I got a 1976 DT400 from my cousin who bought it new. The debate has been discussed about the 250 tank stickers. My question is should I touch up the right side cover, skid plate and pipe with paint or leave it original. I'm going to keep and ride the bike but was wondering if the paint work would be a bad idea. Thanks Jimmy

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If it were me... I would get everything cleaned and then hit the side cases with a fresh coat of PJ1 satin black case paint- some Hi Temp satin black for the pipe and a fresh coat of Gloss Black on the skid plate and it will look great.

Then ride it and enjoy the bike as it was meant for... Makes me crazy when folks make these great old bikes so pristine your afraid to get a speck of dirt on them... Its a shame!

This paint is awesome and gives it that factory satin finish.

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If the tank is in really good shape paint wise... I would just leave it... pretty cool actually when folks think it is a 250 but you got all the 400 torque and power!

I'm with Greg. In my opinion any part that was originally black looks better redone without detracting from its origiality value.

I'm on the fence... patina is nice and doesn't detract for me... I love DVM's gas tank on his CT3... by the "knee wear" you can see that bike has been ridden.

It's really a personal preference.

Painting the parts you mentioned certainly wouldn't hurt and would clean up the bike... The only caution is that if you're going to do it, do it right. Some models had magnesium side covers (would say on it if it does) and that requires special prep to get the paint to stick.

Either way, its a great bike!!!

Thank you guys for your input. I'm going to wait until it gets warm again before I do anything. But I think I will touch it up. Jimmy

That is a nice bike.
"Redo.." any rusty black bits (with the correct paint ) , clean the rest thoroughly and then go and ride it .
Preserve but still enjoy..... is my suggestion, for what it is worth !

That's my plan. Going to tag it and ride it.

Weather was ok today. Paint came in (thanks for the tip GFrench on the PJ1 satin black case paint). Did the pipe, case and skid plate. Came out nice.