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Re: Correct color BSA 1944

Ron, your experience is far wider than mine, but I found no trace of red oxide on my 16H...and certainly never seen any on Lucas parts such as headlamps. I really do think that they skipped the primer stage. Would those paints not have been lead-based and given a certain amount of corrosion resistance anyway ?

My worry about Han's method of applying powder-coat would be the build-up on critical dimensions and the loss of detail on areas like frame number...plus it melts if it gets hot on engine mounts etc. Horrible stuff in my opinion.

Re: Correct color BSA 1944

After sand-blasting with fine grit and low pressure, I had all parts of my 1942 M20(including spokes and nipples !) powder-coated with dull RAL6014 as a primer, and put on a final layer of 1944 army green with a rattle can. Scratches and other superficial damage will not penetrate the hard powder coating. Not something for the rivet counters and purists, but now I have a reasonable chance the bike will survive another 70 years...:relieved:

Re: Correct color BSA 1944

I have to agree with you about powder coat Rik. I just do not like it or see the need for it.

You are also right about the lack of primer. There was none at all on Ben's Royal Enfield, The hand painted black came off easily with the professional paint stripper I use, but the single coat of Khaki Green under that was a sod to remove (Good old fashioned lead paint I guess)

I only mentioned the 'Red Oxide' as a primer of the period in answer to the query of what colour to use now.

Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Re: Correct color BSA 1944

Red oxide primer was certainly used on Matchlesses! don't know about Nortons, have not really investigated that yet, just presumed they did too?

Cheers,

Lex

email (option): welbike@welbi(XX).net (think about this!!)

Re: Correct color BSA 1944

I did quite a bit of research on this and found a chap who was ready for retiring that year in his seventies. He said his first job as an apprentice was mixing up the lead paints for the mod and as I was trying to find someone to do the same he offered to help.
He said that often the mod did not use a primer as the lead chromate paint stuck like something to s blanket, and was almost impenetrable, but some did use a thinned down khaki green as a light undercoat to really protect them.
He offered to make me a small tin of each as project samples, paid for on the understanding that when my massive contract came to fruition, they would get first bite at the order. With a wry smile, I accepted and it has been sat in the den waiting to go on my 1944 m20 when it is ready.
Work has stalled my progress for the last 18 months, but I am getting back on track and looking forward to the build. I have tested the undercoat on the frame and it really does look tough.
I just need to remember not to lick the paint when finished !
Darren

email (option): D Wrudd at Lineone dot Net

Re: Correct color BSA 1944

That's useful to hear, Daren. It's what I had deduced from examination but good to have it confirmed.

A light coloured primer tinted with the top colour is probably the best way to mimic the process.

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