Fireflake blue again

ILLF8ED · Jan 1, 2013

I was going to ad to an existing string on this subject, but easier for me to start fresh. A 2013 goal is to have a newly acquired steel roadster side covers and tank painted. I'm leaning toward fireflake blue however the examples I've seen of contemporary attempts have all had too much "sparkle" compared to the original. Brent at vintage-vendor, I know you frequent this site. The pictures on the website seem to also have the same condition. It's tough to make a judgement based on photos, so asking if anyone has seen a closer reproduction of the original? There's a right side cover on eBay right now with original color, that color is what I'm looking for.

rvich · Jan 1, 2013

I didn't see the Ebay auction you mention and it is possible that the other thread you mention is the one attached below. But FWIW, Andy''s reproduction looks spot on to the sample paint chip off my 850 tank. There are photos on page three near the bottom.

blue-metalflake-850s-again-t13309-30.html

ILLF8ED · Jan 1, 2013

Yes, this is a good example of what I'm saying. The original parts don't have the sparkle of the repainted parts posted from Australia. I' m looking for a source that can duplicate the original not so sparkly finish.

ILLF8ED · Jan 1, 2013

Re-read this. Andy's results are very good.

Monjebricks · Jan 1, 2013

I have original tank and side covers on my 850 commando. I don't k ow how to post pictures in here but I can email them to you?? The only thing not original is the pinstriping.

Rohan · Jan 1, 2013

Fireflake Blue does have a fair bit of large metalflake in it. ?

Monjebricks, post your pics to photobucket etc, and then post the links here.
Look forward to seeing them. How does it compare to this pic below...

This example from nomadwarmachine from Calif for the calendar thread - could well be original paint ?

DogT · Jan 1, 2013

The gel coat (early) and the metal (later) paint may be different. Here's a shot of my original 69 FFBlue gel coat on FG from under the grommet on the panel that holds it on at the rear. As I've said before, there's a lot of silver in it, with blue background and even black flakes. Certainly there's no gold in it.

Dave
69S

Hobot · Jan 1, 2013

i appreciate the Jim Hendrix color schemes as seen 50's American greasy spoon dinner seat and a bit later in early 60's bicycle banana seats in blue metal flake.
This make me ask if any other bike maker in world history ever offered such
out of this world wild color schemes. I don't think even Harleys excess could match Norton.

Rohan · Jan 1, 2013

DogT said:
The gel coat (early) and the metal (later) paint may be different.

As we've said before, unless we see other examples of those black flakes in Norton 'glass products, its a little doubtful if thats how they came new ?

This is said to be a NOS Fastback tank in Fireflake Blue, in the gelcoat (they say) that Norvil have in stock.
Although with that (single) gold decal, its questionable if thats how they ever came new either ??

DogT · Jan 1, 2013

Rohan said:
its a little doubtful if thats how they came new ?

I have no doubt that's the way mine came new from the factory. Bought it in 72 with 4K miles and never been out of my possession since. It still had the black with gold outline on it as a stick on, not painted on, like my avatar. I had the unfortunate idea to paint it black in the late 70's. That's what's around the original color.

Dave
69S

Matt Spencer · Jan 1, 2013

Definately paint & f'Glass ' metalflake ' arnt the same . purloined this .

" Here is a shot of a Norton 850 from the original 1973 brochure which I still have. "

Bother . Not Very Good . the Blue may be plain ' Metalic ' NOT ' metalflake ' on later machines ? ?

Rohan · Jan 2, 2013

illf8ed said:
I was going to ad to an existing string on this subject, but easier for me to start fresh. A 2013 goal is to have a newly acquired steel roadster side covers and tank painted. I'm leaning toward fireflake blue however the examples I've seen of contemporary attempts have all had too much "sparkle" compared to the original. Brent at vintage-vendor, I know you frequent this site. The pictures on the website seem to also have the same condition. It's tough to make a judgement based on photos, so asking if anyone has seen a closer reproduction of the original? There's a right side cover on eBay right now with original color, that color is what I'm looking for.

