Original paint silver Mk3

The closest matches seem to be British Leyland Silver Leaf/Birch or Ford Silver Fox (1969-72). The Norton original is a very pale silver, noticeably less than you might see on other restored Nortons. For personal preference I added 33% VW Audi Zinngrau to Silver Leaf and this gave a slightly more solid metallic silver tone.

Are you spraying it yourself or is a shop going to do it? If the latter then they will know. I used 2K paint which needs H&S care. Polyester base coat of silver, put clear coat on top, harden for a few days, enamel lines of Black 9.5mm (3/8), gap of 2.5mm (3/32) Red 2.0mm (5/64), leave enamel a few days, add vinyl sticker, clearcoat the lines and vinyl in 'dust' layers with an airbrush (technique needed), cure and wait, then build up clear coat conventionally as thick as you want.

Norm

Hello now the best paint supplyer in the land is Nu-agene paints of Bedford see there web site and as for lacquers I would use a anti ethanol lacquer and try not to put too much on at once or to many coats as this counter acts the metallic effect and you can get coloured lacquers and for fire flake look you use flakes on the first coat of lacquer. Using a fake gun then a coat of lacquer over the top of this to fix the flakes witch will give a fireflake look ,yours Anna j 

The lining was not lacquered originally and neither were the 3M die-cuts. It is true to say though that the fuel was a little less aggressive in those days...Many of us have lacquered but in all honesty it gives a slightly glassy 'custom' finish which isn't 100% accurate original.

I have a silver Mk 3 and about a year ago I asked on here if anyone could recommend a sprayer to respray my tank.  Unfortunately I did not get any suggestions that I could use and it still needs spraying.

I live in North Yorkshire but would be willing to take it anywhere north of the Trent.  I am willing to pay the price for a top quality job, rather than trust it to a car specialist or back street bodger.

Any recommendations please?

Pete

I can personally recommend Steve Barker Bodyworks in Pickering, Tel 01751 476535. He has an excellent reputation and is passionate about bikes.

I live on the coast north of Whitby so I will have a blast across the Moors to have a chat with Steve Barker in Pickering.

Sorry Alan but the tank has been resprayed once about 20 years ago.  I was pleased with the finish but unfortunately the sprayer (Cleveland Bike Spray) retired a few years ago.

The pinstripes and logo were lacquered during the respray.  I must admit that I didn't realise that there was any significance in this until I read this post.  I was pleased to see that the width and spacing of the black and red lines has been clearly stated.

Pete