NC35 Anyone repainted their original fairing?

[RizomaKat]

Hello,
I've done a few searches for threads but couldn't find one that described repainting original fairings. I have renovated my RVF400, and even done some Plaster repairs, but want the OE fairing to look much better. I have had a few quotes, circa £800 to restore tank and fairing panels, so I thought I would look into doing it myself.......

Has anyone repainted their original Honda fairing and then applied new decals? Is it a DIY job too far? If not any advice welcome.

I know to use heat to remove old decals and aim to order decals from Image Works. I have also found a plastic and acrylic restoration kit and wondered if this would be the way to go in sanding out stains, scratches and gouges in the panels: http://www.glasspolishshop.com/plastic- ... ration-kit

RS Paints keep RVF400RR colours: http://www.rsbikepaint.com/en-gb/colours.php and I would welcome advice on whether to use this supplier. I'm not even sure whether the panels are painted or not

Thanks in advance guys

[manicguitarist]

Buy a complete new fairing and tank cover? whentzsruled on here is selling an RR fairing for £150ish.

[RizomaKat]

Thanks for replying manicguitarist. I took a look at the sale you suggest and it is a decent option, though I'm a long way from the seller.

[manicguitarist]

Have a look at www.aliexpress.com - and search for RVF400 fairings... you can get a tank cover too...

[jonhunt]

I've used a rattle can on a NC23 fairing set. Results were ok. first time I've tried it. not up to a professional level. Its all in the preparation. Loads of videos on youtube

[RizomaKat]

Thanks jonhunt, I've had a look at several DIY painting vids. Not sure i could wield a rattle can with much consistency

[Drunkn Munky]

Honestly i think if you have to ask then just pay someone to do it

[jonhunt]

I think you will be surprised with the can wielding. Get a scrap panel and give it a go. Masking it up for the various colours is fiddly. Applying decals I found difficult again you need practice. If you want a top job pay a professional. £800 doesn't seem too bad. My NC23 was £550 bike, its the black/blue scheme & I did the lower & mid fairings. Paints not cheap. You may well put a £200 in paint, compound etc. and a lot of personal time if your doing the whole bike.

[Foxy400]

I'm in the process of repairing my NC35 after a lowside a few months ago. I had to buy clip-on, switch gear, foot peg, gear lever, clutch lever, mirror, indicators, clock case, end can, some brackets etc (some from this site - thanks chaps). Much of these parts were better than the ones on the bike before the off. I also replaced the brake lines because they were a bit mashed and leaking. I did all the work myself - ok, probably not a big deal but the first time for me. I had the upper rad re-cored & welded by a company in Wolverhampton. I refitted it, flushed the system and made it water-tight (again, a first for me). The tank was repaired, painted (including the air-duct/front tank thing) and decals fitted by a local semi-retired bodywork guy. Charged me £200.
That left the bodywork. Only 2 panels were undamaged (the headlight fairing was in a dozen pieces!). I was quoted £500 + paint + decals by the bodywork guy, so I was looking at around £800. Now this guy is good but is he that good? I didn't know and couldn't justify £800 to find out. I couldn't bring myself to go for the Chinese option. In some weird/mad/stupid way I felt the bike deserved better..so I went for the TYGA gear. I didn't need their tank cover(s) and happen to 'know somebody', so got it for significantly less than £800, although as it hasn't arrived yet I can't comment on the quality.
Subsequently a mate of mine, who paints tanks, helmets and does other arty stuff, so has all the gear, offered to have a go at sorting the bodywork, except for the decals. So far he has done an extremely good job. The repairs are invisible from the outside and the paint match is almost perfect. He is still working on the shattered headlight fairing! What did he want for this? £250! That's what mates are for.
So I now have a bike that runs perfectly, a set of TYGA bodywork (eventually) and well repaired original panels (except for that headlight fairing atm). I've contacted Imageworks and they will supply and fit decals where necessary (some of the originals were saved) for around £75. If anyone's interested I'll let you know how that turns out.
I have no idea what this has cost me in total and don't want to know. I realise I'm unlikely to recoup the money if I sell it tomorrow but if I keep it for another 5 years who knows?
Some people would have broken the bike and sold off the parts. It crossed my mind of course but once I'd started this 'get it back on the road' challenge I wanted to finish it. And (just about) have.

[RizomaKat]

I really appreciate your input, Foxy400. Like you, I have undertaken all the work on my bike. All that's needed is a Haynes manual and a few specialised tools. Best part was fitting a new Nitron shock as it was fun to do and transformed the handling. I have considered Tyga fairings but they sell for more than the cost of restoring the originals. I prefer the original look, so am keeping her that way. Seems you have very good networking skills, to get such amazing deals. Impressive. I've just removed the subframe and rear fender and trust myself to waft rattle can paint all over that jonhunt. If that goes well, I might, just might, have a go at the fairing panels. After I've stripped the rear hub and swingarm bearings that is Who knew bike maintenance could be so engrossing. Glad to hear that £800 is a fair price.