Putting together my Nighthawk 750 after painting

[Nitehock]

here are some pics of the project from disassemble to where I'm at now- which is with all the pieces painted and ready to reassemble. I had a thread last summer on the work I did previous to this here http://nighthawk-forums.com/index.php/topic,1745.0.html . Basically when I got the bike it was a bit of a basketcast, and it's been a journey trying to bring it back to stock-like appearance.













Not sure if I'll keep the gold foil Nighthawk script, as on the other fairing most of it is faded off and doesn't look good at all. Any suggestions how to repaint it or what color to go make the script?

[Option13]

I'm sure you could get some gold foil from a model crafts store. Look's like you're doing a great job!

[Nitehock]

Just checked the tank for the first time outside in bright sunlight. When I wet sanded it, it went through the clear and the black and the primer is showing in streaks now. 

Thought I was going to get it back together tonight, now probably not. Back to the store for yet another can of Honda Nighthawk Black Pearl and clear coat. 

[ariwhiteboy]

Don't worry about it, it's probably going to take a few coats and wet sands to have a decent paint job.  It looks really good so far and I love the painted cover with the red Honda on it! 

[Munkey]

Not sure if I'll keep the gold foil Nighthawk script, as on the other fairing most of it is faded off and doesn't look good at all. Any suggestions how to repaint it or what color to go make the script?

Go to a sign shop and see what they would charge to make you a couple out of vinyl. They should be able to scan one of yours then cut them out on a vinyl cutter. I had this done on my 650 I had and I thought they looked better than the originals.

[noahnsteph]

Or you can get new replacement stickers from a couple of vendors online. This site has them for $9 each I believe.... http://www.xtreemedecals.com/default.tpl?cart=116&id1=170&id2=188&startat=1&--woSECTIONSdatarq=188&--SECTIONSword=ww1

[Nitehock]

I checked the site, these are emblems, not stickers or decals, and it looks like none of the scripts there are an exact match to my script. I'll try to paint more tonight. Was hoping I was finished so I could put it back together with my son.

[Nitehock]

well I ran into a problem with the paint having quite a bit of dull spots on the tank, so I wetsanded and started again with the base color, then finally got all the clear coats on today. I was putting the tank on, and the fuel line from the fuel filter to the petcock is too short. Apparently the replacement filter I got was shorter than the one that was on it. So until I can get a fuel line, it will sit parked. It's a shame, as the tank turned out terrific (for Dupli-Color rattle can) the 2nd time around.

This brings me to another question: What is considered acceptable for a fuel line? What's on there now is just a black rubber hose. I'm assuming that along with the horrible customizations from the same owner responsible for the putrid burgundy color, they also just cut a rubber hose only long enough to run from the petcock to the fuel filter, then again from the filter to the carbs.

[Option13]

We want pics!    

I personally don't know about the fuel lines, but one trip to Autozone or Advance Auto Parts and they should be able to either hook you up or point you in the right direction.

[JB1290]

I feel your pain with the paint issues. The best advise I can give is to take your time. I had some problems with mine so, I took a break from it for a few weeks so I didn't get so mad that I threw the tank across my garage. My patience paid off and now it looks great.

[Nitehock]

I got the fuel line. Not near the nightmare I anticipated. I thought it would need to be more specialized than jut a rubber hose.

Put it all together, and the petcock I bought from some guy on ebay about 6 months ago leaks. So I put my old one back on, which doesn't leak, but doesn't cut off the fuel on OFF selection either.

No leaks, no loose bolts, however it was 10pm when I finished so the only pic I have so far is in my garage and the lighting in there is not good, and it's crowded right now with storing a lot of my dad's stuff.

But anyway, here it is. More pics to come tomorrow night:

[SirSeanSean]

  looking good. Glad the fuel line was as big of a hassle as you originally thought.

[Nitehock]

Well, I ran out of gas (I think) on the way home before I could get to the ethanol free gas station. Then I drained the battery, which was weak to begin with due to a 28 yr old charging system, by attempting to start it with minimal fuel. I took the battery out and it's in the garage charging. The side fairings and seat are in my brother's car, the bike is about a 1/2 mile down the road at a garage/junkyard/used car lot. When the battery charges, I'll hook it back up, put some more gas in it, and hopefully it will start and I can bring it home.

[Nitehock]

Turned out I ran out of gas, then ran down the battery. Brought the battery home, charged for 4 hrs, went back, filled with gas, jumped the bike, brought it home. Charged it the rest of the night so it's now 100%. Going riding now, will post pics tonight.

[hppants]

Going riding now, will post pics tonight.

He's pumped... you can tell!! 

[Nitehock]

 
as promised........


at work tuesday




The actual name of the color is Nighthawk Black Pearl. It has a Blue Pearlescence to it when in direct sunlight or very bright white light.


On the ride to Butler, TN tonight on Hwy 67 (offshoot from 321) in the Cherokee N'tl Forest

[SirSeanSean]

Looking great> Must be nice having a motorcycle parking slot at work.

Have fun and ride safe. 

[Option13]

   
   


WOW! That paint is smooth. Great work! I'm sure you're proud, I would be!   

[JB1290]

Great job on the paint work.

[Snoopy]

Wow. very nice.

[Nitehock]

Thanks everyone. I'll post all the pics together soon in the projects thread, been enjoying riding a good looking bike too much since I put finally got it looking the way I want.

[Medina]

ok, this bike is full of awesome.

[SliverXZennon]

Looking great> Must be nice having a motorcycle parking slot at work.

I was thinking the exact same thing. I wish I had a setup like that as well. I fear people parking next to it or backing in and running it over..

[Nitehock]

I'm looking to sell my bike. I've found an 85 Kawasaki Vulcan 700 I can get for cheap, and restore much the same way that I did this one. I know there's not a huge demand for Nighthawks compared to established cruiser bikes, but what would be a fair market price? I saw on ebay recently where a black one that was all original with less miles but missing a side fairing and had a badly repaired gas tank went for $1650, and a blue one that was all original excellent condition with more miles than mine went for $1350.