Vintage Harley Davidson Motorcycle sign Restoration

Restoration of old Harley Davidson Motorcycle sign. This sign is a very rusty and full of old dirt, it needs a lot of cleaning to look good again. My gold is to hang it on the wall in my garage.
This sign has been in my garage forever. I have been planning to fix it many times, but I never went that way. Now it’s the time to restore and remove all the dirt and rust and hang it on the wall where it belongs. Oh - did I tell you that I use to ride a HD, Dyna Fat Bob but I sold it 3 years ago.
RESTORATION PROCESS
I started with a quick cleaning of the sign to avoid getting too much dirt and rust in my sandblaster. I used a hard-plastic brush to do that job. After most rust was removed, I spray washed the dirty sign direct on the table. I used pure water.
I have loaded the sandblaster with medium hard sand to achieve perfect results when sandblasting on cast iron. I use 115 psi pressure on my air compressor when sandblasting in this Video
The Harley Davidson sign was very satisfying to sandblast because of all the letters and the amount of rust and old paint. When I was finished, I saw bad finish “leftovers” from the casting process of the cast Iron, especially on the edges. I decided to adjust the edges and try to remove all the craters, I used 2 different Bahco files and sandpaper grit 1000. I didn’t get it perfect there was too many air bubbles from bad casting process.
PAINT JOB
I did a black base powder coating on the cast iron sign and this time I used a Black RAL 9005 GL glossy. I hand painted all the details 2 times with Smooth red and smooth white Hammarite Metal Paint. It is a super strong combo with a base of powder coating with Hammarite details. I do think that this Harley Davidson Motorcycle sign will be fine the next 100 years.
Please like and comment the video and tell me what you think. That will mean a lot to me!
Please subscribe if you want to see more cool upcoming restoration projects 🙂 And DON’T FORGET TO SEE My Broken Machine Gun Lighter Restoration Video: • Broken Machine Gun Lig...
Thanks for watching my restoration video. See you soon.
Music: Way Out West - From KZbin free audio library.

[@justafryguy]

Anyone else always rooting for the sandblasting...and when he says...”this needs sandblasting”...in my head I’m like YES! 😂

[@JStab03]

Yes. Like I so want a sandblaster now. Don’t know what I would use it for but I just want to play with one now.

[@WajahatAli-yz6kt]

Yes it's must lol 😂

[@keviniscool81]

i be saying everything need a sandblasting 😂

[@WajahatAli-yz6kt]

@@keviniscool81 trust me lol i work as a poeder coater so i know how it's useful 😂

[@shjobbi]

Yes, always, i get so excited 😂

[@wileycoyotesr8623]

I agreed that the sign was likable after initial cleaning but it also looks great after your expert work on it was completed. Good video!

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks for watching and for your kind words 👍

[@carydavid9947]

Agreed

[@callenH01]

I liked it when it still had some bits of white and orange original paint on it

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Yes me too... That was really beautiful 😉

[@IronReece13]

Looked really cool but the rust would just keep eating it

[@thelyingscotsman7993]

@@IronReece13 Not if you clear coat it.

[@solvox5217]

Yes there was alot of character in that patina that was lost.

[@Jiggy_93]

@@thelyingscotsman7993 clear coat wont stop the rust

[@danielcain1118]

Being old and beat up myself, I liked it just after the initial cleaning.

[@susancastagna4241]

Amen, ride safe Danny

[@nizitamaruvaka2294]

I agree, the age and miles tell a story.

[@yorkoxmaul66]

I like the rusty version too

[@beerrunlkl7774]

And it would be worth more.

[@Stephen-qp9ff]

I actually really liked it after you just cleaned it up. It had that old rustic look to it

[@ccooper8785]

Good job, although if I was restoring this sign for my own use I would have stopped once I discovered the original paint and then protected it with a clear lacquer.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks for watching and for your words 👍 yes I actually thought about that 😉 .. But I do full restorations here so ha had to go all the way 🤔😉👍

[@jrlamas]

Totally agree with you.

