CVMG Paris meet 2018

I should open with a confession;  I arrived at the show on Saturday when the gates opened and was only able to stay until 9:30 due to a prior commitment.   Any comments or critiques are based on what I saw during this time, not the whole day/weekend. 

While there was quite a bit to see, the field seemed sparse compared to years past.  Could this be a sign that there is a downturn in the hobby?  

The dominant presence took form in older Japanese bikes a trend that seems to be carrying forward from past years.  Bikes that were usually front and center in years past were curiously absent;  The Broughs, the early Indian built in Toronto to name a few.  Not a single Matchless in sight either.  

Interestingly, there were at least 4 Triumph TRW army bikes for sale, all complete and running and all under $5,000.   I have always wanted one, but I more than have my hands full!  Here is a great article about them should you be curious;  http://sump-publishing.co.uk/triumph-trw.htm

I have heard stories of crated examples being available through Army Surplus stores into the early 1990's!   

I spent a total of $28.00.  I bought some old handlebars, a brake rod (possibly Norton) and a very interesting battery box which looked Prewar.  

I was told that these were Czech made (Jawa/CZ) and sold through Eaton's department stores.

Until Next time....

The expense of being cheap.....

A wise man once uttered the words 'Do it right, do it once.'   I am unsure if he also said 'Measure twice, cut once' but I would like to think he did.

No words are truer when it comes to motorcycle building and to this specific topic: Paint.

Visit any car or bike forum out there and you will inevitably find many, many pages regarding the painting of bodywork. 

The most popular and recurring theme seems to be 'Cheap paint options'.   In other words, using hardware store aerosol to achieve decent results.   A lot of these threads make for fun and interesting reading with a plethora of 'experts' chiming in. 

There is the famous 'Paint your car with rustoleum and a roller for $50.00', painting rims with appliance epoxy, baking enamel etc. 

I am not ashamed to admit that I wanted to take the cheap road less traveled.  I read, re-read and looked at pictures.  I even bought a cheap toaster oven from a charity shop to bake small items in. 

The results? 

Garbage.  I won't even bother posting the pictures.   I carefully cleaned, primed, did thin coats, etc.

I tried 'professional' enamels, cheap enamels, etc.  There were runs (which I could sand out) and improper curing.  One toolbox cover was perfect, until a light tap of the fingernail scratched the paint.


It was infuriating, a complete waste of time, money and energy. 

Going back to the forums, there is always the one fellow (usually someone who did autobody or automotive painting) pointing out that cheap paint is false economy.  He is the one to listen to!

Not wanting to waste any more of my resources and momentum I visited the local (automotive) paint supply store for help.

For $85.00 (CDN) I purchased proper primer, paint and clear coat.   I have only used the primer thus far and I am incredibly pleased with it.  No runs, quick cure and even spraying. 

My first piece was an old licence plate frame with bad chrome that I sanded down.  The results speak for themselves as I was left with a smooth matte finish.  The black primer shows any flaws in the substrate, which avoids issues at the later stages.  So far I have done the brake plate, rear hub, tank, rear frame. 

I will never bugger about with inferior products again;  It just doesn't pay to be cheap. 

Until next time...