What abrasive do you use to remove paint, or rust?

[Gsxxx600]

Hi all,

I took the shock absorber out this morning, with thoughts of painting it red.

Now there really isnt any rust, but Id like to get the black paint off the coil so I can ensure the paint will adhere.
I thought about using a wire wheel and a dremel, or maybe just aircraft paint remover? or just wetsand

Can anyone provide some input?

thanks

[Zukiman]

No need to remove the paint. Just rough it up with some fine grit sand paper. The new paint will stick just fine.

[Gsxxx600]

thanks zuki

[ThAzKat]

If there is any of the original paint missing it is best to get some filler primer to assure a smooth service.

[Gsxxx600]

good idea

[arsenic]

Yeah, you don't want to use any paint stripper on that. Even though the shcok shaft is hard chromed, if you ruff that up the shock shaft travel will be compromised and you won't have smooth operation. If you have access to a shock springcompressor, I'd take the spring off and paint it that way, if not be careful not to get overspray on the shaft.

[zleviticus]

yeah take the spring off of the shock before painting it... also if you take it off you coudl use a stripper at that point.. just be careful that she does not get any paint on her..

[Gsxxx600]

lol

[WildKat]

since your question has been answered pretty well, i gotta ask, how did u come up w/ that signature!!

[soccersteve]

since your question has been answered pretty well, i gotta ask, how did u come up w/ that signature!!

+2

[Mojoe]

Since I have started to experiment with a few new things. One thing that I have seen for a while but never tried until just last week was the disks that attached to a 1/4in arbor and used on a die grinder or drill. It is like a scotch brite pad, bud coated with something to make them much tougher. Man, does that ever do a sweet job of removing paint. I will do my whole swingarm with it. They are quite cheap too. A 3 in disck with the abor was only $3.99.

[zleviticus]

yeah i have used them on my camaro and volkswagen before. I also like th plastic ones that have little nubs on them.

[Gsxxx600]

i just completed it today, its on the bike right now...i should have let the paint cure some more, but now that its outside, im sure it will be ready by wednesday

[WildKat]

as long as its dry enough to the touch, it shouldnt attract any xtra dust, and what have you outside.

[SweetLou]

I like to use Coreys fat bald head for a abrasive