Engine Color

[mcgovern61]

While I have the '83 engine out to fix the center stand, I decided to paint half of the '81 engine block Duplicolor Iron to see how it looks on the bike. Here are some comparison pics. I know that color and other changes are a matter of personal preference, but I would like some honest opinions (good or bad) about the difference in the color. Please feel to comment! :beg:

 

[mcgovern61]

Mind you, there will be more chrome visible with the exhaust, radiator shroud and case savers back on. Plus the valve covers still need the black filled in on the "1100".

More pics:

 

[Steve83]

Hmmmmm...tough call...I like it, but I also like silver, polished aluminum, and chrome! They both look good against the black frame and plastic. Scrolling back and forth between the two...I actually think I prefer the iron look! I'm surprised!

 

[dan filipi]

Tough call Gerry. I like them both but seeing as the intake tubes and carbs are a different color, I'd vote against the iron look.

 

[mcgovern61]

I added the exhaust, radiator shroud and case savers for a better look to see if that changes anything. The carb intakes are going to be polished. I used the paint stripper on them today, just didn't have time to polish them.

Comparison:

 

[slabghost]

I'm a bit tired of the aluminum look. I'd go for the iron myself.

 

[mcgovern61]

Lets try it with the aftermarket chrome valve cover and OEM black spark plug wires:

Comparison:

 

[dan filipi]

That contrasting color is kind of growing on me.
It does look good together with the pin striping.

 

[mcgovern61]

I have new tank emblems in a package that will really stand out when I install them. I am waiting on the complete repainting of the bike back to OEM Cosmos Black Metallic next year. I will also be installing OEM decals at that time which are much better than Pep Gurls pin stripes!

 

[joedrum]

looks really good gerry .. it reminds of my 1100 standard before the tree hammered it

 

[mcgovern61]

One more PIC! This is to show that this engine is getting the best gas mileage of any bike here! As a matter of fact, it uses no gas at all!! :smilie_happy: arty:

 

[mcgovern61]

That is about all I can do for now. Tomorrow I leave for another sea trial in the Gulf of Mexico for 4 days. That will give me some time to walk away and think about it some more.

I do know this, I really don't like those aftermarket chrome valve covers! :whip: :swoon:

I have to get black paint under the "1100" on the OEM covers and polish the carb intakes; I really think that will make a difference.

 

[brianinpa]

I think that if you were to carry that color onto the timing and valve covers it would help offset the stark contrast to the aluminum of the carb runners.

 

[Steve83]

Go with the clear - like the right side! I love the look! Oh, and you might need to adjust the shift lever a bit... :hihihi:

Seriously, I'm with you on the aftermarket valve covers. I really like the OEM polished aluminum 1100 covers with the black surrounding the "GL" and "1100". With new paint, decals, and emblems, she's gonna look awesome!!!

 

[mcgovern61]

brianinpa » Sat May 17, 2014 9:06 pm[/url]":3g64xe7s]
I think that if you were to carry that color onto the timing and valve covers it would help offset the stark contrast to the aluminum of the carb runners.

It was my intent to take the valve covers from the running engine (which were the original '82 valve covers that came with the bike) and paint them Iron leaving the "GL 1100" polished and the black under. Before I can do that, they need a serious sanding because they are scuffed real bad from my wire wheel to clean them up for use last year.

 

[mcgovern61]

Steve83 » Sat May 17, 2014 9:13 pm[/url]":g3d6eieq]
Seriously, I'm with you on the aftermarket valve covers. I really like the OEM polished aluminum 1100 covers with the black surrounding the "GL" and "1100". With new paint, decals, and emblems, she's gonna look awesome!!!

I agree. When I get back, I am going to polish the carb intakes and paint the black. The great thing about a mock-up engine......no harm, no foul with trying all of this out! (Plus, it makes a great work bench for sanding and polishing the parts right in place!) :Egyptian:

 

[brianinpa]

mcgovern61 » Sat May 17, 2014 9:18 pm[/url]":mf34uyrq]

brianinpa » Sat May 17, 2014 9:06 pm[/url]":mf34uyrq]
I think that if you were to carry that color onto the timing and valve covers it would help offset the stark contrast to the aluminum of the carb runners.

It was my intent to take the valve covers from the running engine (which were the original '82 valve covers that came with the bike) and paint them Iron leaving the "GL 1100" polished and the black under. Before I can do that, they need a serious sanding because they are scuffed real bad from my wire wheel to clean them up for use last year.

Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt and I had the sore hands/fingers for days from all that sanding.

 

[mcgovern61]

THE VERDICT IS IN!

I checked with my girls since they put so much hard work into the original restoration and they like the new color! :yahoo:

However, they have a few conditions.... :head bang:


I have to clean up and polish the carb intakes AND the fork tubes, paint the springs on the radiator hoses to make them look new and paint the black on the GL 1100 on the valve covers (which , of course I was going to do anyway.)

My Wife is back from taking care of my Chief Goldwing mechanic (umm Middle Daughter) who just had her gall bladder out last week down in Florida. My Wife looked it all over and agrees that it works as long as I don't put the Vetter faring back on. She really likes the open engine and handlebar look and really doesn't like farings. Clear windshield is OK, but no more "Batgirl" (as she likes to call it) faring on the bike. (I wasn't sure if my feelings were hurt or not?? :hihihi: ) :yahoo:

 

[Steve83]

It's gonna look real sharp!

 

[Ansimp]

Only if you are Robin :smilie_happy: