Designing New Tank Graphics for the DR

[elroyjetsn]

Looks like Staples does carry laser printable sticker paper after all!

http://www.staples.com/office/suppli...s_10051_SEARCH

[katoranger]

Let us know how it turns out.

Allen

[elroyjetsn]

Originally Posted by katoranger

Let us know how it turns out.

Allen

Here's some pix of the decals applied..

http://www.chinariders.net/gallery2/...2_itemId=10531

http://www.chinariders.net/gallery2/...2_itemId=10529

The Staples "Sticker Paper" is actually paper-backed, so it's tricky to make it lay flat. Fortunately, the tanks sides are nearly flat anyway.

Will need to apply a clear protective cover. Have some laminating plastic sheet that should work ok using a towel and an iron. We'll see... Maybe some clear laquer would be a better idea...

[BillR]

Looks good.
Clear cover depends.
Lacquer if you think it'll not need replace/repair.
Clear plastic if you want to easily replace.......

Been there/done that on the RC airplane decals :wink:
Bill

[elroyjetsn]

Got the sticker a little wet and it swelled- paper backing. Not going to work. :(

My wife looked at it and thinks i need some sort of clear plastic to print on. Plus the tank is more of a cream color and the white sticks out too much. :roll:

At least i have the graphic sized and proportioned OK. Just a matter of coming up with the right media. Mono/Ultra Cote will likely shrink in a laser color copier? Is it doable?

[elroyjetsn]

Turns out that converting a DR to Dual Sport is a bit of work. You already have a headlight and tail light, but they only work when the engine is running since there's no battery and no switch to turn them off or on.

The headlight is a 55watt halogen(a single filament h7) which is nice and bright, but has no high/low beam. A simple single phase stator and a tiny 2 lug rectifier/regulator. One nice thing is that the headlight lights even while you kick start, so the output must be pretty good. Maybe 100watts or more!

So,

1. Installed Baja Designs multi switch- very nice unit with all controls you need on one side.

2. Mount turn signals- Long stalk halogens. Electronic relay and socket.

3. Use existing tail light for super bright LED brake warning light.

4. Use standard trailer brake/tail light/license light and trailer license bracket ($13 total from tractor supply store). Mount it aft of the stock fender on sheet metal hangars.

5. Wire it all up with 16gage automotive wire (red+, black- for everything)

Need to do:

6. Install banjo switch on rear master cylinder and mech. switch on front brake lever. (banjo switch requires too much pressure to trip for front brakes)

7. Modifiy headlamp socket to accept twin filament H4 bulb 55/65 watt.

8. Install horn(steal on off of the Viva).

9. Install direction signal warning buzzer and light. (highbeam light warning light is built into the Baja Design HB switch.)

10. Install main fuse stat.

11. Test circuits with a small tractor battery and debug the wiring.(stator disconnected for safety) :roll:

12. Run motor with stator in line and check voltage and watch the regulator temps. If i get 13volts i'll add the battery (nicad?). If 12 or less, order better regulator from Baja Designs ($30)

Fun Project... Actually

[BillR]

Originally Posted by elroyjetsn

Got the sticker a little wet and it swelled- paper backing. Not going to work. :(

My wife looked at it and thinks i need some sort of clear plastic to print on. Plus the tank is more of a cream color and the white sticks out too much. :roll:

At least i have the graphic sized and proportioned OK. Just a matter of coming up with the right media. Mono/Ultra Cote will likely shrink in a laser color copier? Is it doable?

I seriously doubt the MonoKote will work in a laser printer.
There is a clear version available.
You could cut-out the graphics from the paper and cover/seal it with the MonoKote.
That's what we would do sometimes with the glow fuel planes.
Bill

[elroyjetsn]

There are a few CO. that offer old style water float decal kits for the DIY'ers. I'll post the info soon.

[elroyjetsn]

Was in a local cycle shop today and saw some giant vinyl sheets in white and clear that are for adding MX numbers for your bike. I think you get 6 sheets that are about 11 by 16" for 16.95 per pack. The white is for background and the clear is for protection.

I may pick up some clear ones and try laser printing on them using an old BW laser printer(that is to get tossed anyway) and see how well it prints. If it does print at all??? :roll: