Questions Re/frame Paint, Wheel Bearings, Spokes

[billerbeck]

I have a 1977 TR7RV that I am freshening up. It's actually in quite good condition for its age. Looking at the major bolts and nuts on the machine, it doesn't appear to have ever been apart. But there is missing and worn paint in some spots that I would like to freshen up. I'm working on the rear of the bike right now and the swingarm and muffler hangers could really stand to be resprayed. Do you recommend powder coating or rattle can for this job? If rattle can, what brand of paint have you found to be good (durability, color match, etc.)?

I'm also replacing the rear tire/tube/rim tape and noticed that the wheel bearings are of the non-sealed type (with some pretty old, grungy looking grease in there). I see that sealed bearings are available and thought that might be a good upgrade at this point. Any experience with using sealed bearings on these bikes? It looks like bearing part number 6205 is the correct one. Any brand or supplier in particular that you like? Would any locally sourced 6205 bearing work?

The rear wheel is in very good condition . . . no missing paint on the hub, good chrome on the rim, not bent or dinged, spokes are tight, wheel is true. But the spokes have taken on a dull, gray look. They are not rusted, just kind of dull looking. Any suggestions on improving the looks of the spokes? Are the original spokes plain steel? If I were to have the wheel re-laced with new spokes, do you have any recommendations re/ which shop to use and type of spokes to use?

A lot of questions, I know. More to follow, I'm sure. I'm just getting started. Thanks in advance.

 

[speedrattle]

if the machine is still mostly original it seems a shame to start powder coating parts. the early frames were all brush painted, and i normally touch up stuff with farm-supply store rustoleum. rattle cans. works well and lasts as long as i need it to. tbh, i paint everything with rustoleum-- i get my choices of new holland blue, john deere green, and international harvester red, and that works well for me. but i use a spray gun for tanks and fenders..

i think sealed wheel bearings are always an improvement over the open ones. you may not need all the grease retainers and dust covers that open bearings used to cover the sides, but check and see what is necessary to maintain correct spacing. i've bought them from bearing suppliers or from bike shops. if they're quality bearings it shouldn't matter.

i don't knows much about the spokes. mine always seem to be covered in oil so it's hard to tell.

 

[Rocky]

Spokes are zinc plated thus the dull color.

 

[grandpaul]

..., i paint everything with rustoleum-- i get my choices of new holland blue, john deere green, and international harvester red...

Sounds like you are a tractor-type person.

I need to know if there's a front end bucket loader made to fit my '62 Ford? Some people have told me the single front axle is insufficient...

 

[speedrattle]

all the models had a bucket loader available, so far as i know. i see them still attached to them rusting away under the trees around here. nobody back then paid attention to little things like weight ratings

 

[billerbeck]

Thanks guys. Rustoleum it is.

 

[speedrattle]

prep is always 99 percent of the task. clean the parts with lacquer thinner to get off all the grease, then sand em down as smooth as you want. if you're doing side covers or fenders , inish with a wet sand with very fine paper until its very very smooth. when you do that even a tough agricultural rattle can paint will look pretty good/

 

[billerbeck]

Roger that. Thanks Kevin.