Clear over transfers on restored bikes

[Chris Haynes]

I see most guys shoot a clear coat over their tank, frame and oil tank decals. The factory bikes did not have that. The decals were covered with hand brushed clear varnish. H-D used part # 11620-X.
I think the judges should start gigging for a clear coat, other than varnish, on restored bikes.
Did the varnish work? You still find original paint bikes with the transfers intact.

[exeric]

I don't think you can get a current decal that even comes close to the quality of originals. I know that genuine old "J" and "V" era decals are so fine and thin that you can't successfully apply one now. Originals are so perfect and beautiful that they look like they were silk screened on the tank. Personally, I think that if you just varnished or shellacked a modern decal it would look like absolute sh*t. I had a friend that varnished a modern Excelsior decal on his 1918 restoration and it really looked bad. I don't know Chris, you're talking about modern stuff that isn't comparable to original.

[exeric]

I do know what you're talking about however. I've seen that "mile deep" look and that's not good at all. That's a tough call.

[kval]

clear over transfers on restored bikes

Eric and all
we will not deduct for a light coat of clear to cover decals or pin stripes, if the clear is heavy or mulitable coats then we will deduct some. we understand that the clear is to protect the finish and will be treated the same as the original schellac.

[Chris Haynes]

Varnish is original, clear coat and modern dual stage paint is not,

[flthead]

Varnish is original, clear coat and modern dual stage paint is not,

if varnish doesnt work with new decals , so what do you suggest Chris ?

[kval]

clear over transfers on restored bikes

Chris
the judges handbook section VI, item #2 states "Any type of paint may be used if the final appearance simulates the original finish".
therefore two stage paint and clear that LOOKS like the original will not be deducted.

[Chris Haynes]

Chris
the judges handbook section VI, item #2 states "Any type of paint may be used if the final appearance simulates the original finish".
therefore two stage paint and clear that LOOKS like the original will not be deducted.

Kevin,
Have you seen any two stage paint that didn't look like a base coat with a clear coat? That is not a simulation. Original old bikes did not have a clear coat on them. Varnish on a transfer looks different than clear coat.
Are we going for correct restorations or are you just gonna give everybody an easy out like you did with the stainless spokes? I have never had any problem buying new cadmium plated spokes or having used spokes re-plated. Using stainless only shows that the builder is too lazy to get the correct spokes. And you allow it. Now you are doing the same thing with paint. What is next?

[kval]

clear over transfers on restored bikes

Chris
to answer your first question, YES! there are many bikes with base/clear that look like original. this rule was started in 1992 when we first started judging with this format.
next, you need to get a NEW judges handbook(look online). it states that stainless spokes NOT glass beaded will get 1/4 point per wheel.

[flthead]

Kevin,
Have you seen any two stage paint that didn't look like a base coat with a clear coat? That is not a simulation. Original old bikes did not have a clear coat on them. Varnish on a transfer looks different than clear coat.
Are we going for correct restorations or are you just gonna give everybody an easy out like you did with the stainless spokes? I have never had any problem buying new cadmium plated spokes or having used spokes re-plated. Using stainless only shows that the builder is too lazy to get the correct spokes. And you allow it. Now you are doing the same thing with paint. What is next?

so what do you suggest ?

[Chris Haynes]

Chris
to answer your first question, YES! there are many bikes with base/clear that look like original. this rule was started in 1992 when we first started judging with this format.
next, you need to get a NEW judges handbook(look online). it states that stainless spokes NOT glass beaded will get 1/4 point per wheel.

Kevin,
I have downloaded the handbook.
Stating that they are allowed doesn't remove the fact, that glass beaded Stainless Spokes look like glass beaded stainless, not cadmium plating.
Clear coated paint looks exactly like clear coat.
Motorcycles should be restored to the way they came out of the factory. You shouldn't make rules giving exemption to people to lazy or ill informed to get the proper paint and plating on their parts. Restorers are different these days. If they can't go online or pick up the phone to order something they need they think it is not available.
Single stage paint is easily available. Antique Cycle Supply can supply most Harley colors. A few phone calls to commercial paint houses, not automotive paint suppliers, will usually find what you are looking for. Cadmium plating is not hard to find. Especially if you look in a "Business to Business" yellow pages.
They day is coming when someone will build a complete V-Twin Panhead or Knucklehead kit bike and put an original engine in it and wind up with a Senior First. It has already happened with the Excelsior.
Kevin, We have to quit giving execptions and have these antiques restored correctly.

[flthead]

I'D still like to know what you suggest for replacing varnish on modern tank transfers , since clear coat looks like clear coat Chris

[jurassic]

excelsior

someone builds complete repop chassis for excelsiors?who would that be,i could use one.

[Chris Haynes]

I'D still like to know what you suggest for replacing varnish on modern tank transfers , since clear coat looks like clear coat Chris

You can buy varnish at your local hardware store.

[Chris Haynes]

someone builds complete repop chassis for excelsiors?who would that be,i could use one.

They build every piece of the bike except the engine. Well done too.

http://www.antiquemotorcycleworks.com/index.htm

Here is their parts list. Go to the tenth page and the Excelsior/Henderson parts start about 2/3 the way down the page.

http://www.antiquemotorcycleworks.com/RTF/print_catalog_442008.rtf