Painting the R60/5

[Red_Hen]

Hi Gang,

While I've got the R60/5 taken apart and sitting idle over the winter, was thinking I could touch up the tank which has more than a few deep scratches.  I'd thought the paint was original but now am sure the bike was probably black when it rolled off the production line back in '72 or '73.  I took the tank to the auto shop that mixes PPG paint - the paint manager suggests I repaint the tank - apparently the pin striping was hand painted and not clear coated and somewhere down the previous owner chain, someone rubbed most of it off with rubbing compound.

I could just leave it but in restoring her, I'd like her to look nice - that's just the way I like to do things.  The R65LS has a few nicks on the tank but it is the original Henna Red so I don't see any reason to mess with the paint on her.  

So, now I'm interested in your feedback as to the color - it seems the current color may be Granada, a brown that was used on /6 and the R65's.  The original colors on the slash 5 were black, white, red, and the light blue.

Thinking black with white pinstripes would be the most "period correct."  Another part of me says paint it a nice BMW Navy or Midnight Blue but if I ever sell the bike, it's probably worth more painted in one of the original colors.  What do you think?

[steve hawkins]

Unfortunately, I never think about what it will be worth.

And I would never restrict myself to BMW 'original colours'.

I would just paint it a colour I would like.  But I might give a nod to period colours in general.

But is it going to be worth a lot anyway.

Its not an R75/5 and its not an R90S, so it probably is not going to mean that much is it?

As nice as it is.

Rev. Light (who is not being very helpful)

[Red_Hen]

Got an idea today - think I'm going to get the tank painted two tone - brown on front & back and black in middle - sorta the way the R90's have the burnished look.  Anyway, that's my thought process for today, subject to change on a dime.

[tvrla]

When it comes to colors to paint the bike, I'm horrible. One avenue to consider - look at as many pix of /5s as possible and let the ideas flow.

[Red_Hen]

Thanks guys!

That's what I've been doing - my wife says keep it brown - if I do, I'll probably only need to paint the tank - I removed the front fender today and have one bolt left to remove the rear fender (it got dark so had to stop).  The paint on the fenders looks to be in pretty good shape but I'll want to everything to the painter and let him advise me if only painting the tank will blend in okay with the fenders.

None of the /5 colors are really jumping out at me - I like the white with toaster panels but not willing to shell out the big bucks sellers are asking (and getting) for these tanks.  A black toaster tank in good condition just sold on Ebay for over $1,000 - too rich for my blood.

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Ken, I like your idea about a two tone tank.  Just look at those shoes.  Base black, with brown saddle oxford trim, and instead of pin striping, add eyelets for the shoe strings.  The only decision would be if you want six eyelets or eight.   [smiley=engel017.gif]  
Actually the original color is usually found on the paint code underneath the seat, assuming it's an original seat.  There will be a three digit code.  I forget where the codes can be found but there is a website for that.  As for pin striping, I went down to the AutoZone and bought some of the stick on striping.  Goes on easily and looks good.  Monte gave me that idea.

[Red_Hen]

Classy shoes, eh?  

Thanks, Mike - the seat's been re-covered - actually it's really nice - a Denfield - that may be the original hardware but the vinyl is in really good shape.

I like the classic black w/white pinstripes - at the end of the day, it's just a tank & two fenders but I'm a thinking through it.  Still impressed how good of shape she's in - just needs a heavy hand for cleaning & such.

Also thought a brown/white tank would be fun, modeled after our English Spring Spaniel - that could be real fun.

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Ken, the Springer Spaniel idea may have merit, however on an R60 people may mistake it for a Basset Hound.  Stay with black with white pin stripes.

[Red_Hen]

Funny Mike

Pulled the fenders & gave them a good washing in the shower while my wife was away  

Paint is in nice shape - first try will be touching up scratches on tank & if that doesn't work out, get the tank repainted

[NC Steve]

If you're interested in the original BMW paint codes, they're here, and can still be obtained or color matched.

http://bmbikes.co.uk/information.htm