Paint scheme for 1932 VL

[silentgreyfello]

I need some help settling a discussion I'm having with a buddy that is restoring a 32 VL...

Most publications state that the color for '32 was still olive green with striping, with a note that special colors and combinations were available. In Jerry Hatfield's "Inside HD" book, he writes that "most '32 models had the swirl panels", though not mentioned in any literature. Is this true?

Second question that I have is is this swirl different than the eagle motif / swirl of 1933? There is a picture on p. 113 that looks like no eagle head, just a swirl, but I am not positive.

Was this swirl a decal, or painted? Anybody have pictures?

Thank you!

[exeric]

I copied this page from the David K. Wright book 'The Harley-Davidson Motor Company An Officaial Eighty Year History.' This is a question for Kevin Valentine or anyone who knows copywrite law. Is it okay to post this page from a book without permission from the Author or publisher ?

[kval]

paint scheme for 1932 VL

exeric
I do not know copywrite laws, but you are not selling this, just sharing information with a friend

[Chris Haynes]

To quote "The Legend Begins" An in house Harley-Davidson publication.

"Standard finish for all models was olive green, with vermillion striping. Note: Special colors and combinations were available but not cited in product literature."

On page 6 of the August 1931 Enthusiast, the 1932 New model announcement you will find;

"IMPROVED APPEARANCE!
Not only the Big Twin, but the entire Harley-Davidson line, is much better looking for 1932. The standard color is olive green, with vermillion striping but the fellow who wants something different in a special color job can satisfy his cravings at much lower prices. Many unusual and pleasing color combinations are offered this year as standard special colors"

I have not yet found a list of those colors.

[Chris Haynes]

This list of paints is from the 1932 Accessory Catalogue. There is no indication if all of these colors were used on the 1932 models, previous models, or simply sold over the counter.

[Johnny]

http://www.vintagemotorcycleworks.co...32_paint_1.gif
http://www.vintagemotorcycleworks.co...32_paint_2.gif

[Matthew N. Olse]

Paul Jenson owns an original paint 32 rl with the tank swirl paint scheme. It is one of the best looking harley paint schemes ever. His is delft blue with a turquiose swirl and striping. The frame, fork, toolbox and primary cover were delft blue as well.

[silentgreyfello]

Thank you for the great info!!! I am out of my element on these bikes from the 30's, but I knew there would be some knowlegable folks here.

Does anyone know if the paint codes from Chris's post are transferred to modern paint codes? If so, where does a person obtain them?

Thanks again!

[Chris Haynes]

Get your paint from Antique Cycle Supply.
http://www.antiquecyclesupply.com/paint.htm

[silentgreyfello]

pix of Paul's bike

Mathew,

I sent Paul an email and he sent back a picture right away... beautiful bike! The panel looks silver to me, not turquois, but maybe it's my eyes. If you look at Johnny's link, the turquois is pretty green compared to Paul's bike.

One other thing that I noticed on Paul's bike is that the humps on the fenders are not painted like some other '32's. I presume you could order striping any way that you like? In Johnny's link, one of the options is "Motorcycle in any of these three colors with two-color fenders" for $7.00.

[silentgreyfello]

pix of tank

here is a closeup...

[silentgreyfello]

here is a closeup...