Under construction

[Paul Slootheer]

I acquired this Ariel basket case, a large heap of Ariel twin parts, a couple of months ago. All together a mix of 1948 > 1953 parts including three engines. On this moment the engine is at Rob's for a major rebuild: he will regrind the crank, put in new big end shells, rebore the barrel and put in new Hepolites, new valves/guides and line ream the main bush. It will get a electronic ignition, fitted into a old Lucas K2F housing.
Still a long way to go and progressing slowly. Hoping it will be rewarded in a nice 1953‘ish’ KH for next year. To be continued...
Regards, Paul

[Steven.Carter]

It's going to look lovely Paul.

[Paul Slootheer]

Thank you Steven!
Yes I think it will become a nice one.
Cheers, Paul

[steve.clarke]

Now that is a basket case worth having, looking very good Paul, is that frame powder coated or stove enamelled ?
Regards Steve.

[Paul Slootheer]

Hello Steve,
The frame is sprayed with two pack paint. The same for the petrol tank. I will finish petrol tank later on with a clear coat of two pack. All the rest is just Hammerite...
Regards, Paul

[alan.moore]

Paul
Interested in your use of hammerite...did you spray it thinned from a gun, a spray can or brush it on ?

Are you saying the mudguards, forks etc are hammerite? I have tried hammerite before and found it dries with a slightly off black / slightly grayish finish....and you need to get it glossy 'from the gun' as it cannot be cut back and polished. If those mudguards are hammerite they look very 'black' and shiney...nice job.

If they are hammerite why did you use hammerite and not two pack as with the frame?

Reason for the questions is that I am trying to decide on what to use on my VH, two pack is out as I do not have the required health and safety equipment / setup. I did my Triumph 6T in cellulose (it was ALL metallic blue so I had no choice) but as the VH is mostly black I am looking at some sort of enamel.

Cheers
Alan

[Paul Slootheer]

Hello Alan,
Two pack makes a lot of a mess... You also have to wear a decent mask. With the help of some old sheets or plastic foil you can make a cabin. The frame has allready done by the former owner. I was glad he did spray it because I do not like powder coating.
The paint on the petrol tank has to be petrol resistant thats the reason I choose for a 2 pack from a spray can. http://www.spraymax.co.uk/
All the rest was done with the use of Hammerite. I do apply the first coat with a brush, just to create a nice thick layer. After that I use very fine sand paper to sand it to a dull, grey and very smooth surface. To finish I spray with two or three layers of Hammerite from a spray can. As far as I know Hammerite isn't petrol resistent and does't reach the same intens black like the frame, but shines enough for me, so I can live with that. To compare: The headlamp was also done in 2 pack, but the head lamp shrouds and the rest of the forks again in Hammerite
Regards, Paul

[Eus_Daniel]

Hi Paul,

My father used to owned a Ariel tiwn 500cc from the 40's with speedometer in the petroltank, and was in our livingroom, looked very nice and they are lovely bikes.
I was wondering, since you use Hammerite in lotos of parts, tho you tink the frame will last painted in Hammerite?

Your bike looks very nice buy the way.

[Paul Slootheer]

Hello,
My KH frame was sprayed with two pack, that will last. However you can't compare it with powder coating which is more durable.
In the past I also used Hammerite on frames. It will last to some extent but again is not as tough as two pack or powder coating. Personally I do not like powder coating, but that is my opinion.
Cheers!

[Paul Slootheer]

Today made some very small progress with my KH project.
Fitted the engine and gearbox into the frame. Looks allready splendid to me!
I'am in no hurry, it's fine for me to drive it late this year or prob. later...