Trying to Find Proper Tank Decals

Does anyone know a supplier that sells proper "Norton" tank decals. I bought some on Ebay, but they are smaller and the spacing between the letters isn't right. The typeface is not as bold as the originals either.

Give us a clue - what year, model and color are ye seeking ?

I'd been contemplating that there must be half a dozen different versions just for an early 850.
And thats not allowing for even more varieties on ebay that may not be quite the same, or not quite right.

I have an 850 '74 and the decals from this guy matched the size perfectly. I replace the old decals and since the paint is at least 20 years old there was fading. You cannot see any faded areas once these were applied. I bought tank and side decals from him.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221245783165

Yes, we'll need to know what year and model.

Sorry guys,

It's a 1975 850 MKIII

drones76, I think that is the guy I bought the ones that aren't right from.

This may be a good place to start. http://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/Broch ... chures.htm

Are you after gold or black or silver ?

Ebay sellers appear to be advertising either 155mm (6 inches) or 160mm decals/stickers.
They do look different.
There is a surprising range of variations out there....

Do these look right, or not ?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321022772422

Watch too that some sellers offer only one, not a pair.

DogT said:

This may be a good place to start. http://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/Broch ... chures.htm

Click to expand...

I don't see anything but literature there?

These people have very good decals and are very close to original if not perfect..The prices are right and the service is great...I haven't ordered any Norton decals yet but have ordered for my BSA...They have most all decals needed..They even have the warning label for the speedo drive..The Norton items start on page 27...

http://www.classictransfers.co.uk/pages ... alogue.php

dennisgb said:

I don't see anything but literature there?

Click to expand...

I guess you already know what you're looking for. I thought maybe you were looking for what it was like originally?

I've found the decals vary immensely for my 70 model. I did find the Andover side panel rub on's were very close, but I didn't like the way they attracted dirt and dust. Vinyl ones look better but is hard to find that are correct. The vinyl ones I got from Steadfast were more like I remember the gold outline on my originals. The Andover tank rub on's had a very thin gold outline.

You can always have someone make up vinyl ones to your liking if you can get the artwork. I think there's a guy on the forum that his wife makes vinyl decals. Forget his name though. B+Bogus will make stencils, don't know if he can make vinyl though.

DogT said:

dennisgb said:

I don't see anything but literature there?

Click to expand...

I guess you already know what you're looking for. I thought maybe you were looking for what it was like originally?

I've found the decals vary immensely for my 70 model. I did find the Andover side panel rub on's were very close, but I didn't like the way they attracted dirt and dust. Vinyl ones look better but is hard to find that are correct. The vinyl ones I got from Steadfast were more like I remember the gold outline on my originals. The Andover tank rub on's had a very thin gold outline.

You can always have someone make up vinyl ones to your liking if you can get the artwork. I think there's a guy on the forum that his wife makes vinyl decals. Forget his name though. B+Bogus will make stencils, don't know if he can make vinyl though.

Click to expand...

Oh, sorry DogT. I have the original tank and side covers with the decals and striping intact even tho not in the best of shape it gives a reference for what it should look like. The "Noton" decals are much bolder and the letters are closer together than the ones I bought on Ebay. As I look at what is out there they all look a little off from original. I could make up my own artwork and have them custom made. I've done that in the past for hard to find stuff, but wanted to make sure I checked here first.

The side cover decals I got are fine. They are not exact on the placement of the pin stripes but I think I can adjust that when I apply them.

Not sure why you are having a dirt and dust issue. I plan on base coat, apply decals and then clear coat over to seal them. I know that is not factory original but want them to look good and last. With that approach dust and dirt should not be a problem. Are you dealing with a static issue with the vinyl? That's one of the reasons to clear coat over them.

No, I never clear coated over the decals, that's why they collected dust. They are pretty fragile anyhow. I spilled oil on my side panels a long time ago and I repainted them, but never put back the decals. I did get some stencils made, but I need to practice on the 2 tone stencil application if I can do it. Otherwise, I'm just going to go with vinyl ones, the ones I have on my tank are fine, just not to my liking. The tank needs re-painting also and when I do that, I'm getting the Steadfast ones.

Here's mine after I got them done.



Here's the Steadfast vinyl one



And here's one I made up from a 68 badge, it has more of a Fractur typeface look to it which I like.

I'm confused about all these different styles. I will try to post some pictures of my tank and the decals I bought to show what I'm talking about.

I suspect that "correct" is variable.

Most vinyl cutting software allows the image to be sized, stretched or smashed as needed. You might talk to your local sign shop. Or contact the vendor you bought from previously and see if they can resize. Different fonts are a problem of finding the correct download.

Russ