Triumphrat

meatwagon · 01-29-2007

The Atomic Blue paint on my 77 could use some freshening up ;is it ok to use some rubbing compound to brighten it? Any other suggestions?What do you guys use short of a re spray.

OldTimeBiker · 01-29-2007

Be aware that rubbing and polishing compounds are abrasive and they take paint away. Use sparingly and minimumly. I would reccommend something like "Mothers California Gold" three phase system that includes a pre-wax cleaner, glaze and sealer, and finally a carnuba wax. Follow directions and remember that less is better than more, especially with the abrasive products!

01-29-2007

I agree, less is better. Two products I have used and liked very much. A good quality paint cleaning clay ( I get mine from Griot's Garage) or a product called HD cleanse from Zymol. I then use a sealer and a spray wax. This won't give you the ultimate shine but it is long lasting. I always try to use waxes and such from the same company as there is sometimes compatabiliy issues between brands

johnnypence · 01-30-2007

i'm surprised this topic hasn't seen more action.

i recently bought an original-finish tank that had been sitting on the shelf since 1971. it had some scratches from its life on the shelf, along with layers of greasy dust and grit. all that added up to some serious abuse. i got the tank cheap; i ain't complaining about that.

to freshen it up, i got a tube of meguiars scratch-x and applied it twice. that plus a coat of good ol nu-finish (i know, i know: it's not a mothers/meguiars product, not real carnuba wax, etc. but it's cheap, it lasts, and it goes on and comes off easily, even in sunshine), and i'm happy. will wash it up good put on another coat of nu-finish after i get some engine work done this spring.

the tank still has one or two deep scratches that won't buff out, but it looks way, way better than it did.

actually, ya'll are about due for some pix. once i get some work done in the next few weeks, there'll be a real change over the old primer-gray beast i started with.

okiecityflash · 02-01-2007

I sure agree with you on the Nu Finish. My tank was painted by a friend of mine in the 80's, black and clearcoat and it still looks like day one, except for a minor scratch which I filled with a paint pen. I've got every kind of wax on my shelf I think, and never use them.

meatwagon · 02-01-2007

I tried the Mothers prewax cleaner...the white scallops look great but the Atomic Blue metalflake has some issues.Where gas was spilled on it 28 years ago has faded some of the clearcoat leaving a tiger stripe effect.The underside and parts of the top look deep and shiny .I need some thing more abrasive.

DAGAD · 02-02-2007

Need some help here guys.......... What the hell is 'Atomic Blue' ?????????? It sure isn't a colour I have heard of for a Triumph.
The Blue colour option for 1977 is Poly Blue, applied over a silver base. It is a 'candy' and not a metalflake paint, then laquered.
Roy.

meatwagon · 02-02-2007

Aha ,Poly blue it is .sorry for the confusion .It's a deep blue with sparkley bits in it.ya gotta admit Atomic Blue sounds better!I'll take some photos tonight for clarification...I'm 99% sure it's the original paint.
Any helpful tips on lacquer rejuvenation?I 'm afraid that re lacquering it as is will only heighten the stripe effect.

okiecityflash · 02-02-2007

Good morning every one, My '(early) '79 was originally blue/silver flash before some chickens**t took a key or something and screwed it up. Would that be the poly-blue mentioned? Was the silver, just plain silver or did it have a fancy name also? G'day :???: