Purple Metal Flake Trike Build

Guide to building a Purple Metal Flake Trike

This guide is a step by step walkthrough on the build of my first Metal Flake Trike.

Step 1. Purchase Trike from EBAY (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/231091100910?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)

Step 2. Disassemble the trike and put aside the forks, frame, fenders and any other part you want to paint

Step 3. Since the paint was in good/new condition, I scuffed the clear coat with Scotch Brite pads

Step 4. Then apply a primer (I used etch primer, my favourite)

Step 5. Apply a purple base coat (4 coats) as the Metal Flake is translucent

Step 6. Mix your metal flake with a metallic binder and spray 4-6 coats until you are happy with the coverage and look of the flake

Step 7. Sand metal flake with 400 grit sandpaper to remove all the flake that is sticking up

Step 8. Apply at least 4 coats of clear to cover the flake and get a smooth finish

Step 9. Leave for 1 week to allow the paint to cure

Step 10. Sand all parts with 1200 grit sandpaper to remove the "orange peel" effect

Step 11. Buff with a buffing machine and cutting compound

Step 12. Assemble your bike and Enjoy!

Extra parts purchased for this job:
All parts were purchased from The Bike Barn in Parramatta (www.thebikebarn.com.au)

19" Ape hanger handle bars
Chrome chain steering wheel
Front and rear 24 inch rims (original rims were rubbish!)
2 x 5M cable sheething and brake cable (original ones too short with larger handle bars)
24" White Wall tyres. 1 x 1.75" for front wheel and 2 x 2.125" for rear wheels
Inner tubes to suit the tyres
White Glitter grips