original paint pictures

[PanPal]

I am looking for pictures of the original paint on a 57 FL. Every picture I find in my books has a rider on the bike. The sportster pictures appear to have a straight line splitting two colors ending in line with the center of the rear tank mount bolt. The pan appears to have a arched line between the colors. I thought I owned or saw a book with all the tanks in sequence in the back several pages of the book. All I have found in my books is the emblems and decals.

Any pictures would help!

[Fixman]

I believe the paint color dividing line on the 57 tank is a straight line that runs above the emblem.
Kent

[PanPal]

Thanks, This is very helpful! Nice looking Bike!

[fourthgear]

57 & 58 were the only ones to have a round plastic emblem and I think both had the down ward curve that wrapped around the emblem, At least I'm sure the 58 did . The 57 Sporster had the straight line through the tank & right through the middle of the emblem ,maybe the Fl's did too. Any one else?

[Fixman]

Thanks PanPal. I have many references showing the paint scheme as is on my bike for 1957. Palmers restoration handbook, "The Legend Begins," and the Greg Fields book on Pans clearly show the scheme. It is a one year only pattern as Harley changed in 1958 with the Duo-Glide to the around the emblem scheme show in the pictures posted by our esteemed Administrator.

Kent

[PanPal]

I looked In Palmer's book. Where did you find it in there? I think I have Greg fields book also. I'll check tonight.

Panhead, I believe both pictures from the gallery are the 58 paint scheme. What I was able to see in Palmer's book was like Fixman's bike. I just couldn't find a picture of the entire tank. The line does appear to have a curve to it. It slopes downward in the front past the centerline of the emblem. The pictures I have of the 57 sportster appears to have a straight line compared to the FL tank. It could be the angle the picture is taken from.

I was fortunate enough to have an original paint 59 tank to copy when I did mine. There's nothing like being able to make a template.

[Fixman]

There are a few pictures on page 613, and 615 in the Palmer book. I have the old book (1994 I think).

Kent

[DuoGlide62]

Here's a few '57 pix I have and a '58 to show the difference.

[Steve]

While we're on the paint subject - how about factory paint for a 1949 FL. Is it a light blue? Thanks for replies... Steve

[panhead]

1949 was Peacock Blue:
http://www.hydra-glide.com/colors.php
http://www.hydra-glide.com/info/1949.php

[FlatHeadSix]

When you get the paint exactly perfect on your '58 you should always use extra care when washing it. I think this photo shows the "final rinse"....

mike

[PanPal]

Good one Flathead six!

I've seen that picture.. Was it on a Booze fighter site?

I don't think I'll be trying that and time soon with my pan!

[Steve]

What a great picture Mike! Thanks for the reply panhead. I thought the color would be lighter as my hand grips are a lighter blue. Steve

[fourthgear]

And you wash your boots at the same time .