Color Archive

[sw48]

There are many variables in matching paint: the condition of your sample, is it faded, is it actual original paint, etc. Another method of obtaining a sample is to find a can of original paint, preferably unopened, thoroughly mix it up and spray some on a piece of metal big enough for the computer camera. Let it sit for several days to fully dry.
Color matching is not an exact science, We just have to do the best we can.
Dave

I agree that one of the best methods to obtain the original color is to paint a swatch using a can of the original paint. I used this method when restoring my 1947 knucklehead back in the late '90's.
IMG_3735 2.JPG

[exeric]

I just opened a 1/4 pint can of TANGO RED that I have had for at least 30 years. Obviously it had been opened years ago and drooled on the outside of the can yet the can is virtually full and what paint is missing is mostly what's on the outside of the can. It stirred up very well and dried after 4 or 5 hours. I mention this because I am considering re-painting my '48FL in AZURE BLUE and wondering if anyone would trade a like can of azure blue, for my can of tango red.

tango1.jpg

tango3.jpg

[PaulCDF]

Looks like we have a couple of examples for the "Color Archive' i wonder what years HD used Tango Red?

[sw48]

[QUOTE=exeric;n344994]I just opened a 1/4 pint can of TANGO RED that I have had for at least 30 years. Obviously it had been opened years ago and drooled on the outside of the can yet the can is virtually full and what paint is missing is mostly what's on the outside of the can. It stirred up very well and dried after 4 or 5 hours. I mention this because I am considering re-painting my '48FL in AZURE BLUE and wondering if anyone would trade a like can of azure blue, for my can of tango red.

Hi Eric, I have a can of azure blue that I don't think has been opened but would like to hold onto it as I have a 1948 UL in azure blue. If you want to send me a coupon of some kind I will paint it and send it back to you. Years ago the gas tanks and dash were repainted although the fenders are original paint. I am enclosing a photo of the label on this can which resulted in a good match to the OP fenders.

IMG_3736 2.JPG

[exeric]

Thank you, Stephen. I got a call from a good friend who offered me a sample of Azure Blue from a 1/4 pint H-D can. If I do choose Azure blue over Brilliant Black I'll use the sample my friend offered but I still very much appreciate your offer. That still brings up the question of match quality of a paint supplier using a computer, or the laser eyeball of a paint mixing artist. You can have a perfect sample of every color H-D offered but at the end of the day, can you get a can of paint that is a perfect match. From my experience------NO.

[Rubone]

Since no modern paint has the same chemical components as an original paint does I don't believe it is ever possible to duplicate a color that will behave the same in differing light conditions.

[T. Cotten]

Since no modern paint has the same chemical components as an original paint does I don't believe it is ever possible to duplicate a color that will behave the same in differing light conditions.

Where did you get that idea, Robbie?

https://forum.antiquemotorcycle.org/...%7D&btnSubmit=

....Cotten

[Chris Haynes]

In a judging class years ago we were instructed not to judge a shade of a color as long as it was close.

[T. Cotten]

In a judging class years ago we were instructed not to judge a shade of a color as long as it was close.

So then basically, Chris,

Harley Burgundy and Indian Red are interchangeable?

Sounds good to me, but defeats this whole thread, as well as posterity.

....Cotten

[ammorest]

Here's a question that Steve Slocombe or others might be able to answer. Could a 1934 VLD be ordered with the colors reversed? I have seen factory invoices from the forties that show special order paint jobs with the colors and designs requested and how much they charged for it. Just wondered how lenient Harley was with special order paint requests.
Dave

[JTR249]

I saw a post in this forum once where someone said all HD dealerships had a huge rolodex of color samples schemes on the show room floor.
You could basically order a factory assembled bike and have it painted any color scheme you wanted as long as it was from the book.
I don't think reversing would have been an issue even then.
-JR