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View Full Version : Saddlebag Refinishing


tricyclerob
10-12-2006, 09:13 PM
Hi all, Thought I would pass along some info that worked very well on my bags. Bought a used K75RT, and it appeared one of the bags, not the lid, had been damaged and replaced at some point. The replacement did not match the other bag and lid, which were in good shape. It appeared much older, had some scratches, and the black plastic was very sun faded, aged looking. I had recently painted the stock fender flares on my son's jeep cherokee and they turned out very nice looking, like new. It's been 7-8 months since they were painted and they still looked good. I used "Dupli-Color", "bumper coating", in a rattle can. Just did the same to the bag and same result, looks like new. With a quick coat of protectant on the other bag to "darken" it a little and the match is just about perfect. As bags are many times wiped off w/armour-all, etc, I think the most important thing is the bags are very clean. I sanded lightly[mostly for the scratches] then scrubbed very well w/a brush and detergent. Followed up with 2-3 real good wipe downs with lacquer thinner. Didn't get any fisheyes so I guess it was clean enough. This product goes on real well, seems to almost spray easier than reg.spray paint. As always, 2 or 3 light coats allowed to flash off for a moment or two seem to work best. Don't be alarmed if it looks way too shiney black at first, overnight it dries to a nice flat sheen. I did drill out the pop rivets and remove the locks and handles but I guess they could be taped off. It looks so good , I may take the other bag apart and paint that as well. I'm sure the lids could be painted with equally good results. Hope this helps to "dress-up" some dingy bags. If this is common knowledge, forgive the long dissertation. rj

byker
10-13-2006, 11:51 AM
Over the winter months, I am going to do my bags as well. The lids are colour matched, but the bags themselves look tired. Thanks for your input.

MagicMaker
10-13-2006, 10:45 PM
Hey, thanks. A month or so ago I picked up a 95 K1100LT 46K miles and all service records on a 'barn find' along with some very substantial 'other goodies' (Cycle-Kamp trailer, fully loaded, etc) In my ignorance while washing out the multi years of 'funk' on the back 'trunk bag' I was very successful at bonking up the side via the driveway, yea, drag.

I have had a lot of experience with finishing and refinishing but you saved me the research time with a good recomendation to boot. Thanks!

I'm thinking about refinishing the side of the bags, trunk, and Cycle-Kamp trailer to match with traditional automotive finishes. What I first thought was a little 'out there' now looks like it could be pretty cool.