Found Nasty Suprise From Past Owner

So I decided on some bike time this afternoon to enjoy holiday time off and clean and buff my bike. After a good cleaning I was getting ready to start the buff process as I have a few light scatches here and there from the riding season. On the front of the bike there was what I thought were some bug buster stickers the same color as the bike next to the headlights, that on the one side had been damaged, so I figured I'd just pull them off and do without them. So I started pulling the one sticker off that had been damaged and found a very nasty surprise, these had been put on by the last owner to cover a nasty mistake.

[image: toy001.jpg]


So my question now is where can I find another sticker like the one that was there, I just didn't budget to repaint the bike this off season, maybe next year, but for the time being I'd just like to replace the sticker.

This is what the other side looks like with the undamaged sticker

[image: toy003.jpg]


If someone could lead me in the direction to get something similiar to what was there, I'd really appreciate it.

Gimmie a min.

wow, sorry to hear they lied to you. that being said, those are amazing matches. i cant wait to try one myself.

turtlecreek, Dec 26 2007, 04:02 PMwow, sorry to hear they lied to you. that being said, those are amazing matches. i cant wait to try one myself.

Yeah I have to admit it was a neat way of fixing a mistake, I actually thought the sticker was clear until I started pulling it off.

Rivcyko, Dec 26 2007, 04:51 PMGimmie a min.

Times up tongue.gif

Call the PO ask him where he got them. Obviously don't act pissed off about it, just tell him you need a new one.

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=37239
This will give you a base idea.

[image: toy001.jpg]

The best way to go about it is to try to layer your coats. As this is still a touch-up, it won't be perfect. It won't be easy. If you want easy, the best thing to do is see if the sticker you pulled off, can be matched by a local graphic shop.

Per the pic:

The purple area shows where you want to primer. The gray shows where you want base color. The green shows where you want clear. (The lines aren't exact). Try to get the edges of each layer, into a contour of the plastics. This will help minimize the touch-up's visability.

Tape to the purple area, sand with 600-800 grit wet-dry sandpaper. (Sand it wet). Wipe clean w/lint free cloth and splash of rubbing alcohol. Let dry. Primer. 2-3 coats. Let dry. remove masking. Wet sand with 800 grit wet-dry. "Blend", the edges smooth.

Re-mask to the gray area. 2-3 coats of base color. Let dry. Remove masking. Wet sand with 1,200 grit wet-dry. "Blend", the edges smooth.

Re-mask to the green area. 2-3 coats of clear color. Let dry. Remove masking. Wet sand with 1,200-1,500 grit wet-dry. "Blend", the edges smooth.

Polish with a quality paint compound, 1,200 +

Or you can put a sticker on it. ohmy.gif

slowf2337, Dec 26 2007, 04:48 PMCall the PO ask him where he got them. Obviously don't act pissed off about it, just tell him you need a new one.

Now why didn't I think of that, to easy, and I will do my best not to be an ass.

Rivcyko, Dec 26 2007, 04:53 PMhttp://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=37239
This will give you a base idea.

[image: toy001.jpg]

The best way to go about it is to try to layer your coats. As this is still a touch-up, it won't be perfect. It won't be easy. If you want easy, the best thing to do is see if the sticker you pulled off, can be matched by a local graphic shop.

Per the pic:

The purple area shows where you want to primer. The gray shows where you want base color. The green shows where you want clear. (The lines aren't exact). Try to get the edges of each layer, into a contour of the plastics. This will help minimize the touch-up's visability.

Tape to the purple area, sand with 600-800 grit wet-dry sandpaper. (Sand it wet). Wipe clean w/lint free cloth and splash of rubbing alcohol. Let dry. Primer. 2-3 coats. Let dry. remove masking. Wet sand with 800 grit wet-dry. "Blend", the edges smooth.

Re-mask to the gray area. 2-3 coats of base color. Let dry. Remove masking. Wet sand with 1,200 grit wet-dry. "Blend", the edges smooth.

Re-mask to the green area. 2-3 coats of clear color. Let dry. Remove masking. Wet sand with 1,200-1,500 grit wet-dry. "Blend", the edges smooth.

Polish with a quality paint compound, 1,200 +

Or you can put a sticker on it. ohmy.gif

I actually thought of doing this Trav and had looked at some of your prior posts on the subject, but I hope to find another sticker, but I may be forced to paint. Thanks Trav

You still have the one you took off, right? Most any vinyl graphics shops can hook you up.

If you want it painted to match let me know might cost some funds for shipping but the paint will match and work is cheap

Rivcyko, Dec 26 2007, 05:05 PMYou still have the one you took off, right? Most any vinyl graphics shops can hook you up.

Unfortunatly if came off in little pieces, I'll try finding a vinyl shop here that can do that type of work, or I'll just go back to your first idea, I redid the right panel last year and it turned out quite well, I just don't feel like painting this year.

radar, Dec 26 2007, 08:43 PM

Rivcyko, Dec 26 2007, 05:05 PMYou still have the one you took off, right? Most any vinyl graphics shops can hook you up.

Unfortunatly if came off in little pieces, I'll try finding a vinyl shop here that can do that type of work, or I'll just go back to your first idea, I redid the right panel last year and it turned out quite well, I just don't feel like painting this year.

Even a 1/2" piece will do.

Try a hobby shop that sells R/C airplanes and such. A well stocked shop will sell vinyl sheets in endless colors. Sheets are usually ~ 8" x 3'. One side is sticky and you should be able to find a pretty close color match. I used this on my old F3 after a mild low side and was able to find purple, yellow and black that blended nicely enough from 3 feet away. It can be a little tricky to use on curved surfaces but is cheaper than painting.