Hi Everyone! I just bought this bike for my girl as a present and the colors are awful. I'm looking for suggestion on a scheme, and also has anyone tried spray painting componets? and how did they turn out! Please help!


Thanks,
Dave

Welcome to the forums, Dave! I won't be any help, as I actually like the color, and would recommend finding bar tape and a saddle to match.

Yeah there's no way I would spend money and time painting that. It looks good as is to me too and it's not worth the trouble. Clean it up, put a little money into bar tape and give it to her, I'm sure she'll love it.

I guess i was looking to get into a project maybe ill do one of those later! Suggestion on color for bar tape?

Cheers!

Also, as for cleaning. Any pro secrets i should know, i.e. cleaning up rust and the grease? and to give it a good shine?

White saddle, white tape, gentle wipe down with a mild cleaning solution. WD 40 works well for cleaning grease, not so much as actual lube. Wax with a decent car wax.

Girl friend will reward you.

Welcome to the forum, first of all. Now, the advice.

Son, you need to learn to "accessorize."
She will show you, eventually, but get it right on the bike, for bonus points.

White bar wrap, white saddle. The cost is not an issue. It's for her.
Rustoleum sells a good rust remover at Walmart in the Auto Body section.
Then a good wash with mild detergent, like dishwashing stuff.
Degreaser, one of several, citrus comes to mind.
WD40 and a good rag, hard rubbing, will remove a lot of stuff you thought were frame defects.
Then a decent car wax.

Once you get the colors close, then make sure the bike rides with as little effort as possible.
That includes shifting, braking, pedaling, etc. Make sure the ride is comfortable, so watch your tire pressure.
You want her to get on it, ride it, enjoy it, and not have to fight it in any way whatsoever.

Do not ask how I know this.

Thanks Roadrunner and Robbie! I will post results when finished!

don't use citrus cleaner on alloy i've been told

Don't use citrus full strength, or soak in it too long. WD 40 is a great degreaser, and does no harm. It's just not a lube.

Matching the color of the logo's on the bike usually works pretty good... so if they are silver, or white, then the handlebar tape, seat, cables, and tires could all go that way. Depends on what is needed for your refurb (or what your willing to replace to obtain a certain look). I would also suggest taking a look at yellow, but only if you could get yellows very close in color. Google Miami Vice Centurion Iron Man for inspiration.