What is the factory color of dash panel cover for 1927 JD

[Steve Swan]

What is the original factory color of dash panel cover for 1927 JD? i was always of the impression the color should be black. I am beginning to wonder. I have a dash panel cover that very clearly has traces of Olive Green on the outside and inside of the cover.

For that matter, what original factory color should the mounting bracket ("switch mounting plate") be ?

[exeric]

Steve, when it comes to 1927JDs, you are one of the first I would consult. I have to believe you have done extensive research, and came to your conclusions on finishes after diligent sampling. Having said that, there are always anomalies in history, and not everything H-D did was carved in stone. My personal opinion is; the dash panel, and mounting bracket were always black because H-D was offering optional colors by that time and some items had to be a standard, basic black to keep color options affordable. However, there's no saying someone thought Olive Green would look better. Harley sold cans of paint to the public, and that may have been someone's weekend project.

[exeric]

I just remembered something about the 1928JD I had. I needed the dash panel for my '28 so I sent SASE letters to all the people I thought would have that part (the olden days). I got a reply, and price from a guy here in Florida and I seem to remember he wanted $50 for it. He said it was in great shape, and the brass legend plate was on it. I sent a money order, got the part, and instantly noticed there were 4 holes drilled right through the Harley-Davidson bar and shield logo.

[Steve Swan]

Steve, when it comes to 1927JDs, you are one of the first I would consult. I have to believe you have done extensive research, and came to your conclusions on finishes after diligent sampling. Having said that, there are always anomalies in history, and not everything H-D did was carved in stone. My personal opinion is; the dash panel, and mounting bracket were always black because H-D was offering optional colors by that time and some items had to be a standard, basic black to keep color options affordable. However, there's no saying someone thought Olive Green would look better. Harley sold cans of paint to the public, and that may have been someone's weekend project.

Thanks Eric, for your kind replies. i'll be perfectly honest and upfront. i bought the panel cover off ebay from machivmotors last week. it very clearly has old Olive Green paint inside and out. Looking at the watercolor factory pics, the panel is green. i did not think until now to look at the various pics of 26-28 o.p. bikes i have. Shall do and report back. I did post my question on JD Yahoo Grps, and Joe Drociuk replied the panels were the color of the tanks, fenders, etc., and that the mounting bracket was black, either Parkerized or painted. because i have this Olive o.p. panel, i am going with Joe's suggestion, however i did wonder if perhaps, because this panel allegedly came from a single, that single panels were green and perhaps J-type panels are black....

i am helping a local buddy get his 29 together, so i a wondering what factory color the panel for a 29 was. i would guess black, considering by 29, apparently any color for the bike could be special ordered from factory.

[Chris Haynes]

Dash seems to match handlebars and tanks. Obviously not black like the headlight.

[Steve Swan]

Chris, Thank you for that picture! Panel certainly DOES appears same color as tanks and handlebar.

fwiw, i just looked through my pics of supposedly original o.p. bikes. Two 26 models have black panel covers. i have no decent pics of 27. a very unmolested appearing 28 has waht appear to be traces of green.

The green on the cover i have and your picture Chris, along with what Joe Dorciuk, points with reasonable assurance the covers are green.

Any thoughts on the 29 panel cover?

[camsaure]

Steve, I am about 98% certain that 29 would be black. I say this because back in the 70s I bought one for a VL I had that came from a 29 JD the guy had parted out several years before and only had that and a couple of other parts left. It still had pretty good original paint, great nickel and an awesome amp meter in it. I got it for 20 bucks. Not sure if the base was black or parkerized, but I repainted both black. If I would find one that good now I would not repaint it. lol

[Peter Cooke]

Steve,
The attached pic of the 28J Police Blue archive bike looks like the dash panel is blue as per the tank below. The black handlebars and frame look darker to my un-calibrated eye. The same bike is in the archive book and looks the same way.

Hope this helps.

hdarchives14.jpg

[Steve Swan]

Thank you, Cam and Peter ! Very helpful information!

[exeric]

What a great picture Chris posted. That settles that question

[Steve Swan]

What a great picture Chris posted. That settles that question

judging by the position of the hand oil pump, this bike is a sport solo ?

[Tommo]

It's a single.
Could be either s.v. or o.h.v.

[riggpigg]

judging by the position of the hand oil pump, this bike is a sport solo ?

Can you elaborate on this remark???? I have a 28 sport solo.......what am I missing??