Orange?

Looking forward to start re-painting the tank and covers on my bike in the near future. I think it will counter act the feeling that I get sometimes, that of completion getting further away instead of closer. Whether that's really true or not, I'm moving forward toward that end and right now I'm thinking that the color will be "signal orange" (a Norton factory color). My question is - does anyone have a paint code or color name from the automotive world, that is close. I realize that this "original color match paint" thing always somewhat contentious among restorers, but if someone can get me close, that'll do fine. I've never seen a picture of a "signal orange" Norton that I recall. Thanks.

Information on Signal Orange,-see batrider's post: post22719.html

This is mine. It wasn't an 850 colour (as far as I'm aware), and my bits are originally from a 750 (fibreglass side panels and a fuel recommendation sticker on the fuel cap for the different 750 compression ratios). It has been resprayed at some stage but in the original colour. Also, I've only ever seen gold lettering on orange, not silver. It has grown on me over the years and when it gets a respray this time around, the colour will remain.

Fullauto said:

This is mine. It wasn't an 850 colour (as far as I'm aware), and my bits are originally from a 750 (fibreglass side panels and a fuel recommendation sticker on the fuel cap for the different 750 compression ratios). It has been resprayed at some stage but in the original colour. Also, I've only ever seen gold lettering on orange, not silver. It has grown on me over the years and when it gets a respray this time around, the colour will remain.

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Mine also had fiberglass bits with it, and the color it is is the color I found when I removed the top 5 coats (kept getting resprayed red and black, alternatively). I also put a touch of gold pearl in the clearcoat, so it sparkles a bit in the sun.

I like it - not too fond of the dark red found on 850s. I'm pretty sure its the 'Signal Red' of the early Commandos.

I have several spray touch-up cans of Signal Orange (the real-deal, in Norton cans). I would not trust them to spray all these years later but it should make for a perfect color match.

Unclviny

unclviny@hotmail.com

I've got some of those Norton spray cans for signal red. It doesn't match very well to my original fiberglass tank and side covers. Also had some PPG paint mixed to match the original side covers and get a color similar to the spray cans. Maybe something about the color in the gel coat.

The '72 sales brochure has a signal orange roadster on the cover. Still have that brochure from '72 when I started looking for my first Commando.

Check the "Commando Paint Colours" thread (which I inadvertantly dredged up from Sept 2008) for the signal orange paint info. What you guys are calling orange looks like red to me.

Russ

Thanks to all, I have more then enough info here! I was expecting a color something like Batrider posted and am grateful for the GM codes which always makes things easier. Originally I and a more exotic paint job in mind, but came to the realization that since I have a glass tank, it's stupid to spend a lot on a paint job unless I'm sure the tank won't leak first(getting it coated now), therefore I'm going to paint it myself with rattle cans to keep things simple (and cheap). I was thinking primer, a couple coats of orange, sanding the last one, decals then a few coats of clear with a final rub out. If anyone has gone this route and could recommend a paint brand or supplier, I'd appreciate it as I don't know much about paint. I understand that clear is available with sparkles in it too?
Fullauto, I do really like your orange though! It almost looks like Kubota tractor orange, which should be easy enough to find. Guess I have one more decision to make. :roll:

PS I'd like to wish a good Thanksgiving to all (since we're talking orange!)

batrider said:

What you guys are calling orange looks like red to me.

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Yep, more so in some photos than others. Not in the flesh though. Try this one.