Hi. 
New to BMW bikes, not new to German vehicles. Lucky to have found my 85, stoked to start taking it apart for somewhat of a planned restoration project. 
I will likely paint it sooner or later, original paint color if I can get a match. It's the Red, code 575. Any tips, has anyone re-painted their bikes?
I called a dealer in Ohio regarding getting the original factory paint, they discussed a 3 stage process - over $700 for the paint and kit alone - a bit much for my budget. 

The tank color and condition is pretty legit - it's been covered for years. 

Reading all the resources has been amazing, thank you to everyone in the community for building such a extensive library. 

Thanks!

Hi Thisislouis. Welcome aboard. Don't be too keen to "start taking it apart" straight away. Replace all the fluids, make sure you have a good battery and check rubber hoses for cracks etc. All these thing can deteriorate badly if left for a while unused. Then get out and ride. These machines are very forgiving. Too many projects have been started and then abandoned only to be sold off as a box of parts.
Your ideas about what you want to do with the bike will evolve.
Cheers from down unda

Hi Louis (I presume),

Welcome from another Aussie. 

Paint is an interesting one. I don't claim any special expertise, but at least one of my bikes will have a new paint job.

575 is a scheme rather than a colour. I think that one is the red paint, gold pinstripe and clear coat over, but happy to be corrected by greater expertise.

Like many things, genuine BMW can be expensive but no different to a good job by an independent supplier. A good supplier/automotive painter can match the exact colour without the BMW price premium. As in any paint job, preparation is the key.

Make sure you do the paint work last to minimise the risk of damage from the other work.

Bill

Welcome!

Welcome Louis,
I too have a red K100, vintage 1985.  It's been resprayed with what the PO must have deemed brick red.  If you really want to paint it, check out the offerings of your local NAPA store.  The one here in Boise will match paint samples and put it in rattle cans for the customer.  I'm no painter, but I'd give that a go before paying a pro $1000+ for new paint on my old bike. It's a rider, not a show girl.  

welcome aboard ...

have fun mate

Kaptain Holister wrote:Hi Thisislouis. Welcome aboard. Don't be too keen to "start taking it apart" straight away. Replace all the fluids, make sure you have a good battery and check rubber hoses for cracks etc. All these thing can deteriorate badly if left for a while unused. Then get out and ride. These machines are very forgiving. Too many projects have been started and then abandoned only to be sold off as a box of parts.
Your ideas about what you want to do with the bike will evolve.
Cheers from down unda

Thank you for all the tips. I agree, I'm definitely going to look over all the hoses and such. It came with a a folder of receipts of from the previous owners and the guy I bought it from seemed to have taken care of it for the few years he had it. I'll likely attempt to document the service history, just for the sake of my own organization. I do know it’s probably due for a spline lube, which I've found a ton of resources to assist. It has had a recent oil change, tires, Trans fluid and coolant though.
 
Regarding the paint, I’m still on the fence. The side covers need repair so it'll need paint regardless; doing the fenders and the rest of the body will just be a bonus. I'm definitely not a pro when it comes to paint but if I take my time, I think I'll get away with a decent paint job that's not 30+ year sun faded. 
 
I think I’ll just start with a good wash. Ha-ha. 

Oh yeah... the loves red paint

What part of Illinois?