This seems a little like the other post about buying one model of a Softail to then spend time and effort, (and a fist load of bucks!), in changing it. I have an 04 Std, but think the painted red Harley decal on the tank looks the pits[sm=smiley21.gif], so I'm going to re-paint the tank factory black and apply some metal badges[sm=shades.gif], (which ones I've yet to decide).
Has anyone painted a tank, does anyone know the composition of the paint, or manufacturer, because as everyone knows, not all shades of black are the same! How many coats of clear etc, basically any tips[sm=helpout.gif]. I live too far from a main dealer, and like most of you do not want to be bent over a dealers counter and reamed out financially[sm=noooo.gif]!

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This is what I have been told, HD has there own paint colors. They don't give out the formula for cross reference as some car companies do. You can have it machine (camera eye) matched or pay 3 times the money for the HD paint. Hope this helps, Gene

 

I painted a Sportster tank a couple years back and it was Vivid black (same as today). It was for a friend and he wanted to add some 3D emblems over the paint (like the modern Sporty's have). I just went through the local body shop supply house here and told them "Vivid Black, for a 2001 Harley Davidson". They had the codes for this and hooked me up with the necessary Etch primer, primer/ sealer, PPG base and clear. I thought the match was very good. And you're right, lot's of different shades of black do exist...........I have thought of the same thing if I get a good deal on a used tank. Not to crazy about the Standard's decal, would like something a little different. But, also not wanting to mess with my original tank at the moment. As a general rule, I would use 3 good color coats, then 4 or 5 layers of clear for cutting and buffing.

 

If your willing to do the work of pulling the tank its nothing to pull the fenders. perfect time to custom paint! While your at it you could fill that ugly seem under the tank panel. just my 2 cents. good luck! mike

 

Cheers, Gene, Jester & Skips, I will post when the dirty deed is done, I did consider a custom job but am drawn to a plain black, "Rebel without a cause" kinda thing! I have cover the "seam" thang with a Kuryakyn cover.

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I was given a tank from a 03 STD I then welded up the fuel gauge hole and wire exit hole painted it vivid black with 04 Wideglide emblems and put it on my 02 FLSTF. Gas cap is a popup. If you got a extra tank you can make any mods you like, if it doesnt work out put the original back on.

 

Exactly, and check out the post about airbrush, https://www.hdforums.com/m_270316/tm.htm