RESURRECTION OF A LEGEND: PAINTING THE JUAN KNIGHT OSSA....

‘when Juan asked me if i could bring his 1970’s ossa back to life i knew i had my work cut out’

When you take on a bike like this — a Mick Andrews replica OSSA — you’re not just restoring metal and paint. You’re resurrecting stories, sweat, scars, endurance, and legacy. This bike was in pretty bad  shape: two battered alloy tanks, cracked and torn fibreglass panels, layers of old paint and damage hiding under decades of storage. But when the final coat dried, the bike spoke again.

The bike & its legacy

The OSSA Mick Andrews Replica, launched in the early 1970s, is one of the most iconic trials bikes of its era. Developed with the input of Mick Andrews himself — a two-time European Trials Champion and one of the sport’s true legends — the bike blended OSSA’s innovative Spanish engineering with Andrews’ practical competition experience. Light, responsive, and balanced, it set new standards for handling and control, helping to define modern trials riding. Today, the Andrews Replica isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a piece of trials history, representing the golden age of the sport and the collaboration between a legendary rider and a pioneering manufacturer.

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A fun process with exciting results

The State It Arrived In

– Two aluminium tanks were dented, corroded, and pitted. 
– Fibreglass panels had cracks, missing mounting tabs, stress fractures.
– Previous paint layers were inconsistent — mismatched colors, touch‑ups, overspray, peeling edges.
– Some original decals/logos had been lost or were barely legible.

How I Painted & Restored (Step by Step)

1. Stripping & assessment — stripped off old paint, cleaned surfaces, assessed where filler or backing work was needed.
2. Priming & sealing — Aluminium primer sealed the tank surfaces; flexible primer on fibreglass for vibration resistance.
3. Paint layering & mask work — Classic palette: white + green + black in OSSA style. Ultra-precise masking.

4. Decals & detailing — Recreated or sourced decals/logos and applied them for authenticity.
5. Clear coat & finish — Multiple clear coats, wet-sanded and polished to deep shine.
6. Reassembly & protection — Cleaned, replaced hardware.

Get Your Bike custom painted at X-Paint

Inspired by Juan’s restoration? You too can get your bike custom painted at X-Paint in Ramsey on the Isle of Man. We can help you create a design that’s uniquely yours or restore your pride and joy to its original condition. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality, hand-finished custom paint jobs that meet your specific needs and preferences.

Visit our contact page  to learn more about our services and start your custom paint project today.