Author Topic: Am I ashamed of my B4? (Read 4143 times)

bonobandit4 · « **on:** April 10, 2007, 02:56:25 PM »

No! But I am however sick of the graphics on the seat cowl. Any suggestions for buffing them off? Solvent? Is there a clear coat?

Wow, it's been a long time. It's nice to be back!

bonobandit4 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 10, 2007, 03:03:34 PM »

My "joined" date shows Mar of '06... is that right? I've still got email from Bao back in '03. Was I lurking for that long?

interfuse · « **Reply #2 on:** April 10, 2007, 03:34:40 PM »

If I remeber correctly... (that's a pretty big IF nowadays). The board crashed a while back and everyone had to renew.

PitterB4 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 10, 2007, 04:11:26 PM »

Everyone had to sign up here when we initially moved from EZboard back in... '04, I think. Then Mike is right, we had a crash in March 05 that forced everyone to re-register.

erict716 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 10, 2007, 04:18:35 PM »

Im glad this post got completely off track

bonobandit4 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 10, 2007, 04:37:58 PM »

Quote from: "erict716"

Im glad this post got completely off track

No worries. I'll find a way. I just wanted to get something up since it's been so long.

To do list;
1. POR 15 in gas tank
2. replace manifold gasket
3. reassemble
4. PRAY

This is work from 06 that I never finished. Some of you may remember this. I miss my GSF!

Red01 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 10, 2007, 05:30:00 PM »

The graphics are just stickers, right?
Try softening them up with a hair dryer, peel them up and remove the excess glue with Goo-Gone or a mild solvent, like isopropyl alcohol.

If the B4 is like the bigger, newer Bandits, there's no clear coat over any of the graphics - except the "SUZUKI" logo on the tank.

Given the age of the B4, expect the paint to be brighter under the stickers.

El Dopa · « **Reply #7 on:** April 10, 2007, 05:38:19 PM »

Quote from: "Red01"

The graphics are just stickers, right?
Try softening them up with a hair dryer, peel them up and remove the excess glue with Goo-Gone or a mild solvent, like isopropyl alcohol.

Yep. The hairdryer then solvent combo usually does the trick. You can use degreaser as the solvent as well. Which you might need anyway if you're planning on repainting.

bonobandit4 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 10, 2007, 06:05:58 PM »

Ah - a hairdryer... what a brilliant idea!

Ugh. Once I get them off, unless it's really noticeable, I doubt I'll bother to repaint them. Maybe, next summer.

Thanks for the suggestions!

I do seem to remember now that the server went down.

turbofb · « **Reply #9 on:** April 10, 2007, 08:57:55 PM »

I cut and install vinyl graphics on my rental trucks,so Im familiar with how much of a pain they can be.
The BANDIT vinyl on my bike looks to be pretty thick and they are definately not under the clearcoat.
The hair dryer trick works great on smaller items or if the sitcker isnt too dried out.If that doesnt work,break out the big guns and get a paint burner,also known as a heat gun.Its basically a glorified hair drier,except that it'll hit 800-900 degrees.You have to be EXTREMELY careful when heating on plastic,but Ive used them many times,succesfully,on very stubborn,dried out and large/tear prone graphics.

stormi · « **Reply #10 on:** April 10, 2007, 09:03:50 PM »

Quote from: "PitterB4"

Everyone had to sign up here when we initially moved from EZboard back in... '04, I think. Then Mike is right, we had a crash in March 05 that forced everyone to re-register.

Good grief! And we almost lost it at the end of 06 or the beginning of 07. That's a change a year!

Oh yeah, and the hair dryer works wonders.

interfuse · « **Reply #11 on:** April 10, 2007, 10:08:01 PM »

Quote from: "turbofb"

You have to be EXTREMELY careful when heating on plastic,but Ive used them many times,succesfully,on very stubborn,dried out and large/tear prone graphics.

I've seen paint guns warp plastic. Be carefully!

Red01 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 10, 2007, 10:33:09 PM »

I didn't recommend a heat gun for a couple reasons.

My wife has a small heat gun for craft work. It's about the size of a compact blow dryer, but puts out a LOT more heat... but not to the level of a paint burner. I use it for shrinking shrink wrap on wiring jobs. Never tried it on the stickers, all the ones I wanted off were already gone when I picked up my bike.

stormi · « **Reply #13 on:** April 10, 2007, 10:49:58 PM »

Quote from: "interfuse"

I've seen paint guns warp plastic. Be carefully!

Heat guns work at -way- higher wattage, therefore more heat output. A heat gun would burn the scalp almost instantly,... the hair dryer usually takes two instants on high.

interfuse · « **Reply #14 on:** April 11, 2007, 12:17:26 AM »

Quote from: "stormi"

Heat guns work at -way- higher wattage, therefore more heat output. A heat gun would burn the scalp almost instantly,... the hair dryer usually takes two instants on high.

Sorry for any confusion. I was knocking the hair drier method. Works well and its safe, I've never melted anything with a hair dryer.

Turbofb said if that failed try a heat gun. I said be careful, I've seen plastic (on bikes) warp with them.