Painting shock springs?

**keithbuckby** · 6th April 2009, 10:27

Hi there, is it possible to take apart my shock to paint the springs? they look to be off a later version so are a different colour, would I be better to source the correct colour ones and just replace them.
Thanks

**CookMySock** · 6th April 2009, 12:47

Usually, yes. Try jacking or lifting the rear of the bike and loosen the preload and see if the spring goes slack on the shock. If it does, then check to see if theres a ring thingy with a slot in it on the lower end of the shock - if it has one of those then quite likely you can disconnect the lower end and flip the ring doodad out of the way and drop it and the spring right out.

Make sure you have the tail supported securely before you start undoing suspension parts, or it will pinch your fingers off, or worse.

HTH
Steve

**LBD** · 6th April 2009, 13:08

Originally Posted by keithbuckby

Hi there, is it possible to take apart my shock to paint the springs? they look to be off a later version so are a different colour, would I be better to source the correct colour ones and just replace them.
Thanks

Yes, if you want to paint them. DB instruction above is good. If you can find a spring compressor for small coil springs, that will help heaps, they are common for car springs.

When the spring(s) is off, take them to a engine reconditioner that has a small shot blaster, this will also give the metal surface a good stress relief and a good clean key for the paint to adhere to. Avoid handling them with your bare hands before painting as wax from your skin will lessen the paints adherance.

**Owl** · 6th April 2009, 17:51

If they were mine and I wanted to change the colour, I'd scotchbrite them, spray them with an adhesion promoter and then topcoat with 2K. Though I have everything I need at my fingertips.

**CookMySock** · 6th April 2009, 19:49

Another easy way is to get them powdercoated, which is probably what they are from new.

DISCLAIMER: They HEAT THEM before they powerdercoat them. I don't know if that is smart.

Steve

**keithbuckby** · 7th April 2009, 08:35

I might tackle them over the long weekend, although a new black pair would match in with the rest of the bike!! mmmmmmmm lol

**F5 Dave** · 7th April 2009, 17:37

Please be careful, make shift lever devices to take springs off will bite you. Car spring compressors are usually too big. Threaded adjusters are easy, but small springs with collets are a pig. If you really must 3 hoseclamps threaded through the coils can work if big enough.

**FROSTY:Me** · 8th April 2009, 11:10

Um this being the old twinshocker 1100 Im guessing.

**keithbuckby** · 8th April 2009, 11:21

Originally Posted by FROSTY

Um this being the old twinshocker 1100 Im guessing.

yeah thats right, I think they are off the newer one as they are quite a bright red. i had a look as suggested, but wasn't too sure about pulling them apart, might leave it til I am feeling a bit braver, or find another set.

**FROSTY:Me** · 8th April 2009, 17:06

Keith. My opinion mate based on shitty memory. Yer kinda buggered with those shocks. The only way I can see you being able to paint those springs is by masking up the top and bottom then sliding paper inside the springs to the shock body and spraying the springs that way.