Orange frame color paint ... where?

[motogon]

Hi!

I got recently "new" bike. Frame is orange or may be faded red. I checked on net, and don't see any red or orange PJ1 paint. Can anybody recommend what paint to use?

Thanks,


Andrew
^^^^^^^^^^^
1976 MC5 175
1977 GS6 400
1986 KLR 250
2006 Husky TE/SM 510
2004 Zuki V-Strom 1000

[454MRW]

What year KTM frame are you repainting? I initially used VHT Chevy engine orange on my 1978-80 frames and after having the paint come loose in places where the carb vent hose over ran from a high float, I found Duplicolor DE 1607 Chevy Red-Orange that is a close match to the VHT and looks very good. I follow with 2-3 coats of Duplicolor DE 1636 clear while the paint is still tacky. The Duplicolor is a ceramic paint which is VERY humidity sensitive and requires following the directions closely for best results. Each coat can be applied after the paint flashes, usually about 10 minutes per coat and this ceramic paint is durable and resists gas and oil ONCE cured, which takes 7 full days after the last coat. Each coat before that time MUST be applied within one hour, or it will craze and crack. Any touch ups or additional coats after 1 hour must be done after 7 days and sanding. Hope this helps. Mike

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S

[motogon]

Apperently 1978 KTM 400cc. I was told this is GS6, but I'm not sure.
On one hand:
1. None breezer frame.
2. Motoplat doesn't have lighting wires.
On other hand:
1. Front wheel has speedometer drive
2. Rear fender used to have lights.
Tank like this -

but frame has loop on rear fender


Andrew
^^^^^^^^^^^
1976 MC5 175
1977 GS6 400
1986 KLR 250
2006 Husky TE/SM 510
2004 Zuki V-Strom 1000

[454MRW]

If that was the bike that was advertized as a 78 GS6 400 on eBay the other day with the serial number in the 11,000 range, It is probably in all reality an early 1979 MX-6. I have 2 250 MX-6's with serial numbers in the 11,267 range and have seen one 175 MX-6 with a serial number in the 10,515 range (all starting with the number 550-). They are basically the same as a 1978 MC5. KTM used left over frames to introduce the early 1979 MX-6 while frames for the later 1979 models were being re-made due to a mis-order on the grade of Chrome Moly tubing from what I have been told. I don't think that there are very many MX-6's out there and don't have any idea how many were actually made, My 2 are 50 or so serial numbers apart, both on the frame and the engine which are both 8-54xxxx numbers. Both of mine had large Desert tanks, but one was an aftermarket. The 175 I saw at Mid-Ohio had a small MX tank. One of my 250's has lighting coils and one does not, but it may have been changed, since it had a speedo, lights, and a brake light switch on it when I got it. Email me and I can forward you some KTM MX-6 file pics that Kent Knudson sent me. Mike [email protected]

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S

[paul]

Hey, My 78 had that tank and is a six speed MC5. Orange frame and came with bilsteins on the back. Like Mike said, they used up parts that they had which is good biz. The bike is one of my favorites after a carb swap. Have fun, she looks fine!!! TTPaul

[454MRW]

Andrew,
I am trying to load the pics for you. They are large files and I only have dial up available in my area (BFE). Already failed the 2nd attemp to load 2 pics. I will try again later.
One of the things I especially like about my MX-6 is that I found when rebuilding the front 38MM Marzocchi forks, is the 79 MX-6 has 4 holes in the damper rods instead of 2 like the 78 MC5. I have read test reports on the 78 MC5 and read mostly complaints about the compression stiffness of the front forks, and Cycle World even went to the extent to recommend drilling the 2 extra holes in their Nov. 78 article I bought on eBay. It seems that KTM was paying close attention to test articles and riders comments for feedback on suspension developement. Mike

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S

[motogon]

Thank you for info Mike!
Another question. Bike has plastic airfilter box. Kind of little weird configuration. Looks similar to aluminum one but not exactly. Obviously some pieces lost and I don't know what was there. I'll try to take pictures tonite and post it.


Andrew
^^^^^^^^^^^
1976 MC5 175
1978 GS6 400
1986 KLR 250
2006 Husky TE/SM 510
2004 Zuki V-Strom 1000

[454MRW]

Andrew,
I should have one of the internal cages for the stock 78 MC5-79 MX-6 orange plastic air filter box. I lucked into 2 of the Hi-Point replacement air boxes that have an easier to service filter arrangement, and I have converted them to an even easier K & N air filter. Mike

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S

[motogon]

Here is airfilter box my bike has. What is this place upfront? There is two holes. Something must be installed there? Opening too small for round filter.



Andrew
^^^^^^^^^^^
1976 MC5 175
1978 GS6 400
1986 KLR 250
2006 Husky TE/SM 510
2004 Zuki V-Strom 1000

[454MRW]

That is the stock 78 MC5-79 MX-6 air filter housing. I have a stock oval shaped cage that bolts through those 2 holes from the inside out. They are a little tedious to change, but can be simplified somewhat with wing nuts and a couple of spacers, or 2 springs and a quick clip arrangement. Otherwise it requires using a wrench or socket in a tight place to change the filter. Mike

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S

[motogon]

Checked price for powder coating. $250! Damn! Is this normal price? Does it worth to powder coat frame?

Andrew
^^^^^^^^^^^
1976 MC5 175
1978 GS6 400
1986 KLR 250
2006 Husky TE/SM 510
2004 Zuki V-Strom 1000

[G Ellis]

I would paint it if it was mine. I can paint three frames with a quart of auto paint. The frames I do are going to be used for riding, so they are going to get scratch. I would not powder coat because you will have a fun time with things fitting. Hope this will help. Later Gary

[paul]

Hey, I agree with Gary. Powder coating is nice but not necessary on everything. Of course I have been a painter for 30 years so a little prejudice. The paint nowdays is so nice...use a good brand catylized paint and you'll end up with a nicer finish. I use PPG. None of its cheap, ready to spray (hardener/paint/reducer)in a red or orange you are gonna spend 100 a quart. Use the same brand primer,paint, clear (if you are using it) for best results. Good luck,TooTallPaul