[@АндрейКравченкоДНР]

@@AwesomeRestorations А почему не заняться рестоврацией мотоциклов!

[@jaym1979]

I agree bro. The old paint & patina should've left alone

[@andytaylor1588]

@@АндрейКравченкоДНР точно

[@grettagirl2884]

Martin, every time I watch one of your videos, I am still just in awe of the artist you are and how fortunate it is that you share your gifts with us! Thank you again! ❤

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thank you so much 😀

[@adammoran7849]

I've been a Harley-Davidson model/memorabelia collector for about 20yrs.. I've even drawn my fair share of HD tattoo designs, but i swear i almost lost my shit when i saw that can of RED paint.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks for watching Adam.... Don't worry about it. I ended up being really Beautiful here on my wall in the garage 😉 I'm also into HD but have actually always not liked the orange brand color, there fore I did go with a Red very close to Harley Davidson Scarlet Red 😉 ... The sign was red under the rust. And alot of HD signs out there wear this red, so it's pretty common 👍 happy holidays 👌

[@kacichitwood3152]

Literally came to the comments to see if anyone else felt the way I did about the red paint. Broke my heart.

[@akenjah]

They have the logo in a few different colors including red. If the guy likes the red logo better then that's his choice.

[@jennifermetcalfe906]

Me too...I was like what? Did he just say red? Had to go back and read it again...

[@aermotors]

That thing looked absolutely perfect when right after you cleaned it, sort of a shame to restore things all the time. Sometimes they are better left as is, but what good is that for content lol. Great channel.

[@TourCam]

i just want to visit your place once in life ! that's my goal ❤️ i mean nothing can stop you, you have every answer & equipment as well 😘 i really want to visit your place man ❤️

[@961nrp]

@@user-rf2ey8ub4d couldn't you say that about anything? No one person is the only one capable of performing any task. But that doesn't make it any less impressive. You don't have to undermine what this guy is doing just because other people can do it too. OP is probably really interested in crafting and restoration so he'd like to see this guy's studio. Nothing wrong with that. Sure, there are plenty of people who have a studio too, but I'm sure OP likes his style in particular, just like with anything else. You don't have to be rude and undermine people's interests and hobbies, it's just not necessary. If you're not interested in the process of restoration, that's fine, but you don't need to take it a place where you're judging someone else for enjoying it. If you have nothing nice to say, don't say it.

[@Meta-Locked]

Same tour cam

[@carlalapish8116]

@00:00 maybe @TourCam can learn from this gentleman!

[@TheVeronaus]

@@user-rf2ey8ub4d If these videos are boring, it's not AR's fault at all ... He shows his work, the stages of the restoration; you are only interested in the result, there is nothing wrong with that, but you have to admit that it's your lack of interest😉😉

[@Blue2crows]

I would love to see his collection of restored items. It would be a taste of Heaven on earth.

[@dixonqwerty]

Looking great but I also liked the look after the initial cleaning

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks... Yes metoo 😉

[@dan725]

I can't decide. Both end product and the old look was super appealing. Still, seeing it new was awesome.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks for watching Dan and for your opinion 👍

[@OversizedDetour1341]

There hasn't been one video of yours that didn't amaze me. Everything is just awesome like the name. Love the sign too.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks for watching and for your kind words I really glad that you like my videos 😉👍

[@TheBlaert]

Clearly says RESTORATION in the title, yet so many saying leave it as it was?

[@AwesomeRestorations]

ha ha ... clever thoughts 😂👌😜

[@TrumpsEarBandage]

Can’t please everyone

[@marub6126]

For using the term "restoration" there are too much damages and pitting left. Its only a repaint. Nothing more.

[@ScienceChap]

Thats what HD thinks, which is why they're struggling...

[@pullskinback100]

But he did ask for people's opinions after he did the clean!.

[@sachtiottosmith]

Jesus Christ, let the guy paint the sign whatever color he wants

[@realaussiemale567]

I’m glad someone has the time, patience, tools & experience for this type of fiddly stuff, because I don’t.

