Cleaning and repainting a radiator? - SV650.org

31-03-12, 02:38 PM

Hey all,

Removed the fairing etc to have a gander at the condition of the bike, and the radiator (although it works fine) is in a horrific cosmetic condition.

Is there a suitable method of cleaning it, stripping old paint and then repainting it?

Its the CBR600F (2002 onwards model).

Cheers

Bokki

Sid Squid · 31-03-12, 07:41 PM

Cleaning is the difficult part, if you take your rad to a place that reconditions them, they'll strip it with a rather nasty acid solution that is not practical to use at home. You could try some paint stripper and hosepipe.

Radiator paint is quite specific but not hard to find, try Frost Restoration or similar,

01-04-12, 01:25 AM

Would I need to repaint it, or could I just leave it as bare metal?
Cheers for the initial advice Sid

Sid Squid · 01-04-12, 10:03 AM

Depends on what it's made of. Most rads are a zincy material that is fairly corrosion resistant, stuck together with a solder that has a higher melting point than that which most of us are familiar with for electrical stuff, and is thus also quite resistant. My one fear would be that they are all relatively fragile, if it works and doesn't bother you I'd leave it alone. If it's too much to bear it might be worth finding a repairer and asking for quote to tidy it up, I can't see that being too dear.

01-04-12, 11:54 PM

You could paint the sides with a special metal undercoat first and the fit a radiator guard to pretty it up a bit.

31-03-12, 02:38 PM	#1
Springbokki Guest Posts: n/a	Cleaning and repainting a radiator? Hey all, Removed the fairing etc to have a gander at the condition of the bike, and the radiator (although it works fine) is in a horrific cosmetic condition. Is there a suitable method of cleaning it, stripping old paint and then repainting it? Its the CBR600F (2002 onwards model). Cheers Bokki

31-03-12, 07:41 PM	#2
Sid Squid No, I don't lend tools. Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Skunk Works, Nth London Posts: 8,680	Re: Cleaning and repainting a radiator? Cleaning is the difficult part, if you take your rad to a place that reconditions them, they'll strip it with a rather nasty acid solution that is not practical to use at home. You could try some paint stripper and hosepipe. Radiator paint is quite specific but not hard to find, try Frost Restoration or similar, __________________ If an SV650 has a flat tyre in the forest and no-one is there to blow it up, how long will it be 'til someone posts that the reg/rec is duff and the world will end unless a CBR unit is fitted? A little bit of knowledge = a dangerous thing. "a deathless anthem of nuclear-strength romantic angst"

01-04-12, 01:25 AM	#3
Springbokki Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Cleaning and repainting a radiator? Would I need to repaint it, or could I just leave it as bare metal? Cheers for the initial advice Sid

01-04-12, 10:03 AM	#4
Sid Squid No, I don't lend tools. Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Skunk Works, Nth London Posts: 8,680	Re: Cleaning and repainting a radiator? Depends on what it's made of. Most rads are a zincy material that is fairly corrosion resistant, stuck together with a solder that has a higher melting point than that which most of us are familiar with for electrical stuff, and is thus also quite resistant. My one fear would be that they are all relatively fragile, if it works and doesn't bother you I'd leave it alone. If it's too much to bear it might be worth finding a repairer and asking for quote to tidy it up, I can't see that being too dear. __________________ If an SV650 has a flat tyre in the forest and no-one is there to blow it up, how long will it be 'til someone posts that the reg/rec is duff and the world will end unless a CBR unit is fitted? A little bit of knowledge = a dangerous thing. "a deathless anthem of nuclear-strength romantic angst"

01-04-12, 11:54 PM	#5
monkey Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Cleaning and repainting a radiator? You could paint the sides with a special metal undercoat first and the fit a radiator guard to pretty it up a bit.

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