'64 BSA Lightning Rocket - Paintwork

The factory finishes that went onto our British bikes have provided learning experiences for me throughout my restorations. The first challenge is understanding what left the factory for both color and decals. This can be deciphered through research although many times I find discrepancies in my sources. It seems there were variances on some makes and models.  I know there is a science and skill to painting although to me it seems to be more of an art. The paint work on my first two projects was done by a company that specializes in motorcycle restorations. They know our old bikes, how to get the appropriate finish, and how to restore them to last. I have seen auto body guys muck up motorcycle tanks and have avoided this by going to a motorcycle specialist. This has worked out well for me as the finishes on both of my restorations came out great and have held up well in the real world applications for which they were made.

The original tank with decal, pin stripes and badges. 

I have used little powder coating as sprayed finishes look better in my opinion. Powder coating is more durable and looks good in certain applications. I am learning where to apply it and will use more on this restoration. This Beezer was born the year I was and will be a keeper. Although I plan to show it, it will remain in my collection and be a prized rider. Let's get painting....

The Hornet paint work is brilliant. Nice job Precision Motorcycle Painting! Although I like the look of sprayed paint, powder coating will be used for some parts of  the '64 BSA. 

The RE's tail light bracket was powder coated and is a bit wavy. I have found this typical with powder coating finishes although some are better than others. 

The frame and bits on the Lightning Rocket looked as if they had been repainted at some point. Although not in too bad of shape the finish quality was poor and a bit knackered up. The tank and side panels had their original paint but were very scratched and a bit dented. I was able to fix the side panels but purchased a replacement tank with only one small dent. On to the painter...

I had two sets of original side panels. I picked the best pieces which were slightly different colors. I believed the one on the left to be the original paint.  

I opted for a replacement tank as this one was pretty knackered.  

What to do with the tank top decal??? One can be seen on the original tank but difficult to find anywhere else as I had only seen one other original bike with it. After a bit of research I found several more examples and included it.  

Although the replacement tank I purchased only had a small dent the chrome and paint needed to be renewed. My painter has a great process to restore these chrome tanks and mine was entrusted to him. It will not only look as new it will be good to process petrol for the next 30 years or so. I like to do as much of my own work as possible but painting is one area I care not to venture. I am mechanically minded and will stick to the mechanical aspects of a restoration. I will leave the artwork to artists.

This replacement tank was found at the AMCA Wauseon, Ohio meet. 

Parts to be sprayed were taken to Precision Motorcycle Painting in South bend Indiana. They have painted my last two bikes which came out very well. I like working with them and will continue to do so. Although I am powder coating the smaller high wear bits, the tank, side panels, headlight shell and number plate will all be sprayed. Basically the parts that catch your eye. I really don't like the look of powder coated surfaces on flat or large areas. It just looks too wavy.

Typical of the bits that will be sprayed to maximize the quality of high visibility parts. I have been bested at shows by guys that powder coat more parts than I plan for this build. I should be alright. 

Typical bits heading to the powder coating shop not to far away. 

They should stand up well in the higher chip and wear areas where they will reside. 

Once again Precision Motorcycle Painting delivered show quality work. A trip to Craig's is always interesting and the best burgers in South Bend are close by. A win-win trip if you ask me. 

CJ's - one of the best burger selections & burgers in the business. 
A bonus for heading to South Bend. 

Did I mention the Studebaker Museum in South Bend? It's worth the trip all by itself. 
You must go!

Next....time to restore the fuel tank cap.....its a bit crusty.  

On a side note the Interceptor won the "Battle of the Brits" Master's Class "Best of Show" in 2018. It was a good day. Go Interceptor!