Clear Varnish on tank transfers

[40 Nuck]

I had the same experience with their "chips". I bought several and most had faded and soaked into the paper so much so that you couldn't even get a good idea of the true paint color. My guess is that they don't want you ordering a chip and taking your business elsewhere, but if they aren't going to offer laquer, then their offer to sell a useless chip is kind of deceptive. If you can't match the chip, and they don't sell laquer ... I guess the only avenue is to by a high priced can of the Chroma, and then use that as a match for a laquer product.

[bmh]

Yes I agree, the chips provided were not good enough to make a positive match to a set of factory paint tanks. And that is part of the reason that particular project got put on hold. I have on the other hand seen machines painted with their paint recently and must admit it does look rather nice, as well it should as it appears they charge a premium for dupont product mixed to their formulas for correct colors. I have not bothered to order any chips from Mr. Pierce as I seem to remeber a cost of $10 or $15 each and I believe that he is matching what the factory did as a base and candy type affair with a single component paint. He doesn't list chips on his site but I remember speaking to someone there last fall also. I would like to get back a little closer to topic: Do the patent decals on H-D oil tanks, as done from the factory, have a coat of varnish or clear over them? Because I can't seem to see it, was the whole oil tank clear coated? or are these decals different from the ones used on gas tanks in the 20' and 30's?

[Chris Haynes]

I would like to get back a little closer to topic: Do the patent decals on H-D oil tanks, as done from the factory, have a coat of varnish or clear over them? Because I can't seem to see it, was the whole oil tank clear coated? or are these decals different from the ones used on gas tanks in the 20' and 30's?

If I remember correctly there are five different patent decals. Ken Presson was reproducing all of them at one time. I don't know if he is still in the business or not.
The varnish was only on the decal to prevent it from lifting. It was known as Decal Cement or varnish , part number 11640-X.
Here are the instructions on how to use it.

[bmh]

Must have been some good stuff. I looked at every original oil bag at jefferson this past weekend and couldn't detect that the decal had been coated over with anything. Must be pretty tough too as most of these decals are in remarkably good shape for thier age. I seem to remember an article somewhere showing a guy applying a set of tank decals to an old Indian or Henderson. The process reminded me a lot of doing gold leaf. Clete at Old Dude has repros of all the patent decals. Well thanks Chris for the info and another detail to fret about.

[pete reeves]

Here is an interesting letter dated 1912 it looks like early Harleys had varnish applied over the transfer and the enamel.

I can’t see how the appearance of this would have been much different from clear coat over the transfer and the paint if it was applied sparingly.


Pete Reeves 860

[gotnoclass]

Anyone knows if the copal was used on the patent and FLH decals on a 1958? If not, what was the method used?

[duffeycycles]

Chris , Ken Presson passed this last year

[Chris Haynes]

Chris , Ken Presson passed this last year

If you will look you will see that my post was from 2008.

[Chris Haynes]

I found an original paint 1937 last year. The clear varnish had yellowed with years. It was clear that the entire tank and fenders were varnished. Not just the transfers.

[denismccarthy]

Hey Guys

Just got back from the Harley-Davidson Museum on Saturday. I think you guys may find some of these pictures interesting.



















See ya!