Painting WR250 Tank Engine & Frame

I have a ratty looking, locked up WR250 project bike - either 1981 or 82 vintage.

I have been collecting parts off and on for a year and have a couple questions before I start on the rebuild.

The tank was painted completely white by the PO. I would like to repaint it myself with nice shiny aluminum knee patches showing on the sides.

I figure I should first strip the paint chemically to see what i have to work with and then proceed to work out dents or fill them in. Then polish the sides, mask and spray epoxy primer followed by color coat and clear coat.

Can anyone point me toward any discussion or literature of the details and tricks involved? I have a basic spray paint test book but nothing on painting tanks with shiny knee panels.

While I am stripping the tank I will strip the engine as well. Should I use primer on the engine cases before the top coat? Or will the top coat get chipped off while riding and show the primer?

I plan to sandblast the frame, apply epoxy primer and topcoat. Not sure what top coat paint yet.

Thanks guys I need all the advice I can get.

http://www.cafehusky.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4465&page=2
Issue #20
Their are other issues that have articls on tank painting also.

Sounds like You might have an 83' all White Painted Tank. If its in good shape You might be better off selling it to somebody who needs an 83 and buying one to restore for your bike. As long as the area where the side panels are are Dent free You can strip and repaint the Tank OK just use Bondo on the Dents. If the side Panel areas are Dented then its going to get much more difficult with lessor results exspected. If You watch and wait e-bay what you needs will come. Good Luck on the resto....

Thanks for the links to the tank articles and painting advice. I have a mostly complete non running 82 with frame repainted black and tank repainted white. Remarkably enough it doesnt look like there are any dents in this tank (although I haven't stripped it yet).

I found a husky site that sells decals you add over a completely repainted tank. It includes the shiny knee panel and Husqvarna name and gunsite logo. I think it is really for the mid 70s models though. I am thinking I will strip my tank and see if I can buff the knee panels, then mask and paint. Apply Husqvarna name, logo, pinstripe and then clearcoat.

I am not sure about the color though. I think this year WR250 was dark blue, but I also like the husky red and maroon colors too. Decisions, decisions......