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Hi, I'm readying my frame and other bits for powder coating, Triple'S do either Gloss or Satin, I am thinking of going Satin as Gloss can look a bit "over-restored", has anyone had a Satin frame done?
I'm open to opinions!

Simon

Gloss....it won't look "over-restored"

The thought of satin doesn't sound nice, I've only ever seen satin done once and it was more matt than satin. Looks good on the footrest hangers that it was done on but I dont think a compete frame would look good.

Gloss all the way, Triple S are expensive but do a good job. I think it will be about £120ish now there? The smaller places charge about £75.

I'm just waiting for my frame to be coated, It was going to be gloss black until I changed my mind in the shop!

So what did you go for?

Simon

I have had my 500 sport frame powder coated by Foremost Coatings and my 78 strada frame powder coated by Eltec, both are absolutely first class. Both businesses are run by first class blokes, both charged £200 in round figures which included all footrest irons, levers myriad of brackets headlamp shells etc.

Both were done in gloss black, both look the absolute business. I used to like the idea of red frames, but now that I have an '83 500 with the red frame I am not too sure!....basically I guess it's down to personal preference.

Before leaving the subject of coaters, Eliot of Eltec is very much a biker, and a passionate one at that, and as well as being able to pass on a wealth of knowledge on the subject is very much "in tune" to issues concerning motorcycle restoration rather than just "general coating" and can offer services including powder coating removal and enamelling(amongst others).

He recently enamel coated my '78 strada wheels in authentic morini silver(battleship grey) and they look "the business!!"

Triple S "did" my 500 sport wheels a few year ago but could not replicate the Morini gold (mustard) colour, nevertheless a first class job, but it cost exactly twice what Eltec did on the Strada wheels!(Don't tell Eliot that for Christ's sake!!!)

Consider that a bike's frame restoration demands a total strip down and rebuild requiring lots of £££ worth of parts, specialist services and your own time, you cannot afford to go back on it.

As for the satin finish, ............Why?, ....Best to leave it to the art Deco cast iron radiator restoration brigade (if there is one).

Believe me gloss (black) will do absolutely fine and if your tank and panels are a bit lacklustre they will still look absolutely fine, they can be taken off and re-painted anytime!

Had my Strada frame done in semi-gloss black. Looks just right IMHO. I think full gloss can look a bit plasticky sometimes.

Cliff

Thanks Stevie-h, I think I'll give Eltec a call, they are relatively near me (compared to 'up north'), so I could deliver myself. It always helps when someone has used, and is happy with the results of a supplier. There seem to be loads of powder coaters around but as you say a complete rebuild is expensive and I'd be really p***ed off for the frame to be badly handled.

Simon

Not a problem, set aside plenty of time to "talk Classic bike" when you go there, you will need it!!

I think I have been the first Morini customer so I guess I will be rememembered.

You are already someway along the well trodden road which is "Moto Morini" .

Cheers