Paint and cleaning tips / advise wanted

[eprovenzano]

I started doing my winter maintenance on my 2000 Katoom 300.  I pulled the swingarm, (bearings are in great shape), and knowing I need to replace the steering stem bearings, I decided to pull the engine and repaint the frame.  (No I can't afford powder coat, so a rattle can it will be).  The frame has been degreased, and cleaned, and I'll start sanding next weekend.  My plans are to paint the frame with high temp paint, (black) with several coats of clear.  The engine really needs a good scrubbing, it's got a lot of baked on grime, especially where the exhaust pipe covers part of the engine.  What is the forum’s advice to polish up the power plant a little? Also I plan to clean up the pipe to bring it back to some rate of shine.  I plan on using a scott bright and some WD 40 to revive the pipe.

I'm trying to do this cheap, a few pieces of sandpaper, a can of etched primer, a can of high temp paint, and a can of clear.  I plan on doing several coats of paint and clear.   Other than the steering stem bearing, the only other Item I need to replace is the chain rollers.   

I’m open to any and all suggestions…
I’m thinking high temp paint would be more durable than standard automotive paint.  I need recommendations to something to clean the engine, and suggestions to bring out the shine in the exhaust.

[ford832]

Autosol or any meguirs polishes work good on the exhaust.You won't get as durable a finish as KTM gets as their frames are powder coated.I'd forget the clear and go with a gloss or semigloss paint.A couple light coats of primer and a couple Light coats of paint until you get even coverage-don't expect (or try)the first coat to cover completely,the second or third will.If you put it on too heavy it will run and too many coats and it will want to chip off easier.Less is better-and more durable.Make sure you sand the entire frame with at least a 400 or finer sandpaper before you degrease otherwise the paint won't stick well.
Just reread-is your pipe raw metal or oem nickel plate?iF oem I'd just use metal polish and not the scotchbrite pad.
Block off the holes good and take your engine down to a body shop and get then to give it a quick glass beading.If there is a chemical that will does as well I'm not aware of it.
You can keep any engine(except Kawis) looking newish as long as you clean it well with simple green or the like after every ride but it seems if you let it go through a few heat cycles without washing the dirt becomes semi permanent.

[cnrcpla]

I am in the process of doing this exactly to my YZ. The best way I found to clean and shine the engine was to scrape (gently) the grime and oil from the parts that are bad, and then take an old facecloth or towel and get them damp and just scrub. Worked well for me. Good luck 

[TMKIWI]

A scotch pad and kerosen works well as a polisher on alloy or stainless/nickle.
Just need some elbow grease.

[scotty dog]

I found a wire brush goes good on engine cases, ones about the size of a tooth brush for the hard to get places.

[eprovenzano]

I thinking I may try some aluminum wheel cleaner on the engine.  (can't hurt)  I'm also looking at epoxy paint for the frame.  It is said to be harder then standard paint...  as we all know the frames get abused...  what sucks is I'm on the road and won't get a change to do anything until the weekend...  sitting here knowing my bike is in a million pieces waiting to be reborn is killing me...

[SachsGS]

I'd be careful with the engine as it is diecast and probably contains zinc.

As for the frame, automotive parts stores sell base coat/clear coat rattle cans and get a dark charcoal grey for your frame. I did my TM in this color and it looks better then the original. Something to bear in mind with powder coating is that this method can add a surprising amount of weight to a motorcycle.

[MyckMcClung]

If you use a wire brush on the motor, use a brass one, steel will score the crap out of it, aluminum wheel cleaner does work well.
Chrome polish, I use eagle one, will be your best bet on the pipe if it's plated, the Scotchbrite with scratch it to hell.
 Yes epoxy is tougher than spray enamel, but ceramic exhaust paint is tougher than epoxy.

[TMKIWI]

the Scotchbrite with scratch it to hell.
 

No it wont. If your pipe is a bit old aready and looking worse for wear , a scotch pad with kero will give it brushed stainless/satin look. You must only polish in 1 direction.

No I wouldn't do it with a new pipe.

[Coop]

Good luck man.

Like ford said several light coats are much better then 1-2 heavy coats when it comes to spray bombing.

I used some stuff from the dollar store called "Purple power" and ScotchBrite type pad on these cases:

[eprovenzano]

I used some stuff from the dollar store called "Purple power" and ScotchBrite type pad on these cases:

Thanks Coop I'll stop and pick up a bottle.  I won't get a chance to start sanding and prepping the frame.  I want to take out the steering stem bearing races 1st, and only replace the bottom stem bearing before I start dealing with the frame...  I thought I  get the stuff I know that will be a PIA done 1st...  Bearing will be here by the weekend.  And then let the rebuild / restore begin.

[ford832]

the Scotchbrite with scratch it to hell.
 

No it wont. If your pipe is a bit old aready and looking worse for wear , a scotch pad with kero will give it brushed stainless/satin look. You must only polish in 1 direction.

No I wouldn't do it with a new pipe.

You're too accustomed to working on your TM.A crude bike deserves crude treatment. 

[eprovenzano]

The frame has been degreased, cleaned, sanded and sprayed with two coats of primer, and 3 coats of high temp paint.  I was worried about getting the lower steering stem bearing off, but I followed some advise and cut the outer bearing with wire cutters to expose the bearing race.  I then was able to use a hammer and a punch to remove the bearing.

I hope to reassemble the triples and front end tomorrow.  I'll then begin cleaning the engine for reinstallation. 

[Coop]

Where's the pics man? 

[beaner]

I guess I'm a little late. Anything you can spray on the frame will get worn off where your boots rub on it.
I used spray on bed liner on my RM. Nice light textured matte black finish, and tough as hell. It looks really good.