Guys and gals, I'm about to change colour of my Custom and once done I'm looking at mounting a retro chrome tank emblem/badge. I've ordered a couple now but neither have really worked with the curved 4.5 gallon tank.
So which emblems have folks successfully mounted on their customs?

 

The word 'emblem' tends to be used by H-D to mean a moulded metal or plastic badge that has a raised profile, used on some Harleys and affixed using double-sided tape. Other models use a decal or slide transfer, which is flat when new and adopts the profile of the tank when applied, then normally lacquered over. Some of the latest bikes have a design that is printed on the painted tank in some cunning way and isn't available as a separate part. Which style of thingey are you after?!

The current 4.5 gallon tank has been around for a while now, so you could get a long drink and work your way through an on-line parts list, to see if there is one intended for that tank that catches your eye. I have to confess that my 'custom' tank is a recent 6 gallon one that I've repainted to install on my 1990 Glide - with genuine original decals - took ages to find them!

 

Thanks GR. I'm after a raised chrome one, the type they used on the older Harley's.

 

(Sharp intake of breath!) That's a challenge. Some metal badges will tolerate a little gentle persuasion and go round unfamiliar curves, but....

I have a SuperLow with that tank and it isn't very tall, so the radius from top to bottom, down the flanks, is quite tight, compared with most previous tanks. Have you drawn up a short-list?

 

These fit on my wifes 4.5gal tank no problem. 1959-1960


These fit my street bob but I'm sure theres enough flex to get them on the 4.5gal sportster tank. 1961-1962


Which badges did you get?

 

I am using Heritage emblems on my 4.5 gal tank.

 

I ordered the star emblem you have above, which is my favourite. I may try that one but it will require some moulding of the star itself. The rest is fine. The other I tried was the 47 Fatboy emblem, also found on some Knuckleheads.