[@catwhisperer7655]

It makes the world a better place to see these old, beautiful, rare, etc items brought back to life with knowledge, TLC and lots of elbow grease!

[@mwnciboo]

Wife "Why does your Amazon wish list have a Sandblasting cabinet in it?" Me "...Reasons...."

[@AwesomeRestorations]

😊 you can always use a sandblaster at the home

[@justafryguy]

😂

[@customrestoration5317]

*hahaha* 😂

[@dupazelli1]

Man , you should have left it the way you said you liked , maybe only applying some varnish .

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Yes... I was sooo beautiful right there 👍👍

[@lastmanstanding1767]

That made me cringe when he put it in the blaster.

[@MrVassago89]

Yep! I was blown away by the fact that it still had paint!

[@agustusfarnworth3379]

It was dope

[@casey3609]

That very pretty it came out good now iam into harley daivdson all my life the way you restore the sign make me wanna start doing things like that keep up good work

[@TangoCharlieAlpha]

I would have stopped after the initial cleaning. It lost it's "story".

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks for watching and yes you might be right about this 👍

[@valfodr]

*its

[@TangoCharlieAlpha]

@@valfodr Thank you autocorrect police. I'm not sure how I could carry on with my life, not knowing that my phone threw an apostrophe into a post, unbeknownst to me. You have truly saved me from potentially throwing myself from the rooftop of some skyscraper somewhere. 🙄🙄

[@FC98952]

It didn't lost anything! Now its story can restart

[@kenh.5903]

Agreed, it had its own unique look before now just looks like every other Harley sign

[@Jeff-B69]

The Harley colours are orange and white not red..

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks for watching and for your words 👍 Efter doing some research and looking att this specific sign (witch was red under the rust) I did choose a Harley Davidson red color. I think that this looks better in my garage 😉

[@ericmatthews7652]

Harley colors are orange and white, just like what was under the rust.

[@roberthemsath6602]

I believe what was called red was more of an orange color just like the 68-69 Pontiac GTO's were painted "carousel red" which was actually an exact paint code match to the Hugger orange that Chevy was painting the Camaro at that time. I could be wrong I just thought it looked more orange than red. Either way I would have left the patina. Good video though.

[@ozzie444]

@@AwesomeRestorations If you're restoring (as in your name) you should have used orange instead of red. You devalued the sign. Anyway, it's yours and if you're happy with red that's your business.

[@DDS029]

It's Vermilion. About half way between Coca-Cola red (Fire Red), and Orange. If you put it next to red, it looks orange. Put it next to orange, it will look red.

[@SHADOWBLACKs650]

Yeah I would have left it original, I agree with you... Subscribed.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks for watching and your opinion 👍👌 😉

[@cmmc3400]

Who else yelled NOOOOOO!!! at the screen as that beauty was taken for sandblasting? ARG!

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Me 😮😉

[@olitapanteyeva4132]

Michelle W clearly sais restoration in the title

[@truthfilter]

but he's an awesome restorer not an awesome mild cleaner

[@1zippy]

@@AwesomeRestorations I commend you for taking criticism like a champ! I like both the rustic version and final product

[@Nancy-dennen]

やっぱりびっくりだ！！！ お父さんがハーレー乗ってるから なんか嬉しいなぁ\( ˆˆ )/

[@marcuscook6801]

As soon as that song went to be sandblasted I was like NO! Kills the provenance

[@TheUnderDome]

Yep i agree, after cleaning with the brush was the perfect moment to leave it alone

[@SFCB1954]

Agree with your comment. You should have left it as it was at that point of the restoration. The time patina was awesome.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks for watching and for your kind words 👍 yes that patina was crazy 👌

[@ardianfathurrohman]

4:33 First time i see your face mate

[@AwesomeRestorations]

... 😬👍😉

[@кириллб-ы9д]

@@AwesomeRestorations

[@кириллб-ы9д]

'

[@alexpokazanov5194]

Hah, I like the part where its cleaned and all "Industrial" looking and you'd leave it there, but great job, still has that pitted texture, I can watch these all day honestly

[@kimmirafuentes1830]

Steel brushes for a few minutes. Realizes sand blaster purchase needs ROI. This needs san blasting!

