I was wondering for those that own the Zambini War bonnet (Native American 3) gas tank emblems or the newer version Red Hawk 3 made with the same materials if they had clear coated their emblems?
Also what did you use Silicone adhesive or a different product to adhere them? What is the most user friendly way to adhere them to the tank?
I spoke with John Zambini and he did not know how they would react being clear coated. He said he applies an coating to protect them after their made and they just need occasional waxing.
My painter is getting close on finishing the tank painting and I need to decide if clear coating them will have any negative impacts or go with the way they came and just wax now and then.
Thx in Advance
I don't wanna hijack this tread, but... man! That airbox (see pic n.1) is really cool!!
Wonder if it's an oem Indian's accessory, or maybe it's been customized...
I never clear coated my Zambini emblems. I just washed them the same as the bike.
I ran them under very warm water to form them to the tank, then I used silicone adhesive to install them. Only one came off in my accident, and they were on since 2009 through all kinds of weather.
That airbox cover looks a lot like an old Indian horn cover.
Quote from: Trall on August 23, 2016, 20:02:20 PM
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Also what did you use Silicone adhesive or a different product to adhere them? What is the most user friendly way to adhere them to the tank?
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With my set, the 1st thing I did was heat the emblems up with a hair dryer to soften them up and then pressed and held on the tank to get a good form.
Then, we used the double sided, clear, 10lb Gorilla tape. Had the emblems on the bike for a year (before selling) and it still seemed solidly held on.
Here is the directions from Zambini:
I used the double sided tape that's used for holding automotive molding on cars. It's been several years with no issues. When I bought the bike they were (barely) attached with silicone, wouldn't recommend that route. I haven't clear coated mine, and they still look fine. When you do attach them, make sure to clean the area of the tank really well, removing any/all wax and grease.
You will never know if they will receive any damage and you have to buy replacements. Glue may react to the paint and on thin transfers it is uneven. I can see no reason to clear coat glossy decals that are meant to be on the tank in the first place and have their own look.
Let the painters do their job and place the decal when you are ready and the coat, mostly two component, is hardened. Attach scotch tape or other mild adhesive office tape to only one side when placement with only a few small pieces seems right from all angles. Then bring about the double sided wether resistant tape, preferably thin foam, and fold the decal to the surface like a page from a book.
I heated with a hair dryer, shaped them to the contours of the tank then smeared clear silicone on the back and used that green painters masking tape to hold it in place. The painters tape is not supposed to leave any residue behind on your paint.
Thanks for the pointers. I ended up using my heat gun on the inside on the emblems, one at a time and got a exact fit as it cools down on tank. Got everything just right and tight on all edges. I ended up using 3m Auto emblem tape, stage two. It worked real easy with no mess from silicone. Used denatured alcohol to clean tank and back side of emblem, apply 3m tape to emblem edges and applied. Simple and quick. Use painters tape placed at measured points for reference after you get one on to duplicate exact placement of other. Looks perfect.
Will post pics soon when bike all finished and back together, waiting for coil pack #1 part to replace bad one.
Thanks again....