'45 Chief Civilian - correct finish on a few bits?

[RocketMoto]

Hi Folks:

Looking for some thoughts on the correct finish on the following pieces. Not sure if these items should be cad plated, black painted, or???

• Front brake lever
• Shift lever
• Handlebar spiral nuts
• Horn and light handlebar switches

I'd appreciate any help - and even better if you have any original factory photos or literature that I could purchase from you - or purchase clear copy or scan to help substantiate what's correct during AMCA judging.

Thanks,
=Adam=
Hollis, NH

[45OZ]

Hi Adam had my 45 chief for 15 years now 44 & 45 chiefs had No shiny parts because of the War effort All the photos I have, show that, During the War cad plating was considered (Ornamental use of Metal) & was not allowed by law that is also why they have no Skirts, All the metal finish was Black Paint or Parkerized Including Dash & gas caps. Front Brake lever should be Parkerized as well as the Handlebar Spiral Nuts, Horn & Light Switch covers, Shift Lever would also be parkerized ) But Black Paint could also be used, now I have seen 44 &45 chiefs that had been redone "Custome" where they chrome & plate the metals & it looks good but it is WRONG, in fact all the nuts. bolts & washer were Parkerized. Hope this helps ya if ya need any more info on this bike just ask
Oz

[45OZ]

Here are some Factory pictures for ads in Police magazines :

[RocketMoto]

Hi Oz:

Great - very helpful! These few things are the only items that the bikes was dinged on during judging at Rhinebeck, recently.

I will look to source the shift lever and switches in bare metal, so that I don't have to deal with having the chrome stripped. I'll PM you and perhaps we can connect up so that you can send me some photos of your bike, and I will do the same for mine. Been looking for a non-skirted Chief or 101 Scout for some years now and came into this one a few weeks back. Just looking to make that last few nits 'right' and collect the 'hardware' so that I can then ride and enjoy it.

=Adam=
Hollis, NH

Hi Adam had my 45 chief for 15 years now 44 & 45 chiefs had No shiny parts because of the War effort All the photos I have, show that, During the War cad plating was considered (Ornamental use of Metal) & was not allowed by law that is also why they have no Skirts, All the metal finish was Black Paint or Parkerized Including Dash & gas caps. Front Brake lever should be Parkerized as well as the Handlebar Spiral Nuts, Horn & Light Switch covers, Shift Lever would also be parkerized ) But Black Paint could also be used, now I have seen 44 &45 chiefs that had been redone "Custome" where they chrome & plate the metals & it looks good but it is WRONG, in fact all the nuts. bolts & washer were Parkerized. Hope this helps ya if ya need any more info on this bike just ask
Oz

[45OZ]

Hi Oz:

Great - very helpful! These few things are the only items that the bikes was dinged on during judging at Rhinebeck, recently.

I will look to source the shift lever and switches in bare metal, so that I don't have to deal with having the chrome stripped. I'll PM you and perhaps we can connect up so that you can send me some photos of your bike, and I will do the same for mine. Been looking for a non-skirted Chief or 101 Scout for some years now and came into this one a few weeks back. Just looking to make that last few nits 'right' and collect the 'hardware' so that I can then ride and enjoy it.

=Adam=
Hollis, NH

Did you get this bike ai rhinebeck from Tim?

[RocketMoto]

I did

Looked for a very, very long time, and passed on a lot of bikes.

=Adam=
Hollis, NH

Did you get this bike ai rhinebeck from Tim?

[45OZ]

I did

Looked for a very, very long time, and passed on a lot of bikes.

=Adam=
Hollis, NH

Cool. I know that bike & Tim He did a great job on that & did a LOT of research He is a Good guy & you got a great deal on that. I love the color that is not seen to often but it is a factory offered color for the year, you should have many years of enjoyment on the road with that one.
Congrats
Oz

[rusted few]

if its the white one that was for sale? very nice bike,talked to the guy for a bit and thought the price was a little low? that bike had rubber floorboards which i didnt think was correct?my 1945 has metal floorboards, but overall it was very nice and a very good price for sure!

[aka HAWG]

any pics
my 1940 model 340
007.jpg

aka HAWG

[fizz]

Does the Parkerizing include axle nuts and axle, steering head nut, head bolts, primary cover bolts, etc. My 45 was never really restored but engine was overhauled in early 70s. I suppose the parkerized bolts could have been rusty and got replaced. How about finish on mirror?

[45OZ]

Does the Parkerizing include axle nuts and axle, steering head nut, head bolts, primary cover bolts, etc. My 45 was never really restored but engine was overhauled in early 70s. I suppose the parkerized bolts could have been rusty and got replaced. How about finish on mirror?

Yes All nuts bolts washer would be parkerized although I have not seen the Primary cover bolts parkerized which may be because they had plenty on hand before the war, Mirror would have benn the military style painted Black.

[RocketMoto]

Oz - thanks for the help - really appreciated. I've removed and dissected the headlight dimmer and horn switches, stripped and painted black. Same for toolbox lock and front brake lever. I ordered a bare metal shift lever and will paint black. Normally, I wouldn't care about judging, but the bike is so nice, it deserves some attention and then I'm gonna enjoy it!

Some pix:

DSC04289.jpg DSC04296.jpg
DSC04304.jpg DSC04293.jpg


=Adam=
Hollis, NH

[45OZ]

Oz - thanks for the help - really appreciated. I've removed and dissected the headlight dimmer and horn switches, stripped and painted black. Same for toolbox lock and front brake lever. I ordered a bare metal shift lever and will paint black. Normally, I wouldn't care about judging, but the bike is so nice, it deserves some attention and then I'm gonna enjoy it!

Some pix:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]13608[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]13603[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]13605[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]13606[/ATTACH]


=Adam=
Hollis, NH

Yes it is, I would also Consider getting a luggage rack it really improves the look & if you ride it WILL come in handy I use mine EVERYDAY
Oz

[45OZ]

indian run small.jpgindian2.jpg
Here is a picture I found of my 45

[pisten-bully]

Normally, I wouldn't care about judging, but the bike is so nice, it deserves some attention and then I'm gonna enjoy it!

That really, really is a nice one! Nice job!