Paint job advice

In the process of resurrecting a '72 Combat and am about to send tank and side covers off to paint. Original fiberglass tank melted when the bike caught fire in '74 (...another story for another time). I have steel replacements. Factory records indicate originally black with gold decals... So black with gold decals it shall be again. My question is: Since I'd like to keep as close to stock as possible, would the suggested recommendation be gold decals and pinstriping "OVER"... or "UNDER"... clear coat? Thanks, Scott

SNORTN_72_NORTN said:

Since I'd like to keep as close to stock as possible, would the suggested recommendation be gold decals and pinstriping "OVER"... or "UNDER"... clear coat?

Click to expand...

If you want to keep as close to stock as possible then there will be no clear coat. The decals and hand-lined single line 'D' pinstripe would've been applied to the painted surface.

http://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/A_Link/1970s/72Commando-Ad.pdf

I would not clear coat - paint and apply decals to be per OEM...if original is what you are looking for.

Of course, since you are using a non OEM steel tank instead of FG, it's not original anyway so heck, do whatever you want to do!

I painted this Interstate for a buddy. First I put a coat of gold metalic. Then put vinyl striping and decals on. Sprayed black base coat (R-M "very black") and while it was still wet carefully removed the vinyl. Then cleared over that. Once wet sanded and buffed there were no raised edges, it looks awesome.

On my own bike I cleared over the decals and striping, but as guys here have already said the factory didn't use clear. It was lacquer technology back then.

if you use a MK3 roadster tank its shape is the same, however the cap is turned around, ,but it would be very close. Use a non clearcoated black paint , with vinyl "Norton" script ,black lined gold (not like one in the ad and hard to find) and hand pinstriped( of course the correct shade, width and pattern), to get it as close to original as possible. Details count, IMHO.

https://www.accessnorton.com/NortonCommando/show-me-your-unrestored-black-combat.21304/

Thanks to everyone who provided their advice regarding my request. I have decide to go with a clear coat after all. Today's horrible gas, as well as the cost of a new paint job (one that I would like to last for the entirety of my ownership) has made that decision an easy one. Scott