Britbike forum Forums British Motorcycle specific Brands Norton bulletin board 850 FireFlake Blue

Aye !

But not everyone thinks like that.
In fact, we may be in a minority ?
If the variety of schemes on fleabay sometimes is any indication ...

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/3O0AAOSwQtZfFPSw/s-l1600.jpg

Tried experimenting with Fireflake Roman Purple flakes.
A pinch of coloured flakes, and a drop of clearcoat.

potential there ...
Purple flakes to the max ?
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ba/a8/dd/baa8ddb047593da6ea9e6aced7d98281.png


One of the sparkliest FireFlake Blues I think I've seen. !
Usually quite difficult to capture in a mere photo,
so I'm not sure what they have done differently.
On a Mecum auction



Click for a larger view
https://i.postimg.cc/W3xdmfc2/1970-S-type-Blue-Sparkle-Mecum-9-1639171623449-2x.jpg

And, nothing to do with metalflake colours.
This handsome example of a red Fastback tank is on fleabay.
Colour in the gelcoat.
Signal Red ?
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/MnIAAOSwIExjMHwm/s-l1600.jpg

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zTMAAOSwdMBjMHwp/s-l1600.jpg
It is so rare to see them all pristine like that, it had to get a mention ?

And, while some of the early fastbacks could be had with a silver metalflake finish,
the (metal) sidecovers (one functioning as the the oil tank) were done in common silver paint
Still in its genuine factory finish ?
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/uvQAAOSwYaBjNbPS/s-l1600.jpg
e.g. (oversize decal)
https://i0.wp.com/www.bike-urious.com/wp-content/uploads/Norton-Commando-Fastback-Left-Side-1.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b6/Norton_Commando_750_Fastback_1969.jpg
We might explore all the permutations of sidecovers and colour options at some future point ...

What would seem to be a FireFlake Blue fibreglass tank has come into my possession.
Coated in grey primer - which is readily removed to show much blue.
Its blue inside too, so likely to be its original finish.
Patches of missing blue flakes though, so not likely to clean back to a pristine example !

The blue flakes are quite a thin layer - more on this anon.



There are still little patches (on the edges underneath) that have not been sanded,
and the intense blue/sparkle still survives.
Its probably fair to say the underside looks pretty rough !
Evidence of past lives ?
16mm coin, newer replacement of the old sixpence.

There might be more blue here than I initially thought.
Its good tough stuff though (grey undercoat), gunna be tricky to remove ...



Fireflake Bronze 750 Commando in Florida. Combat ?
Metallic rather than metalflake paint though ?
Mikuni and single seat, and fork gaiters.

5p = Replaced the pre-decimal shilling (1/-) = 12 old pence (12d).
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_pence_(British_coin)

Ah, yes, that occurred to me after I posted.
But no way to edit it by then.

(Sixpence became 5 cents in this part of the world though)
But Aussie coin sizes are not well known, I'd imagine ?

Finding something suitable for scale is not actually all that simple ?

NOS 750S sidecover on fleabay.
Surprisingly fine looking flake ?
And blue inside, as you would expect - as a basecoat colour.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/iD4AAOSw2ihjRzjz/s-l1600.jpg
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/osEAAOSwwQBjRzjz/s-l1600.jpg

And a plain blue pair of Interstate glass sidecovers, for comparison.
No metalflake, just a solid navy blue.
(& not sure if Nortons actually used a colour name with these. ?
Just 'Blue' )
Reflective, aren't they !
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Q9kAAOSwUQhi-hwm/s-l1600.jpg

Interesting shade of blue.
Alloy rims.
And spare tank and exhausts, obviously
https://motorcycles-for-sale.biz/img/motorcyclephoto/full/motorbike79077.jpg

A pair of purple sidecovers on fleabay.
Unfaded, aren't they ?
Bunch of keys has done a number on the finish ...


https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/rDkAAOSw7MVjSyiJ/s-l1600.jpg

Rijjinal paint 850 Mk1 FFBlue import on UK fleabay
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/wKUAAOSwPiJjSWm5/s-l1600.jpg

'Pair' of red sidecovers on fleabay.
Candy apple red, so a red transparent coat over silver base.
Not exactly a pair though. Decals ...

