Hi All, I am wondering how easy (or not) it is to remove the exhaust from the Across? I want to repaint mine as the paint has faded etc and a shiny exhaust would make the bike look a bundle load better. Any tips? Pok
The whole thing has to come off from the engine. I havnt done it myself but apparently its a huge pain in the ass.
It's very time consuming but I wouldn't consider it 'difficult'. I helped a mate do an across once, boy was that (not) fun. Here's the basic process: 1. Remove pipes 2. Polish off all the existing paint from the pipes. I suggest using a wire brush attachment on a grinder and a stainless steel polishing disk. Don't use a grinding disk Also have some very fine sandpaper handy. 3. Clean up the pipes with something like brake fluid or carby cleaner to remove all residual oils etc. 4. Find a nice place to paint and grab some 'heat-proof' paint of your desired colour and follow directions to spread an even couple of coats on. Depending on the paint you may or may not need primer. 5. You'll probably need to cure the paint on top of just "letting it dry" which I think is typical of the type of paint you need for this. Either find someone with a big enough oven or put the pipes on the bike and idle for a while. 15 mins or so, let it cool, then another 15 mins or so is probably enough. You may choose to do longer than that, up to you. Have fun. I suggest a good movie and a tarp so you have some sort of entertainment while you do this
Removing the exhaust is not too difficult provided you have the correct tools to facilitate removal. I have found the T-bar brilliant as it offers plenty of leverage. Patience is also very helpful as it tight around all those pipes, Japans revenge on the world I spray all the bolts with wd40 to gain a little assistance. Then I would follow Stu's painting formula. The clothes line works a treat, hanging gives you good access to all the nooks within the exhaust, take your time and on a warm sunny day I can get 3 to 4 coats on, certainly looks great when you are finished, good luck
I used 'CLR' from Aldi's and those dark-green scotchbrite cleaning scourers from Aldi's to remove all the surface rust and grime. Then used a scotchbrite and turps or metho, can't remember which. Then painted it with black heat resistant paint from Supercheap. It's easier if you remove the radiator so you can access the bolts easier.