Instrument surround.

For those wanting to keep their bike the way the factory made them.

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Glyn.G
To the on ramp
Posts: 207
Joined: Fri May 30, 2014 5:41 am
Country: UK
Suzuki 2-Strokes: Suzuki GT380 B- Yamaha FZ1
Location: High Peak Derbyshire.

Instrument surround.

Post by Glyn.G »

Hi all,
I've decided to try and rejuvenate the black plastic instrument surround on my 1977 GT380. The surround itself is in good condition but the white lettering for the gear position & neutral indicator lights has almost gone. Has anyone found a good way of renewing the lettering to a reasonable standard. I thought about trying to use a fine tipped paint pen but my hands aren't as steady as they used to be.
Regards,
Glyn.
sportston
Expert racer
Posts: 1119
Joined: Wed Jul 10, 2013 12:04 pm
Country: England, UK
Suzuki 2-Strokes: FZ50, GP100, RG125 Gamma, GT380, Bandit 1200S

Re: Instrument surround.

Post by sportston »

I have done this to my bike, as have others before me. It is quite easy and you don't need exceedingly steady hands to do it.
  • 1. Remove all traces of old paint and residue.
    2. Paint over letters using small paint brush (it will look messy, don't worry).
    3. Immediately wipe over top of lettering with moist cloth.
    4. Stand back and admire what looks like a perfect job of re-lettering.
    5. Allow paint to dry.
Good luck.
Glyn.G
To the on ramp
Posts: 207
Joined: Fri May 30, 2014 5:41 am
Country: UK
Suzuki 2-Strokes: Suzuki GT380 B- Yamaha FZ1
Location: High Peak Derbyshire.

Re: Instrument surround.

Post by Glyn.G »

Cheers sportston,
I will give it a try. Is there any specific type of paint I should use though.
Regards,
Glyn.
sportston
Expert racer
Posts: 1119
Joined: Wed Jul 10, 2013 12:04 pm
Country: England, UK
Suzuki 2-Strokes: FZ50, GP100, RG125 Gamma, GT380, Bandit 1200S

Re: Instrument surround.

Post by sportston »

Glyn.G wrote:Cheers sportston,
I will give it a try. Is there any specific type of paint I should use though.
Regards,
Glyn.
You're welcome. I just used Humbrol model paint.
Glyn.G
To the on ramp
Posts: 207
Joined: Fri May 30, 2014 5:41 am
Country: UK
Suzuki 2-Strokes: Suzuki GT380 B- Yamaha FZ1
Location: High Peak Derbyshire.

Re: Instrument surround.

Post by Glyn.G »

Thanks again sportston,
I did a trial run using a water based white tyre paint pen which is easy to wipe clean and to my surprise it turned out rather well. Don't know how long it will last though, it may just wash out the first time it gets wet.
Regards,
Glyn.
sportston
Expert racer
Posts: 1119
Joined: Wed Jul 10, 2013 12:04 pm
Country: England, UK
Suzuki 2-Strokes: FZ50, GP100, RG125 Gamma, GT380, Bandit 1200S

Re: Instrument surround.

Post by sportston »

Probably will be fine for a fair while. My Dad used tippex on his car number plate and it lasted ages!
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