1924 Chief optional dark blue

[RobW96]

Trying to local the correct current color code for the optional dark blue offered for the Big Chief in 1924. Can anyone help? I heard of a guy in Indiana? That sells the correct color paints but don't know the name.

[pisten-bully]

I can't help you, but you might give a call to John Pierce and see what he knows. He no longer does Indian paint, but he might be willing to give you the formula if he has it.

[exeric]

Rob, this is just my opinion and not based on an actual paint chip; but that dark blue was quite popular in it's day. It is commonly called 'Packard Blue' and I assume that is because Packard made it popular. Both Henderson, Excelsior, and Ace used that color, and I suspect Indian did as well. It is so dark that it looks like black in low light, but it is beautiful in sunlight, and contrasts well with nickel, and black parts.

[exeric]

http://www.antiquemotorcycle.org/bbo...9-Indian-Paint

This is interesting.

[RobW96]

Thank you Eric! Since I am restoring this bike, I am trying to be as accurate as possible.
You are the first and only person to respond out of 5 different web sites I have asked for info.
If you were restoring to show a 1924 Big Chief, would you be comfortable using this color on the bike?

[pisten-bully]

You are the first and only person to respond out of 5 different web sites I have asked for info.

Ahem.......

[exeric]

Rob, I think I would lean towards the very dark blue as I believe that color nomenclature refers to the almost black/blue. I have seen blue referred to 'Dark Blue; Blue; Medium Blue; and Light Blue. In other words, when they say Dark Blue, they ain't kidding. Our esteemed member Gene Harper has a beautiful 1924 Chief and he has collected a wealth of literature on 20s vintage Indians. Perhaps he'll chime in, or I can contact him and see if he has more info.

[RobW96]

I certainly appreciate the help Eric. Just want to do it right. The bike deserves it.

[RobW96]

Sorry Harry, when I went to post I only saw Eric's post.
Appreciate the help, id John Pierce on this site, or is he with a company? Do you have contact info?

[gharper]

Rob,

I don't recall seeing any factory info detailing the color options for 24, that's why I haven't chimed in, nothing verifiable to add. I'll look and see what I have, if anything.

Gene Harper

[RobW96]

Gene,
I am going by the info in the Hatfield Buyers Guide. Also found pics of two restored in Finland in dark blue.

[gharper]

Rob,

I just did a quick scan of the sales brochures I have from 23-31. All finishes are listed as "Indian Red withe Gold Stripes" 23-28, I don't have a 29 brochure. The first mention of any color other than Indian Red is 1930. It states: FINISH: Indian Red with Gold Stripes. Optional colors available at additional cost." Even the parts book for Chief 22-26 that has an accessory supplement in the back lists only RED for small cans of touch up paint.

So, perhaps other colors were available but I find no documentation until 1930. Certainly there were some machines ordered with special paint for commercial applications, like police or delivery service, so who knows, if a guy wanted to pay extra he could probably get what ever color he wanted.

Like Bob Ross used to say "It's your painting, and you can make it any way you want it"

Gene

[pisten-bully]

Harry Sucher's book, The Iron Redskin mentions in appendix 2 that "all early Scout models were painted Indian Red", but in the same paragraphs states: "Domestic color options were either white or dark blue". So that's kinda confusing.

Rob, I'd be curious what John Pierce might say, his website has his contact information: http://hdpaint.tk/main.html

[RobW96]

Harry,
The John Pierce web site also informs the reader that he is no longer making, selling paint for Indians, nor is he answering technical questions concerning Indians.

Gene, my friend Dr. Mark has checked his collection of Factory Literature and verified that a Dark Blue was offered as an option as well as white. I also agree that it is my painting, but am trying for accuracy. Otherwise I would paint it Springfield blue, or the darker red used in later 1920's.

Might have paint codes Wednesday from Dr. Mark.

[RobW96]

Harry,
Sent an email this morning anyway. Will post if I get a reply.