Factory Pinstripping

[Eric MATHIEU]

Can anyone supply information on how stripping was done at the factory in the 1938 era. I have not had the chance to study an original paint bike to see how it was done. The stripping seems to be nice straight and even so I am wondering if it was hand paintbrush stripped on or if another method was used. Any info greatly appreciated.
Eric

[Chris Haynes]

I wasn't born then. During the 1980's H-D did have some tank pinstriping. During the Dealer Meeting at York in 1981 we watched and were even invited to try our hand at the pinstriping. The tank was on the table held in place by a fixture. A guide closed over the top of the tank to keep the very small paint pinstriping roller on course. The girls at the MoCo made it look easy to go 360 degrees without stopping. When it was our turn to try the girls had a good laugh at our ineptness and wipped off our stop and go lines and then laid down their own perfect lines.

[dennis49]

I have a nos original paint 1938 right tank in blue paint with the pin stripes. let
me know if you would like me to send you pictures. hope this helps

[Eric MATHIEU]

Hello Dennis,
Yes pictures would be great. If it's possible could you take close up pictures too? Looking at the tank would you say the pinstriping is hand paintbrushed on or is it something else? What about the center larger stripe between the two others? Thanks,
Eric

[dennis49]

the pinstripes look to be hand done.the interesting thing is the decal
there are two vertical black lines on each end where the pinstripe starts
that are not on the reproduction decals.

[Eric MATHIEU]

Dennis,
Are the two vertical black lines part of the decal or hand added? I think this subject has been discussed before here. I'll try to find the thread. Got the picture by email thanks so much.
Eric

[Chris Haynes]

Here are factory photos.
1936.

1937.

1938.

1939.

[Greg H]

Oh yeah 36/37 open, 38/39 have black lines closing name bar either end & on rear angle of above & below bars, thanks never noticed that before.

[Eric MATHIEU]

Thanks for the pictures Chris those are the ones I was referring to. Look how sloppy that pinstriping looks on the 39 tank!
Eric

[Chris Haynes]

Thanks for the pictures Chris those are the ones I was referring to. Look how sloppy that pinstriping looks on the 39 tank!
Eric

That isn't pinstriping. That was painted that way.