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/gT4AAOSwjGljRZBJ/s-l1600.jpg

And a 1974 in Tennessee. Shiny new paint'n'pinstriping ...


And a pair of raw glass sidecovers - perfect for painting with FFBlue or FFPurple ?
If you like painted fibreglass....
Wonder where they came from ??

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zzUAAOSwqUljDS~F/s-l1600.jpg

More blue appearing.
This is going to be a hard slog !
Yes, I have observed that fibreglass FFBlue is a brighter sparklier blue than 850 painted FFBlue ...
More on this anon.




750S on BaT.
Paint is listed as metallic - rather than metal flake



https://bringatrailer.com/wp-conten...4CD7-BDA8-64E7E8CA9A74-62930-scaled.jpeg

Silver Flake Commando on FB hereabouts.
Fairly fine flake, it must be said.

https://i.postimg.cc/MHdpWg4J/Silver-flake-Commando-FB.jpg

Curiously, this 750 is fitted with a balanced exhaust (note the cross-tube up near the ports.)
Usually an 850 only factory fitting.
No reason why it can't be fitted to a 750. But the benefits ??
https://i.postimg.cc/m2snRtN4/Silver-flake-Commando-FB2.jpg



Painted FFBlue and Fibreglass FFBlue (lower) examples
The fibreglass version is a brighter sparklier blue, it would seem.
In these samples - there are further shades about !
Grey streaks are remaining bits of grey primer ...
10 cent coin is 23mm





Tricky to really catch the sparkly bits in a photo ...
One day I'll figure out how to keep the pics to the same scale.

Quite a paler metalflake used on the 850's at some point
This one an original finish Mk2 850 out in OK a while back - the ebay link has recently expired.


Same paler blue shade as the scant few remaining flakes on my refinished sidecover

Getting there.
Only 20 ? square inches to go.
On this side ...



Blue flakes, blue flakes, nothing but blue flakes do I see ..

I think we may have solved a long running 'mystery' in the Commando world ?

Factory brochure - 1974 Commando
Commando 850 Roadster in Pacific Blue


Some of the FireFlake Blue 850's were clearly a lighter shade of blue
e.g.




Now I have obtained some of this shade of flakes, and I'd say this has solved this (eternal !) question
Snap !
More on this anon ...

Another what would seem to be a FireFlake Blue glass tank thats been overpainted.
They are coming out of the woodwork !
You can see from underneath that the bare glass has the characteristic blue tint to it.
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/oukAAOSwpMRhuPIM/s-l1600.jpg
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/r9sAAOSw4MNhuPI~/s-l1600.jpg
(but where are all the sidecovers to match !!)


Now, if we study the 1973 brochure, we have another shade of FireFlake Blue
A painted finish, which we can match to some of the presently available flakes.




___________________________________________________________________

My primed fibreglass FFB tank came up not too bad.
If you stand 20 ft back.
And squint a bit !

This shade is not so easily matched to available flakes.
Being a bit more iridescent, and a brighter blue as well.
https://i.postimg.cc/PJSXCxSm/Flake-size.jpg
I'll work on it ...

And there is the shade on the 1970 Colour Choices card.

If only we had the 72, 73 or 1974 chart versions...

And there is this Mk 2 850 over on the NOC.
Original pinstripes remnants just discernible there.
https://www.nortonownersclub.org/sites/default/files/IMG_3009.JPG
So where does this shade fit in...

And, a paler 850 Mk 1 on wiki.
Early style of outlined decals.
Hmmm. Where does this shade fit in. Hmmm.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Norton_Commando_Roadster_1973.jpg

I'm running out of fingers to keep count of all the FFBlue versions .... ?

