54 Gold Flash tank chrome panels

[sprint]

Can anybody advise if there is any info avaliable regarding the position, shape and size of the chrome panel on the petrol tank?

Should the back rounded edge of the knee grip be fully within the chrome panel or should it be part in the chrome panel and part in the painted section?

Thanks

Andy

[beezermacc]

Plunger or swinging arm?

[sprint]

Plunger or swinging arm?

Plunger

[Greybeard]

My Plunger is from 1955 so may be the same pattern as yours. I'll post some pictures and measurements a bit later.

a bit later:
Annotated pictures were added.

PS:
When I stripped the all-over paint from my tank during the rebuild I could see by rust and pitting where the bare chrome used to come to. I got some drawing film, (from the drawing office at work). I cut a big hole on the middle and fixed the film onto the tank side with duct tape, leaving the edges of the film loose. I marked datum marks on the film, (measurements from filler neck and tank seams etc. so I could accurately position it later. I then pushed the film down so I could trace the line made by the edge of the old chrome. Obviously it is not possible to make a nice oval shape like this but when my painter was ready to do the tank I took my tracing to him and he was able to get a good enough idea of where the masking tape should go.

[sprint]

My Plunger is from 1955 so may be the same pattern as yours. I'll post some pictures and measurements a bit later.

a bit later:
Annotated pictures were added.

PS:
When I stripped the all-over paint from my tank during the rebuild I could see by rust and pitting where the bare chrome used to come to. I got some drawing film, (from the drawing office at work). I cut a big hole on the middle and fixed the film onto the tank side with duct tape, leaving the edges of the film loose. I marked datum marks on the film, (measurements from filler neck and tank seams etc. so I could accurately position it later. I then pushed the film down so I could trace the line made by the edge of the old chrome. Obviously it is not possible to make a nice oval shape like this but when my painter was ready to do the tank I took my tracing to him and he was able to get a good enough idea of where the masking tape should go.

Thanks for the photos with dimensions, extremely helpful.

Can you advise how wide your gold lining is and as far as you know is that around the width they would have been done (no two would have been the same as they were all done by hand) or is that what you prefered?

Andy

[Jules]

Hi Greybeard, your tank is the same as mine on my '56 s/a and I've managed to find some badges that I need to refurbish and fit. Can you tell me the colours/chrome used in/on the badge please? also is there a backing (rubber?) pad behind or does it press directly onto the chrome?? cheers

[Greybeard]

Can you advise how wide your gold lining is and as far as you know is that around the width they would have been done (no two would have been the same as they were all done by hand) or is that what you prefered?
Andy

I asked a local sign writer to apply the lines. He used a beige paint. They are 7mm, (1/4") wide. His brief was to cover the line where black paint met chrome. The width was his choice. I guess that was the width of his brush.

[Greybeard]

Hi Greybeard, your tank is the same as mine on my '56 s/a and I've managed to find some badges that I need to refurbish and fit. Can you tell me the colours/chrome used in/on the badge please? also is there a backing (rubber?) pad behind or does it press directly onto the chrome?? cheers

Those badges appear to be pressed aluminium that's been gold anodised. I painted the flat areas with red household paint soon after I bought the bike in 1972. I've not touched the paint since then. It's not very well done, to be honest. The badges sit against the chrome. Small countersunk screws hold them in place. If I can help more, just ask.

[trevinoz]

Jules,
Pictured is an original tank badge.
The splash of colour on the back is the red, to my mind. Probably Devon Red as used on the A7, actually a maroon.

[Jules]

Thanks Trev/Greybeard, mine are about the condition shown in your pics Trev except one has black paint inside and one is chrome, the other a gold plating, hence my confusion about whats right! so just to clarify for me, its supposed to be a maroon colour inside, but with polished aluminum or gold anodizing finish?? (can you really chrome thin aluminum satisfactorily??) cheers

[trevinoz]

Jules, what I did on my '55 was use brass badges which I had rechromed and just filled in the circular area with paint.
I matched the faded colour with model paint, Hull Red being the colour.

[Jules]

thanks Trev, I'll check out the local plating place see what they offer, cheers