Engine/Trans paint?

Hey Dudes,
Ok, once and for all...are the engine cases on the Commando (different year to year) painted silver from the factory??? What about the trans and other non polished parts?? I know my 72 Combat has what looks like most of the remenanats of a light, low metallic silver paint on the cases.....

I am just a stickler for originality when I restore my bikes (choppers and specials hold a special place in my heart as well). If it came from the factory that way, I will do everything I can to make it that way again (photos, NOS parts, ALOT of research....) if it is not too far gone (then it becomes a special). Unfortunately I have read conflicting data concerning engine case/trans silver paint.

You guys are the experts so whadia say? "To Paint....or NOT to Paint....that is the question..."-Shakes Peeer (old English Bloke) :?:

I personally never liked the look of the aluminum case paint and sanblasted all of mine off when the motor and gearbox were out for renovation. Any VHT-type heat-resistant aluminum powder-filled paint should do if you want to go that route.

From memory the factory painted porous cases and heads.

I asked Norman White (ex Norton race shop man, for those of you who haven't heard of him) this very same question just a few weeks ago when he was working on my 72 bottom end. 72 cases were not painted. Later ones were, but I don't remember exactly when he said they started. He did a very nice vapour blasting job on my cases, which is about as close as you will get to newly cast bare alloy.

The Best of Both Worlds???

Check these out:





These are not painted, but almost look like they were, these are the lateset from CNW where they bead blast then tumble.

RS

I've owned my '74 since new and honestly I can't remember if they were painted from the factory or not. My buddy who does restorations swears that they were. I do know that Nortons leak oil if ridden, and the solvents I use for cleaning that has destroyed any paint that I've put on the head over the years. And the Amal tickle process dribbles gasoline on the cases, which also destroys paint.

So if you paint it, it'll turn icky over time. If you powder coat, it's not original so why bother? I've taken to keeping mine clean bare aluminum (Simple Green and a scrub pad) and I have a box of trophies that say it's good enough for the judges.