A slew of FireFlake Blues. ?



Some only visible if you click
https://www.picautos.com/images/norton-commando-750-fastback-08.jpg

https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/im...us-1973-norton-commando-750-167688_1.jpg

https://ogden_images.s3.amazonaws.c...0832/1971-commando-roadster-1100x711.jpg

A Fireflake Golden Bronze.
Perhaps a shade more golden than bronze. ?
Decals should always be applied on the bike !



And anothery, a project. Looking a bit rough !
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/jvwAAOSwjmhj2TZU/s-l1600.jpg

And a Fireflake Roman Purple, unrestored.
Not sure thats an original finish ?

[img]now where did I put that link[/img]

Thought we might consult a few RESTORATION BOOKS AND GUIDES, see what they say on this subject.
I looked into this, a while back, but they were not entirely helpful...

Haynes Commando manual
https://haynes.com/en-au/sites/defa...ic/product_jackets/Haynes-0125-cover.jpg
No mention of paint in the index.
Nothing on colours, or dealing with fibreglass.
(Nothing on chrome or exhausts either)
Mechanicals only, really.
All b&w pics.

As we all know, Roy Bacons Restoration Guide to Norton Twins has been out for quite some years now,
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/EgQAAOSwlxRaU702/s-l500.jpg
and he gives a rudimentary coverage - listing what colours were available for what years, and what
changed year by year.  Quite a useful but basic starting point, on what has become a very large subject.
Nothing really about painting, or dealing with fibreglass. brief discussion skirting around exhausts.
All b&w pics

Norton Commando Restoration manual by Norman White 224 Pages
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/RZIAAOSwJ1xi~9AA/s-l500.jpg
Excellent coverage on all things mechanical, by far the best coverage.
Mentions paint only in passing though, and recommends RS Bikepaint (in the UK).
Nothing on finishes, or chromework, or dealing with fibreglass.
Lots of colour pics, if a little small.
Even shows a FireFlake Blue Commando (without mentioning it)

Enthusiasts Restoration manual Norton Commando by Chris Rooke 224 pages
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/IJ4AAOSwB8djUWIh/s-l500.jpg
One mans account of restoring his Mk3 electric start.
Not really applicable to earlier models, although does mention them now and then.
Mostly a mechanical account - and I notice he has different ways of doing things than Norman White.
Lots of colour pics, if a little small.
No mention of paint in the index.
Does mention selecting the colour you want for your bike (without discussing options/choices)
And does show his repainted tank and sidecovers, and refitting caps and taps and foam pads.
Lists a variety of possibly helpful businesses - UK

Quite a mixed bag really.
None of them really strong on painting or colours or frame finish or dealing with fibreglass.
Nor much at all on paint or paint care, or chrome care, or fitting exhausts.
Hmmm ??

A (scrappy) Pacific Blue 850 sidecover on fleabay.
Advertised as a LHS, at silly postage ...



A slew of Fireflake Roman Purples. Not necessarily in factory paint !

Project on UK fleabay. Seen this one before ?
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/MxIAAOSwvD9j4WJ7/s-l1600.jpg

1970 NORTON 750 Commando PURPLE UK
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/oG0AAOSwy9hj3SYE/s-l1600.jpg

Hotrod in Poiple
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/I5wAAOSwA3xjYPzt/s-l1600.jpg

One of the difficulties in these FireFlake colours is the inability to touch up any paint defects/chips/scratches.
Not so the solid colours though - viz


Yellow also sighted. (so solid colours only)
But not in the parts list ?? & wonder who supplied it to Nortons ?

Anyone know of something/anything in FF era along the lines of these factory spray packs ?
Large flakes out of a spray nozzle is rather unlikely - but you never know unless you ask.

