elf 232

Are you able to part stuff out? I am looking to build a full rigid (possibly singlespeed) and get everything except the frame from a kitchen, but how does it work? I could just take an entire bike and remove the frame but im probably going to want different parts from different bikes. How does this work? Do they expect donations for bike parts going to juniors like myself?

elf 232

also does anyone know how well automotive paint works for bikes? does it scratch very easily?

scelia

...I have no idea what you are talking about above...Bike kitchens...


I know many higher end frame manufacturers use Urethane based paint on their frames. I know most US based automotive industry uses similar paints. It is expensive, and not much different than what you likely have already. I recommend powder coating. It's very durable, cost effective and looks very smooth. I stripped the paint off and went with powder coat on mine. I spend a total of $125 to get the frame stripped and powder coated.

xcracer13

You can't powder coat scandium frames....

elf 232

Hehe you arent going to find no scandium frames at a bike kitchen (its a community bike shop, they usually have do it yourself tools available, and bikes that have been donated or recycled.)

elf 232

yea, im looking closer to like 20 or 30 dollars

Im refering to touch up car paints you find in a can at any automotive shop.

scelia

You can...
Just have to invest in the right equipment/powders: Low-temperature-curable, solid polyurethane powder coating compositions

UV powder coat curing

scelia

Like I said, most painted bikes today use automotive PPG Catalyzed Urethane paints. This is the same as touch up paint. It is fairly durable and fade resistant. Not very scratch/chip resistant and requires many thin coats to look good and hold up. You would have to degrease/strip/prep the frame prior to priming, then you can paint it with several thin coats of paint. It does take some practice...

elf 232

resistant enough for a road or commuter bike?

dminor 

Is this where I get to ask why you want to spend money on good automotive paint for a castoff frame you've picked up at a 'bike kitchen?' Seems to me a project like that is more "decent-rattle-can" territory.

Cheeto

Anodize it.
Looks sweet.
get like a red-black fade.
loooks sick!

elf 232

If i can paint a bike kitchen frame for 20 bucks that aint bad. It should give me more options as well, i wont have to worry about paint job just weight and size. The frame probably wont be from there, i'll probably find something off ebay. Im looking for stuff like a wheelset, rigid fork, and handlebar/seatpost, type stuff. I have been checkin in our goodwill but they never have more than like 4 bikes at a time, and they're hardly worth the walk in.

xcracer13

MY friend to his to a local shop and they said it can't be powder coated.

scelia

That means they are not capable of dealing with it... I would take my business elsewhere.

elf 232

Simply learn from experience that if a shop says it cant be done, Translation = I dont know if it can be done but if it could we cant do it.

dminor 

. . . or even the more arrogant translation: If we can't do it, it must not be able to be done.