[@00ironcross]

Should have just sealed it after you cleaned it

[@slackjaw703]

I agree with ya, it was perfect after the initial cleaning. Should’ve just sprayed on some poly and hung it up as is. That said, looked amazing refinished as well.

[@jackbradley9586]

I would have cleaned that up a bit, clear coated it, and been done...

[@taslon7132]

Filming of the process is as good as the restoration work you do. Every step tells an intriguing story... Riveting viewing... and another job well done. Cheers from Hobart Tasmania Australia 🇦🇺

[@georgeshelton6281]

No friend has ever said this to me; "I can see that you, want to go back the happy days/your happy days of course."

[@georgequalls5043]

I like both the old cleaned sign and the restored version. The old clean one had character.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

I think you are right they looked nice both :)

[@grayson444]

8:59 Scared the crap outta me, I had my volume up all the way 😭😂😁

[@charlottereinhardtsen730]

same

[@nopro5433]

Liked rusted better shows character JMO.🇺🇸🍻🤜🏻

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Yes it was beautiful right there 😉 Thanks for watching 👍

[@andrewnelson6265]

It’s torture to watch him not sandblast it perfectly, it’s like he’s purposely missing spots all over it

[@rachael4218]

Why can't you just appreciate the work that went into it?

[@luschnaider9062]

achei que ia restaurar a motinha kkkk

[@AwesomeRestorations]

ha ha ... NOOO ;-)

[@Rich13canada]

You got the color wrong. Not Scarlet Red. You needed HARLEY ORANGE PANTONE: 165 C HEX COLOR: #FF671F; RGB: (255,103,31) CMYK: (0,70,100,0)

[@scottwalton4638]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Ha ha ... 😬😬 I'm more into red on that sign. But I might do one in PANTONE: 165 C also 😉😉 Thanks for watching 😉

[@javadobe]

Hey man! I love watching you work. You are inspiring me to get back in my shop. Where do you find the things that you are restoring? I need a project. Keep em coming!!!

[@shrekevin7608]

Ah yes my favorite restoration channel

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks 😉

[@avanbuuren283]

you"ve never heard of my mechanics

[@lucas_skillboy1982]

@@avanbuuren283 This one is very good too

[@workdesu]

I loved how it looks after the initial clean up..but i gotta say that after restoration its even better..in my opinion...bcos of the splendid job u did 👍👍👍👍 thumbs up, nice!!

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks for watching and for your kind words 👍

[@paladinjulio6982]

Im renember the Sons Of Anarchy😎😎😎

[@abbiebberry]

Yes. Liked it before the sandblasting. Character.

[@kshatriya1414]

good job dude!. A tip is too thin the paints just enough so that they cover the surface smoothly when doing the letter detailing, it might require 2 coats but the finish will be 100% better i swear!.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks for watching and for sharing Your knowledge 👍👌

[@PaulBrown-uj5le]

@@AwesomeRestorations why are your items in the same state in every video, it look as tho they're all found in the same hole in the ground, I'm just saying because it looks a bit fishy, that brown crap is on everything you restore.

[@sharmaps656]

I love that sign at 1:47 but in the end even more 🔥

[@deputymartucci9901]

Watching you do these restorations, makes me want to start doing them myself!

[@AwesomeRestorations]

you should :) it's very satisfying to fix old things :)

[@joshuawaddell6640]

Why all the rust cleaning by hand first if you're going to sand blast it anyways? Seems like a waste of time to me...

