Author: ian

The Jacksuns MCM pipes were made new just a couple of months ago. First they had a soak in the salt spray, then a few days outside. When the rust dried they were rubbed with dirty oil but for some reason they didn’t darken this time and were too light in colour (pic 1).

A light coat of VHT paint (pic 2) and then running the motor has darkened them nicely and gives the appearance of black pipes with surface rust on top rather than the other way round (pic 3).

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On other bikes I have chromed the pipes, taken a nail gun to them, used salt water to rust them and then polished back to a shine (see below). It’s a different finish but the same technique. It just takes a bit of practice and if it doesn’t come out right just clean it all up and start again.

Chrome cover, after a grit basting, then salted then oiled. A good polish will get it looking ‘old but looked after’.

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I have been asked about the paint finish on this 41. I’ve tried to make it look old but in a cared for way; same finish and colour as my OP46. It is not intended to look like a dirty patina’d rat bike.

First the paint is applied. This colour RAL3011 as per the 46. The bike had cellulose on previously so we used an isolator, then used a 2K black primer, then the colour. Rub down the topcoat through to the black primer just like the wear would occur on the bike. Remember to rub down as it would wear and not evenly all over.

Then polish to an as new finish and add the accessories. When the bike is fully assembled then the paint can be dulled down to suit. And some oil and dirt can be applied as required.

This is the OP finish on the 46 that we were using as a template.

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The 10F is making steady progress. Almost complete now, it’s been a few years since she first hit the bench.

Out in the cornfields testing the 9B earlier in the week. I have 60 psi compression but I think that is too low. It only converts to just over 30mph on the road and we need more than that.