Steve Whitlatch 

Well after a long fight with my first paint job, I have finished the project. I have learned a great deal from my mistakes and the fixes. I have painted the frame two times and the fork only took three tries to get it almost right but I no longer have time to try for perfection. The build is a parts bin mix that was thrown together out of necessity as I was without a bike after selling off my collection recently. I am happy with the results. Not bad for a rattle can. I plan to do some things over the winter. I am not sure if I will add decals or ride her stealth mode? I would like to get a nicer set of wheels, maybe tubular, but defiantly need new tires.

1981 Miyata 912:

nesteel 

Looks pretty darn good for a rattle can paint job/parts bin build up. Nice work. Bummer about the collection. Hope all is well.

Steve Whitlatch 

Thank you. I am going to survive. the worst is over, I just have to start over.

cs1

@Steve Whitlach what color is that? I really like it.

Steve Whitlatch 

I have the 600 Arabesque brakes and levers to match the crankset and derailleurs but the calipers won`t fit the frame and the levers have no hoods. From the reviews on Arabesque posted here I am probably better off with the Dura Ace, Dia Compe set up I am running. The combo is very good. It may end up having Suntour Cyclone derailleurs by Spring.

So far the bike rides very good. I have to weigh the bike but it feels like a 22 to 23 pound bike.

Steve Whitlatch 

Sienna Mist from Home Depot.

elmore leonard

Nice work. it looks like a fairly large bike too. Keep up the the good work.

Steve Whitlatch 

Thank you. Yes it is a bit large for me but still fits well. I usually ride a 60 cm frame. This is 62 cm. I can just stand over the top tube with a millimeter to spare. If I ever stop and my feet are in a divot , I will be in pain.

SteveP223

You should be happy with the results--it looks great! May this be the start of more good things to come!

cs1

did you use Rustoleum primer also? Their paint is readily available and reasonably priced. Hopefully it is durable.

Steve Whitlatch 

Yes I did use Rustoleum Primer and Clear Coat as well. Time will tell I guess? If I had a do over I would use a better clear coat though. My biggest problems came from the clear coating.

sloar 

Looks great, nice job!

eastbay71

Try using Eastwood's 2K Clear Coat next time. It's a bit more expensive but OH so worth it! I've used those Rustoleum cans before and really hated them. Neat design but mine all leaked out of the trigger getting paint all over me and dripping on my project. I've yet to find a rattle can I can really say I think works well yet after painting about a dozen bikes. I wish Eastwood made more colors.

Brewsmith 

Nice work on the lug lining also, did you use a paint pen?

Steve Whitlatch 

Not a paint pen. I wish i could take credit for that but my wife did the lining for me after I learned I am really really bad at it. She is a good artist so lining the lugs was pretty easy for her.

Steve Whitlatch 

Just got back from a 20 mile shakedown ride. Headset started acting up on me. I adjusted it just before i left because it felt to tight and was a bit too tight. It spun smooth again. 10 miles into the ride and it started hanging up again in the straight on position. Everything else held together. I may need a new headset.

Eric S.

Yeah, that's me on my 62cm Torpado. I have a few 58s and a 60, but couldn't pass up this frame on Craigslist for $50.

Steve Whitlatch 

Sweet deal. I have passed on so many sweet deals in a 62 cm frame. I may not any longer. Lots of deals to be had on big frames.

crank_addict

Looks terrific!

Good to know and will try the Eastwood clear.


I really like the 2X Rust-O-leum. For a rattlecan, it atomizes decent and ability to work angles and inverted. Speaking of experience from application to use on kids bikes, this stuff is durable. No primer needed. Nor do I bother to strip the orginal finish all the way raw. If the original paint is partially holding, leave it on. Just prep sand everything smooth to a final 320 grit. Attach an accessory trigger grip to the can. The 2X paint has excellent pigment.


The key to a good cure is TIME. One might be in a rush to build but if patient, let it alone for 90 days or whatever. Do a 'very' light 320 scuff for the clear to adhere. Then graphics, then clear. That last part on the Rust-O-leum clear is the tricky part, especially laying it down on tubing. I don't like the Rust-O product in clearcoat. I much prefer an HVLP spray with commercial brand two-part urethane, either PPG or even Gemini. But if not readily available or set-up, that Eastwood clear might be the easy solution.

eastbay71

The Eastwood 2K Clearcoat is a 2 part urethane. You have to press a button on the bottom of the can to mix the two parts then the can will last for about 24 hours before its no longer useable. Takes about 2-4 hours cure time before you can handle it including starting to install parts. I would die if I had to wait 90 days until the paint was ready to be handled.

due ruote 

Looks fantastic; congrats. Bet it rides nice too.

cs1

Eastwood just opened a store in Parma, OH. It is literally 10 minutes away. I agree they have some really nice paint.

crank_addict

That's even better- sold! For the budget minded, there's good options in rattlecans.

About the comment regarding 90 days, one could easily handle the fresh painted finish same day but if you give it time, the curing seems to be hardened. Still would need to lightly sand any flashing and for the clear to adhere.

BTW: I've used the Gemini 2 part urethane and where I could touch the surface within 15 min.. Amazing stuff. To achieve depth, need multiple sanding prep and re-coats.

Steve Whitlatch 

I will give Eastwood a try next time for sure.

tmh657

I have looked at getting this year 912 a couple of times. How is the ride?