Perhaps you should just paint it Harley Blue (whatever they call that color)...

Rohan · Jan 2, 2013

P.S. Since the sidecover on evilpay is fiberglass, with gold pinstripes, you just know it CAN'T be original 850.
Since 850s didn't have glass sidecovers ex-factory. ?
And fireflakeblue had silver pinstriping, ex-factory.

It is however a very close looking color match for a NOS (steel) sidecover I have.
Which I think is 750...

kommando · Jan 2, 2013

Since 850s didn't have glass sidecovers ex-factory. ?

Both sidecovers on my 850MK2A Interstate were Fibre Glass when I bought it in early 80's and look to be original fitment based on oil stains and crazing, I bought and fitted steel later.

Rohan · Jan 2, 2013

Is a Mk2A sidecover the same as the blue one on ebay just above ?
(not having had much to do with Mk2A's).

L.A.B. · Jan 2, 2013

Matt Spencer said:
Bother . Not Very Good . the Blue may be plain ' Metalic ' NOT ' metalflake ' on later machines ? ?

The '73/'74 850 Roadster 'Blue' was: Fireflake Royal Blue.

Rohan said:
P.S. Since the sidecover on evilpay is fiberglass, with gold pinstripes, you just know it CAN'T be original 850.
Since 850s didn't have glass sidecovers ex-factory. ?

According to the '74 parts supplement, it appears that both steel and fibreglass side covers were used that year.

Rohan said:
Is a Mk2A sidecover the same as the blue one on ebay just above ?
(not having had much to do with Mk2A's).

All '71-on oil tank covers (Roadster/Interstate/Hi-Rider) are basically interchangeable so, yes, it could be either a 2 or 2A Roadster side cover, however the 850 Mk.1A & 2A model L/H (battery) covers do not interchange with Mk.1 & 2, and the Mk.3 L/H covers are different again.

72westie · Jan 2, 2013

I am working on a 850 right now with the original fire flake blue metal side covers on her. I will snap some pictures tomorrow of it when I pull it out. Just got the cylinder head back from Comnoz today, those exhaust threads look amazing!

ILLF8ED · Jan 2, 2013

Rohan said:
illf8ed said:

I was going to ad to an existing string on this subject, but easier for me to start fresh. A 2013 goal is to have a newly acquired steel roadster side covers and tank painted. I'm leaning toward fireflake blue however the examples I've seen of contemporary attempts have all had too much "sparkle" compared to the original. Brent at vintage-vendor, I know you frequent this site. The pictures on the website seem to also have the same condition. It's tough to make a judgement based on photos, so asking if anyone has seen a closer reproduction of the original? There's a right side cover on eBay right now with original color, that color is what I'm looking for.

Click to expand...

Perhaps you should just paint it Harley Blue (whatever they call that color)...

I do like the Sportster's blue, which is one of the three reasons I bought it. If I can't find the metal flake blue I want, may just use the can of PPG signal red sitting on my shelf.

Rohan · Jan 2, 2013

illf8ed said:
If I can't find the metal flake blue I want, may just use the can of PPG signal red sitting on my shelf.

A friend bought a candy apple red Roadster, about 1976, it was reputed to be one of the last Mk2's made.
Sat in the showroom for quite a while. Very attractive color...

No idea of numbers on it.

Rohan · Jan 2, 2013

L.A.B. said:
The '73/'74 850 Roadster 'Blue' was: Fireflake Royal Blue.

In the brochures there is Royal Blue, and there is Pacific Blue.
In the Parts List there is Fireflake Royal Blue.
There is also Interstate Blue.
If you know how these relate to each other, then update the previous thread on this ?

Where is that 'color page available from your Dealer' when you need it.

Fireflake blue again

ILLF8ED

rvich

ILLF8ED

ILLF8ED

Monjebricks

Rohan

DogT

Hobot

Rohan

DogT

Matt Spencer

Rohan

Rohan

kommando

Rohan

L.A.B.

Moderator

72westie

ILLF8ED

Rohan

Rohan

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