SuzukiSavage.com - 2 color stripe layout advice needed

Gerry

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2 color stripe layout advice needed
05/24/14 at 07:51:55

Hi, any one have any advice on how to accurately layout stripes on a compound curved tank and seat cowling?
I'm having a hard time finding center-lines and dimensioning off them to layout some stripes on my Ryca tank, front fender and seat cowl. I have made a few attempts this morning but they look really wonky and not very symmetrical. The front fender was not so bad but the seat cowl is killing me.
Sorry if this should be in the cafe section.
Thanks,
Gerry

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WD

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Re: 2 color stripe layout advice needed
Reply #1 - 05/24/14 at 08:11:02

Mark the under side edges with a pencil and connect the dots. Then edge the pieces with chrome or black bug shield trim, same stuff I used on the fenders and tank of my 03.

Saves the part edges and helps prevent the striping tape from lifting as quickly. You have to really pull the tape tight before you final affix it. And if you are going to paint the stripes, same process, use vinyl striping tape to lay them out, masking tape, then scuff, prime and topcoat the stripes you want. Hold the tape down temporarily with chunks of door/bug shield trim. You'll want to trim out the panel edges anyway to protect against paint damage, so any missed spots are hidden.

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Dave

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Re: 2 color stripe layout advice needed
Reply #2 - 05/24/14 at 16:29:52

I used one of those laser levels that emits a straight line. I leveled up the bike, and then put the laser up on a tripod. I kept adjusting the location until the line when through the bolt center on the steering stem, and the center of the back tire. I then taped along the laser line.....and that got me a straight line right down the center of the tank and seat back.

Let me know if you want to borrow it. (The laser....not my bike!)

Dave

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shorty Serious Thumper Offline be careful out there gentlemen Posts: 547 southern NM Gender:	Re: 2 color stripe layout advice needed Reply #3 - 05/24/14 at 19:32:47 clever Dave
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Gerry

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Re: 2 color stripe layout advice needed
Reply #4 - 05/25/14 at 04:52:01

Dave wrote on 05/24/14 at 16:29:52:

I used one of those laser levels that emits a straight line. I leveled up the bike, and then put the laser up on a tripod. I kept adjusting the location until the line when through the bolt center on the steering stem, and the center of the back tire. I then taped along the laser line.....and that got me a straight line right down the center of the tank and seat back.

Let me know if you want to borrow it. (The laser....not my bike!)

Dave

shorty wrote on 05/24/14 at 19:32:47:

clever Dave Wink

Yea! Really! "frickin' laser beams" to layout the striping, genius!
Thanks for the idea Dave (or is it Doctor Evil).
And thanks for the kind offer to let me borrow your laser. I always wanted to get a laser level device so maybe I will do some research and buy one.

And thanks WD for the edge protection idea. I hadn't thought about the need to protect the edges other then reading some whwere about wrapping the paint around edges to help prevent chipping. I think I will try to find some black edging to go around the cowl and side covers, as long as it is the right scale.

Gerry

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WD

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Re: 2 color stripe layout advice needed
Reply #5 - 05/25/14 at 07:38:40

I'd have preferred to use black to be honest, but we had about 1/3 of a 28' foot roll of chrome left over. Autozone, Advanced Auto, O'reilly's, etc should all carry it. There are 2 gauges of the U shaped, which is what you want to use. You can also get sticks and sometimes smaller rolls at Walmart in the car decoration section.

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justin_o_guy2 Serious Thumper Offline What happened? Posts: 55279 East Texas, 1/2 dallas/la.	Re: 2 color stripe layout advice needed Reply #6 - 05/25/14 at 08:56:46 Whatever happened to a good old fashioned chalk line?
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old_rider Serious Thumper Offline Backyard Bill Productions Posts: 3147 flordia panhandle Gender:	Re: 2 color stripe layout advice needed Reply #7 - 05/25/14 at 09:51:36 Chalk line??? \ We are talkin' "Frikin' Laser Beams" !! Dr. "Evil" Dave.... yeah.. sounds good to me (Bystander at bike show) "How did he get that bike lookin' so good?" (Judge #3) "Frikin' Laser Beams" man!!! he wins hands down!
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Dave YaBB Moderator ModSquad Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 18099 Camp Springs, Kentucky Gender:	Re: 2 color stripe layout advice needed Reply #8 - 05/25/14 at 18:22:40 I use the Laser Level about once every two years. It comes in handy every now and then - but this is the kind of tool that could be shared with 20 of your closest friends. Dave
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Jeff71 Senior Member Offline I'm a bike noob!!!!! Posts: 378 South of Chicago, the suburbs Gender:	Re: 2 color stripe layout advice needed Reply #9 - 05/25/14 at 19:31:57 What is a "closest friend?" I've hardly had a friend in years! Jeff
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