Date: Tue, 4 Jan 94 09:38:30 +1100
From: Roy Armstrong
I believe the pin stripes painted on the Commando
fuel tanks were different
750's had one single stripe 850's had two parallel
stripes
If this assumption is correct what was the thickness
of the said stripes
for Roadster and Interstate models 1971/72?
6.2 Petrol Tanks, Colours and Colour Matching.
Date: Tue, 25 Jan 1994 09:39:29 -0800 (PST)
From: Steve Moseley
I've got a post-Combat, pre Mk V, '72-'73 Commando Roadster, and I'd like to paint the tank and side covers. It's presently black with the gold Norton logos on the tank. Should this model have gold panel lines on the tank?
I've seen photos both with and without panel lines, but Bacon seems to suggest that the correct scheme included the panel lines. Also, Bacon says the transfers should be gold with black borders, while mine are just gold.
I'm not obsessed with getting it perfect, but if I'm going to repaint, I might as well get it right. I'd appreciate any information.
Date: Fri, 28 Jan 94 05:21:56 -0700
From: Andrew Wolf
Well I certainly not an expert on paint, however I do it to be able to afford my restorations. All the money I save usually gets burned up in chrome at Brown's in Kentucky. As for getting paint matched, there are a couple of ways to go.
A company advertises in Old Bike Journal that sells the original Cellulose paints I have never used them as I use modern mind altering paints. Usually I find a paint sample on the underside of a tank or fender and have the color matched at the local Body shop supply company.
Sometimes I must resort to color ads of the period for the color and paint scheme. When I paint I always strip all of the old paint off. I now use a company that uses Plastic beads to strip paint. This does not touch the surface (or remove rust, not a problem in the desert) and leaves it just like it was originally.
I used to bondo, but I am learning the skill of dinging out dents and using lead to fill the remaining imperfections. I always take my gas and oil tanks to the radiator shop to have the internals etched and sealed (don't do this unless you are committed to repainting.)
Chuck, I don't have to paint my Spitfire as the new Large gas tank and side covers I got have the color in the gel coat. The flamboyant red is damn sexy on my bike