Patman1776

After getting sprayed with small stones from a lawnmower last week, I acquired some new paint chips onmy OCLV 120 2005 Trek Pilot 5.2. The chips are not serious (I covered them with clear nail polish), but my thoughts are turning to the possibility of re-painting the frame in a year or two. I know that carbon frames need to be carefully hand-sanded in order to be re-painted, and I also know re-painting voids the warranty (in most cases). I'm just curious to read other rider's experiences with having a carbon frame re-painted. How expensive? Any problems with the frame after doing so? Etc.


2005 Trek Pilot 5.2
2005 Trek 7500FX Commuter

Patman1776

C'mon!! You mean to tell me nobody on this forum has ever had, or considered having, a carbon frame re-painted????......A lot of folks buy used bikes/frames (on E-Bay, Craigslist, etc.). I'm sure there's someone out there with some info.

DocRay

we throw out our carbon frames when we get a single stone chip...avoids CATASTROPHIC failure.

55/Rad

$300 and it turned out great.

biffstephens

I am considering getting a fork done....it is way worse than a few chips...lol

I bet it will be 100 bucks or so...

Patman1776

Where'd you get it done?.....It DOES look great!

55/Rad

Class Act Paint and Powder in Portland Oregon. You'll have to provide the graphics but if you are doing a Trek, I can help you with that. Job took about 3 weeks.

Patman1776

Excellent info. I'll definitely keep your shop in mind. I might consider having it done after the season is over.....I assume I could ship the frame out to them (I live in Connecticut), right?

55/Rad

Ship it to me and I'll run it over there and keep an eye on it for you.

Let me know.

Patriot

If you want a basic paint job like 55/Rad, then I'm certain there will be alot of custom auto painters in your area who would be able to do it for about the same price. Unless you want alot of taping and design work, a basic faded job like 55/Rad's Trek, is actually a pretty quick and easy process for getting a really nice finish. It would save an extra $60 or more on shipping too.

DrPete 

Doesn't Trek have some kind of repainting/refinishing deal available for their OCLV frames? I thought I saw that mentioned once or twice.

Ryleeryno

I heard their frame repaints aren't the best. Nothing like factory.

markbic

Calfee Design offers repaint and repair service. They woudl be able to tell if there are any serious defects in the carbon. https://www.calfeedesign.com/refinishpricing.htm

Patman1776

What type of issues did you hear of?.....Sloppy?.......lack of color/design choices?

Patman1776

I'll definitely consider it when I'm ready to get it done....Thanks for the offer.

Dalai

Are there limitations on the types of paints and clear coats that can be used on Carbon (i.e do you have to find a paint shop that works specifically with Carbon) ? Or can you use any reputable car paint shop?

I have an older Carbon Mongoose road frame I've been using as my Time trial frame, which is about to be retired from TT duty. I'm guessing it will be heavy (I will weigh it once I've stripped it down), but I like the internal cabling etc and know it's had limited miles over it's years as I didn't train much on it only raced. So would like to give it a freshen up and have therefore contemplated the respray option and then rebuild.

Rocke

55/Rad great looking bike, like your handle!

Calfee Pearl paints are the Bomb on Carbon.

Anything else... it might explode. (How do you powder coat Carbon?)

quanteleditor

If money isn't an object and coolness is everything, get GatorGlass.
https://www.gatorcustoms.net/

rollin

I think Trek's "factory" paint jobs aren't up to much. That is the only complaint I have with my OCLV.