Triumphrat

Kovac · 01-02-2010, 12:01 PM

Hello Gentleman,

I picked up a TT600 several months back and finally was able to start rebuilding it this week. I have taken over 100 photos and plan to write up a nice post about how the rebuild is going and things im changing as i go along.

For now, i've taken almost everything apart and am inspecting various parts to see if they are within tolerances (and they are thankfully) and I am progressively cleaning it all (the previous owner must not have owned a hose or any rag) and this brings me to my question...

I am looking to powder coat the frame, rear sub frame, swing arm, foot pegs but im worried about the VIN sticker. Am i allowed to remove it and replace it once the frame is done? Do i tape over it? I have two stickers, one the original and another one after it was imported (by the previous owner).

What do you guys suggest?
The local Driving Ministry has been on strike here in Southern Ontario so all my efforts in finding out from them has been unsuccessful. Searching the Ministries website came up short with answers as well.

Thank you in advance,
Kovac

Coroja · 01-02-2010, 12:22 PM

Kovac - wish I could help, but I think you need an official response in writing (if possible) from the proper authorities.

One suggestion I would make concerning powdercoating, go see the shop's actual work (not just their samples). In my search for a powdercoater, I've found that most around here are industrially-oriented and not focused on the sort of quality you are likely to want on your frame. You want to find a shop whose major work is custom cars, bikes, prototypes, etc. They will be accustomed to doing the sort of careful work a frame requires. It may cost a little more, but it will be worth it.

pete2 · 01-02-2010, 12:41 PM

I had some BBS wheels powder coated. They taped over the bits I ddin't want to get the coat on using simple packaging tape.

Will · 01-02-2010, 02:53 PM

Masking does work, but from the looks of the labels, you are probably better off making a decent looking shape and not trying to mask the label exactly. The good part is it should all disappear under the fairing.

I don't remember exactly, but I thought there was a number stamped into the frame somewhere. Every manufacturer does something a little different, and I have been around so many different ages and manufacturers of machinery I don't remember who does what any more. It's worth looking for, though.

A semi-related item is making sure you get the bearings out of the frame before powder coating. The heat makes grease run, and if you have bearings left in the frame, chances are you will have some grease running out and making a mess. Be sure to mask headstock and swingarm bearing locations, though, otherwise you will have a terrible time cleaning out the excess to get the bearings back in.

pete2 · 01-02-2010, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will

I don't remember exactly, but I thought there was a number stamped into the frame somewhere.

I think it was on the headstock.

BombFactory · 01-02-2010, 11:08 PM

Yes, the VIN is stamped on the right side of the headstock, and this is the number that should always be referred to over any sticker. The following information comes from California DMV and Highway Patrol who are in charge of vehicle identification, so I'm not sure if it will apply to your local law: I had to have my VIN verified by both DMV and CHP, and the sticker was damaged to the point where much of it was missing or illegible. I had no issues with this, as the stamped VIN and engine number are all that the DMV and CHP were interested in. Both agencies said the sticker is more of a general information tag that states information easily found in the owner's manual and VIN (i.e. tire pressure, gross weight, year of manufacture, etc.). Your sticker certifies that it is a legally-imported motorcycle, but the fact that the motorcycle is registered in Canada proves this anyway. I don't think there is any problem with removing the sticker, but you are wise to find the actual law. As a suggestion, when speaking to your local authorities about the subject, don't ask them if it can be removed, but ask them if you need to do anything if half of the sticker has been damaged and torn off. Chances are they will say you don't need to do anything by law.

kubbie · 01-02-2010, 11:35 PM

I never gave the sticker a second thought, it blew off within the first month. But like others have stated the VIN is stamped into the frame.

Kovac · 01-03-2010, 12:06 PM

Thank you all for your responses,

@Coroja - The guy whos going to be soda plasting and powder coating various parts for me rebuilds vintage Porches as a hobby so i trust he'll do a fine job.

@Will - I plan to take out everything i can so the frame is as naked as possible. I was thinking about using cork pegs to fill all the bolt holes. My guy says they are easy to remove and wont burn in the oven. What would you suggest?

@Bombfactory - The guy whom i bought the bike off of said that the bike was bought in Canada, then imported to the states for couple years then was imported back to Canada. So i should have a sticker over a stick over the stock VIN #. I plan to do exactly as you say and phone my local ministry (when they go back to work and settle all the outstanding stuff) and tell them its half off. The bikes already in my name and has a clean title so it shouldnt be a problem.

bikingtt600 · 01-21-2010, 02:22 PM

i wouldnt suggest using corks... lot of problems with using them i would use the rubber like material plugs. less chipping and easier to remove.

DEcosse · 01-28-2010, 03:41 AM

The stick-on label looks like it will peel off - heat it with a hair dryer which should soften the glue and make it easier to come off.