[@AwesomeRestorations]

No I do not want all that rust inside my blaster cabinet ;-)

[@brandonrides]

Newbie here, I’m just curious... why do the gloves in sandblasting machine have them lil bumps in them.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Good question I don't know 😂

[@faroshscale]

~looks at thumbnail~ oh boy...sandblasting heaven

[@brianpauley1151]

When you wiped it down & it's color first appeared, that's when i would have clear coated it in a matte finish. Perfecto ! It only had that original patena once, now it's gone forever .😢

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks for watching - in 50 years it will be beautiful again ;-)

[@yayagazab4449]

Steady hands. I also like my things old, but mint.

[@glennvengroff7235]

I like what you do a lot but in this case i would have left it alone after cleaning...original paint...great job though..tyvm for the nice content👍

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks for watching!

[@volvioelblu2043]

1:35... Stop!!.. no more restauration.. that way is perfect..!!

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Yes it was ;-)

[@javierbenitez9604]

it seems that it was artificially oxidized

[@soneyliston7902]

Yea I thought that, no pitting and the back of it hardly anything, I have never seen anything with that amount of rust on it, looked a bit on the fake side

[@henriqueamorim1341]

With the amount of popularity of this kinds of videos, I bet a lot of these new channels do it. These days fake gets a lot more likes

[@soneyliston7902]

@@henriqueamorim1341 He could have just refubed it, and that would have been acceptable, like you say it gets likes, seen a lot of fake remakes now

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks for watching and for your observation 👍 it has been in my old garage like forever in a open box with logo side up, there have been Rain, fire, oil, beer food and much more in that box... It is what it is 😉 take it or leave it 👌

[@williamcherry3262]

You restoration geniuses, you know everything and the real miracle is that you are so smart from your parent’s basement!

[@steveacdc6423]

3:31 okay! 🙂

[@aulakhharry3990]

Hi

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Hi 😉

[@luiseduardobermejomonteneg3794]

Muy buen trabajo, le quedó muy bien. Saludos desde Bogotá Colombia

[@AwesomeRestorations]

muchas gracias Luis :)

[@hyunmincho4138]

하이염. 잘하시네요 저도 배우고싶어요

[@freddiemarquez9736]

I loved that you fully restored it, love seeing all these dorks get agitated just for a hunk of metal.

[@olitapanteyeva4132]

Freddie Marquez haha saaaaaaaaaaaammmeeeee

[@XXXXXPPPPP]

Очередная отличная работа, хоть и не такая сложная, как восстановление зажигалок.

[@chandrakalakapu5528]

* me when he uses every other product * "I wonder what these smell like"

[@chandansoni1429]

Why you didn't remove pitting ?? . You directly started powder - coating . By the way love your videos bro 😍💙😍💟 . Love u from 🇮🇳.

[@mlight6845]

Classic subjects, artistic visual media, just right sound effects, and amazing restoration. Wow!

[@kirkclarke2931]

Love your channel, it's amazing and peaceful to watch. Great craftsmanship and really good editing plus your own quirky humour chucked in. Keep it up, especially during this pandemic it's killing the boredom. L9ve from the UK.

[@sonofseven2174]

This man is @therelaxingend ???

[@frankortiz_HeroDad]

I just subscribed. You have a different style and you explain very well. Good job! Stay safe and God bless!

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Welcome aboard!

[@frankortiz_HeroDad]

Thank you.

[@limalicious]

This makes me sad because my uncle would have loved this. =(

[@vinh4889]

It may take some days to renew that badge but it took YEARS to make it look that beautifully old. Your opinion, anyway.

[@Ju5tiv]

Finished product is stunning! I personally would have paid more for the sign midway before sandblasting than that of the finished product, still beautiful.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks for watching 👍 yes me too I looked so good before the sandblasting. 😉

[@crazyhackspk8420]

Now this is my second video on your channel I get bored when I see some restoration video but I have seen your 2nd video I have enjoyed a lot

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for watching I am glad you like my videos :)

[@crazyhackspk8420]

Keep it up brother ☺️♥️🔥

[@stefanibrunello]

When you start sandblasting I'm like: ooohhh noooo, It was so beautiful that way

[@Kotbars74]

После зубной щетки, остальное было лишним)))

[@じゆん参]

すげえ、(゜ロ゜) 本物だ、、、本物が よみがえったんですね

[@tonylucas8736]

If l sent A R a aluminum coffee

[@SHODGES69]

I would’ve left it alone after I cleaned it, had so much character

[@donaldevans5752]

brilliant video yet again , i really want a sand blaster , what for i do not know but i want one hahahaha , brilliant restoration .

