to be removed to powdercoat, and where can you get original rivets. Part of me would like to keep it original which is part of the history of the bike. The other part wants to powdercoat to preserve the bike for the future.
 
If you Powdercoat the Cradle without properly masking it you will have trouble forever with things shifting around, Powdercoat is too thick! (check the Old Britts website for details).
Removing the data-plate is no sweat, hammer-drive screws are easily-available.

Vince
 
Steve,

Definately powder coat.

I restored a 1953 Golden Flash and took the advice of many on the BSA website, and two packed it, regret it to this day ( flaking paint wherever oil has been).

Am presently doing a 1970 Commando, all powder coated, looks as good as two pack and is a lot harder wearing.
 
I have done frames in both powder coating and 2-pack. The paint just does not hold up as well as the powder. If memory serves me correctly, the factory stove enameled the frames. Stove enameling makes for a pretty tough finish - much tougher than urethane paints. I just powder coated my '68 frame and it looks great.

As Vince said just make sure you are careful with the gearbox cradle.
 
a lot of people like powdercoat and a lot of people don't like it... read up on google advantages vs. disadvantages before you make up your mind
 
Powder done properly is very good indeed............but most powdercoaters cut corners to save money, so the main thing is to find someone able to the work to a high standard.
 
yes agree with above, but personally I am a fan of proper 2-pak. Properely applied it will not flake off, maybe you can scratch it but it can be simply touched up. Powder coat is nice in that you send it away and it comes back shiny, less hassle than painting yourself. But it is a bit thick and when it chips, big chunks come off, so touching is more obvious. Also not only the trans cradle, but every part that is bolted together, will loosen up when the coatig crushes, then a chunk comes off when the part is removed. Likes of front engine mounts to the frame connection etc. Paint properly etched primed is much less suseptible to this.

Cheers Richard
 
Thanks for all the suggestion, I guess no one thinks i should leave it as is and touch up the bare spots. What type of finish was original, gloss or satin finish. Thanks Steve
 
Just completed my 1973 750 restoration. (bought it new) and I did the Powder coating. IMHO one of the best decisions I made.
 
Just completed my 1973 750 restoration. (bought it new) and I did the Powder coating. IMHO one of the best decisions I made.

I'm sure it looks fantastic. I also have seen painted frames look fantastic when just completed. The real test is after a couple seasons of riding. That's when the quality of the preparation and application begins to show. Regardless of paint or powder.
 
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