Easyriders Magazine January 2006
‘Tech Letters’ Department says it all...
Rumors Run Amuck
I heard that S&S Cycle will void the warranty if you bead-blast
any of their parts. If you just clean everything after you finish,
won’t that keep you from having problems? Arch Stanton
Sad Hill,Arizona

Thousands of people with bead-blasted engines are riding
around out there and having no problem, but S&S’s concerns
and stance on bead-blasting – powder coating, polishing and
chrome plating, too – are understandable.Glass-bead residue
can go anywhere that’s not completely masked off. Multiple
thorough cleanings with bore brushes and high-pressure air
and water should get rid of the residue unless some happens
to attach itself to a bit of sticky oil, sealant, or whatever. Not
all mechanics are as thorough as they could be when cleaning
engine parts before assembly. No parts manufacturer
would accept responsibility for someone else’s negligence.
Two potential problems exist with powder coating. First,
parts are usually abrasive-blasted before coating. Second, the
temperatures required to cure powder can be high enough to
change the physical properties of treated aluminum, or at
least high enough to alter the fit of value seats, guides, and
other critical parts.The objection to polishing and plating by
unknown sources is that polishing compound residues are
abrasive, and careless polishers sometimes alter precisionmachined
surfaces. Experienced platers and powder coaters
such as Sumax have long since mastered these issues, but
that’s why engine and parts manufacturers sometimes void
warranties on their parts that are in any way modified by
an outside source. –Tom Johnson

Back in the early 1980’s the way we
would put color on to metal was by
anodizing. It had its limitations.
You could only use aluminum billet.
Casting were out due to the molecular
structure. Motor heat and sunlight
would fade the colors.
Powder coating was just beginning
to be used as an environmentally
friendly industrial finish. It was
durable but had a rough orange peel
finish. In 1987 I purchased a new
powder gun and began experimenting.
Sumax would be the first company
to specialize in powder coating
motorcycle parts. We continue
to work closely with powder
manufacturers to develop powders
that when properly applied result
in a glass like finish that dissipates
heat and retains their deep rich hues.
Our competent staff takes pride in
prepping, masking and packing your
parts. Our high end work continually
graces magazine covers and has
appeared in many TV shows.
In addition to motorcycle parts
we do work for clients that
demand a truly outstanding
finish. Our client list includes
Disney, MGM, the Smithsonian
Institute, NBC studios, Caesar's
Palace and Eversan Score
Boards. It is the finish that sells
the product. How can we help you? Call us at 800-654-5546 or.

..email us your questions