The reason I mention this is because I notice the The Motor Co offer little touch up bottles of paint for their 'Hard Candy' range. These are metalflake blues, greens, golds, reds and purples - sound like any paint schemes we know here ???
My apologies in advance for the non-Brit content ere
e.g. https://www.nationalpowersports.net/IMS/auctionFiles/50908/_MG_2764.jpg

HD applied the flakes over a black base, so you get a bottle of black and a bottle of flakes (in clear).
With, I assume, a little brush.
These have a factory Part No - I assume these are genuine parts, although may be aftermarket ?


This would almost work for FF Blue Nortons ? Almost ...

Cobalt Metallic Blue Interstate 750.
Handsome bike - with correct single wider tank pinstripe
Alloy rims, drilled disk, and curiously clear indicator lenses.
(And Roadster pipes/mufflers of course).
1973 would indicate that it is post Combat ...



Purple/Blue 850 Fastback.
Colour shifting paint, depending on viewing angle.
And tiny little indicators
https://scontent.fbne6-1.fna.fbcdn....-FJjWoORVF6ZuKelBOoToGFA&oe=63F50A01

And a green 850 out in Dorset.
Not a factory finish.
Similar to the 1970 offering though ?
Drilled disk, 2 level seat, and some form of driving light ?
Is that an SU carb under there ? (they were offered as kits at some stage)
https://assets.carandclassic.com/up...0&s=f7b25cb5112583db99fa8b8c6cc19f97

Folding footrest.

Well spotted.
You'd wonder why on the brake side ??

A miscellany of fireflake colours.

A dark-ish Fireflake Golden Bronze.
A repaint, which the seller calls 'gold'


https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/GLEAAOSwCS9kLytC/s-l1600.jpg

A blue one - which the seller calls a Pacific Shimmer Blue.
Smaller flake size ? - no closeup view



Another bronze one - different bike.
Smaller flake size
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/1g4AAOSwOX9kDb9o/s-l1600.jpg
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Kx0AAOSwe7tkDb96/s-l1600.jpg

Interstate tank in the UK - "original".
Might be an original tank, but that colour isn't. (on an Interstate)
Quite an attractive scheme.

FFBlue at the Gathering of the Nortons NJ 23rd April
Thanks to Brian for this image.!


Advertised as a "Mk2A 100% totally untouchedl"
Since corrected to Mk2 (with a little prompting)
Note the exhaust collars bolted to the ports ...
Lovely example of FF Pacific Blue paint, in pristine condition.



https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ibAAAOSwuCBkP8kh/s-l1600.jpg

FireFlake Royal Blue, of the darker variety.
Mark on Access.


750S Strong sparkly blue. Random Youtube shot.
https://i.postimg.cc/NjMD9mjx/750-S-Strong-shade-of-blue.jpg

Access decal discussion
https://www.accessnorton.com/attachments/decals-jpg.42045/

A mixed lot this time !

Fireflake Golden Bronze Combat, near Detroit.
"original fibreglass tank and sidecovers".
Like you have never seen before - just amazing !
(Thanks to Franko for linking this, off CL).


https://images.craigslist.org/00505_6DTuQvaCtQ7_0CI0t2_1200x900.jpg


1970 750S - Photographing into the sun does nothing for FF colours.


What would seem to be an original FireFlake Blue 72 Combat - no decals.
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/7gsAAOSwa3hkariL/s-l1600.jpg

Not sure if we've had this one before or not.
Metallic green mit gold pinstripes is a customer customization.Very attractive scheme.
https://media.architecturaldigest.c...0British%2520Motorcycles%2520-%25203.png

A poiple tank fer sale, near me.
No FireFlake component to that new paint, but is metallic ?
Said to be brand new, all oem parts.
https://i.postimg.cc/HnPnSm1v/Purple-FB.jpg

Finding FF blue flakes to match that sparkly blue fibreglass shade on my FFBlue tank exactly is proving tricky.

That shade of blue flake is uncommonly uncommon.
I'm thinking of using a blue tinted clearcoat ??
Or is this cheating !!