Vintage Offroad Engine Finish

[flyingfitz]

I am restoring a 1978 Suzuki DS100. I am unfamiliar with the satin black finish that is on the engine, lower fork legs and wheel hubs. Powdercoat, epoxy, enamel, and anodizing are all possibilities. The bike is not going to be a museum piece, but I would like it reasonably close to stock. Can anyone who has knowledge please respond?

Thanks

Fitz

[The_AirHawk]

It's likely a baked-enamel finish, hard to say without actually looking at it (in person). It is unlikely to be anodize finish - poor results on cast items, especially cast items from the '70s and '80s.

Is it a "wrinkle" finish? (i.e. textured) They have a paint that comes in both spraycans and tins, see Eastwood's website.

If you're aiming for "stock" - so long as you get the proper surface-texture, I don't think it really matters what type of paint/powder you use.

For durability, I'd go with Powdercoating if you've got the time and money.

[flyingfitz]

Thanks for the input. It is a satin finish. I have used powder in the past with great success. I plan on using the same black semi-gloss powder I used on an earlier project on the frame. I am concerned, however, about powdering the air cooled head.

How will powder hold up to the heat?

How will it effect the dissipation of heat?

The fins originally had a little finish shaved off the ends to give a highlighted look. I am not sure I am going to that degree of resto, but need the bike to perform well without overheating.

Anyone?

Fitz