paint

[sean]

are there any measurements for the chrome panel ?
I am painting my 1962 super rocket tank and the previous painter has both panels different sizes I am just wondering if the are spec some where so I could get an idea of the correct size .....I wonder how they masked them off in a production line seems very time consuming

[RichardL]

Sean,

Masking tape has been around since 1925. I would assume they die-cut sheets of masking tape in the "ovalesque" shape of the chrome area and applied them over the chrome prior to paint. Can't help you with the dimensions, but I think you need to state exactly which tank you have because there have been different sizes.

Richard L.

[RichardL]

Oops, sorry. See you said the bike model.

[sean]

Sean,

Masking tape has been around since 1925. I would assume they die-cut sheets of masking tape in the "ovalesque" shape of the chrome area and applied them over the chrome prior to paint. Can't help you with the dimensions, but I think you need to state exactly which tank you have because there have been different sizes.

Richard L.

                 

bike has the small tank I think its 2 gallons or so

[Jules]

after repair and chroming of my battered '56 Flash tank, the painter just masked where the chrome finished best, then matched the position to the other side ie balanced the black "centre" panel between the chrome sides, ensuring that the knee pads had a good "band" of chrome around them too. What I would call a "best fit" exercise.....

[RichardL]

after repair and chroming of my battered '56 Flash tank, the painter just masked where the chrome finished best, then matched the position to the other side ie balanced the black "centre" panel between the chrome sides, ensuring that the knee pads had a good "band" of chrome around them too. What I would call a "best fit" exercise.....

This raises what I think might be an interesting question. Could a considerable portion of the cost of chroming be saved if the plater is directed to only polish the sides?

Richard L.

[Greybeard]

I'm sure I advised the platers that did my tank that only the side panels would show so they need not spend too much time polishing the central part.

[morris]

I've had two tanks painted. Never bothered with the exact dimensions. Just used a paint marker to outline until I was perfectly happy with the left to right balance and overall look, then told the painter to stay as close as possible to the lines.

[BVSR]

How to copy the chrome panel to another tank with Saran Wrap and Masking Tape:

[sean]

wondered what they used at the bsa factory I doubt they masked every tank off  on a production line

[RichardL]

I mentioned above that I thought they used die-cut ovals for masking. However, I can also imagine a rubber form held down with a clamp during painting.

Richard L.