[SirReal187]

I am wondering has anyone painted their 1st gen gauges black to get rid of the chrome look?

If so what's the best way to accomplish this, type of paint etc?

 

[ASCSurveyor]

You're talking about the guage housing, right? Not that actuall guages?

If that's the case, simply rough up the surface a bit with 400 grit paper, throw on a coat of primer, then a coat of black (gloss or matte... your choice). Be sure to use the same brand/type of paint, otherwise, it will have trouble bonding.

I would suggest Dupli-color paint from Autozone/Advance. Works well and inexpensive.

 

[Nexus242]

Clean it, paint it.

 

[snatfinder]

paint the cover

 

[orangegilly]

^^^

What they said. Lots of us have done it.

 

[SirReal187]

You're talking about the guage housing, right? Not that actuall guages?

If that's the case, simply rough up the surface a bit with 400 grit paper, throw on a coat of primer, then a coat of black (gloss or matte... your choice). Be sure to use the same brand/type of paint, otherwise, it will have trouble bonding.

I would suggest Dupli-color paint from Autozone/Advance. Works well and inexpensive.

Yea I was referring to the housing...

Thanks for all the info gives me something to do before the start of the season...

 

[Nexus242]

Yea I was refering to the housing...

Thanks for all the info gives me something to do before the start of the season...

dood that is like a 1 hr project at best. 4 coats 10mins apart and you're done. you should also throw in there the chrome trim ring around the headlight, heel plates and passenger pegs too.

 

[SirReal187]

dood that is like a 1 hr project at best. 4 coats 10mins apart and you're done. you should also throw in there the chrome trim ring around the headlight, heel plates and passenger pegs too.

I got aztec duals in black so lights are good.

Nex I dig your bike with the black and yellow I might just have to use some of your ideas with mine.

I got a red I think black and red look pretty sick. I never painted anything I might have to take my time so I don't F up the parts I do decide to paint...

 

[Mr2GQ]

You're talking about the guage housing, right? Not that actuall guages?

If that's the case, simply rough up the surface a bit with 400 grit paper, throw on a coat of primer, then a coat of black (gloss or matte... your choice). Be sure to use the same brand/type of paint, otherwise, it will have trouble bonding.

I would suggest Dupli-color paint from Autozone/Advance. Works well and inexpensive.

+1

Great advice. Post pics!

 

[talusbomb]

I have Aztec 8 dual lights and put a couple of scratches in the paint when I was farting about getting them mounted right........ so I painted mine with black truck bed liner.
About $11 for a big spray can from Napa.
Came out looking good and I'm sure it'll be durable.
I did my top triple with it too.

 

[eteach01]

Bugs are easier to clean off of the chrome...

 

[ASCSurveyor]

To get bugs off, take a wet paper towel, put a couple drops of dish detergent on it (the stuff that says "grease fighting" works best) and rub it around a bit, so you have good coverage on the wet towel. Then, lay the towel on the surface that has bugs on it. Wait about 10 minutes, and they wipe right off. :thumbsup: It's non-abrasive, and won't scratch the surface.

This works for shields, lights, fenders, tanks, and I've even used this method to clean my stove top... just wait longer and use more paper towels.

 

[snatfinder]

You have bugs on your stove top? gross.

 

[Nexus242]

Bugs are easier to clean off of the chrome...

Don't worry about that, I'm the only one on this site who actually washes their SV on a regular monthly basis. Most wait for a ride in the rain and call it clean.

 

[ASCSurveyor]

You have bugs on your stove top? gross.

Cheaper than steak, and just as much protien. :thumbsup:

 

[SirReal187]

I have Aztec 8 dual lights and put a couple of scratches in the paint when I was farting about getting them mounted right........ so I painted mine with black truck bed liner.
About $11 for a big spray can from Napa.
Came out looking good and I'm sure it'll be durable.
I did my top triple with it too.

Is the truck bed liner better then paint?

 

[doxiedog]

Rain=clean?

 

[twinsRin]

Rain=clean?

thats how i clean my bike!

 

[SirReal187]

Painted them...

I did a bunch of other crap too here's the thread...

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=96505