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks a lot :) everybody should have their own sandblaster

[@donaldevans5752]

@@AwesomeRestorations im sold lol ,so its tool station for me today ..

[@saintscott67]

Should have left at is was after cleaning, the patina made it more valuable

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Yes :)

[@Dhidotzchannel]

Jelek. Tidak mengkilap seperti biasanya

[@tomerasado8558]

Amazing pal!! You are an artist 🖼

[@Tempted_Lotus]

I can appreciate both after the first cleaning and after the amazing work you did 💜I have PTSD and these videos help me soo much when I’m overwhelmed, thank you

[@miroh3540]

Dude same!

[@zacharywissinger3996]

You restored it nicely, but judging by how much paint was left after the brushing, it would have made a nice survivor piece with a gentler rust removal. At least it can be appreciated again and not left to rust.

[@dr.skipkazarian5556]

I think it looks great....you did a fine job (and showed a lot of patience)….best wishes for a happy and healthy new year!!

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks for watching dr. skip and for your kind words I really appreciate it 👍

[@유하민내가낳을걸]

Started with the zippo lighters and going backwards. Im curious about the name of the liquids you spray. Would be nice if these tools get introduced in the subtitles :)

[@jmvells2140]

The final product is awesome but I loved the first one, just after the first step.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

I agree that it also looks really cool from the beginning but it was fun to restore it :)

[@ramikasem79]

🌷🌷🌷👍👍👍👍🌷🌷👌

[@randallhahn2137]

would have left it after initial cleaning and clear coat it.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

fair enough

[@oliver.daveygauto3373]

Ufff sin duda quedó impresionante, está perfecto para colgarlo en tu habitación y tenerlo de trofeo.

[@jacksonkesecker]

The amount of work, effort, and care put into not only the restoration of these beautiful pieces but in the making, editing, and mastering of the videos is absolutely stunning and calculated. You're literally the Gordon Ramsay of restoration. Well done, sir.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks Jackson :)

[@javalebrown4041]

hope you used mask when you restored something...

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Always - Thanks for watching 😉👍

[@javalebrown4041]

@@AwesomeRestorations welcome...goodbless

[@johngate4715]

Thought the paint can said 'hammer time'

[@AwesomeRestorations]

ha ha ... It is hammer time ;-)

[@davefox5614]

1:35 Clear coat and done.... Sweet

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Yes Dave ... that would actually have been awesome - cheers buddy :)

[@TOPGUNm777]

I would of kept it rustic looking. Looked good that way too

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks for watching ... and yes after quick cleaning it was awesome 👍

[@jfilhofilho4507]

Essa placa ficou top demais!!!!😲😲😲👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@TommyPlymouth]

Completely ruined it by sandblasting - should have left it and clear coated it, such a shame, now looks like a cheap Chinese knockoff you can buy from any store. Such a shame.

[@marcbee1234]

1:34 natural patina, true character can't be replicated and it looked great!

[@janemorrow8802]

I'm watching again on 29 June 2020. I did see some charm in the sign right after cleaning. I could tell it was old. On the other hand, the full restoration will last a very long time.

[@gwag8410]

I’ve been around antiques a long time, I hated to see what was left of the old paint sandblasted away... dang. I hope you are planning to keep the sign, because the value dropped dramatically, when the old sandblaster came on.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks for watching - and you are absolutely right about the beautiful patina 😉. Yes I will keep it 👍

[@FlashAsh]

you say the value dropped, but he made way more money with this video than he would have selling it 😏

[@pizarrolaurel]

The Lord has a blessed you with amazing talent. Keep up the good work. Love it!

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks for watching and for your kind words I really appreciate it 👍