Olive Drab and Wheel and Tyre Sizes

[Michael.Brown]

Hi all,

Looking at getting a 1942/44 WNG very shortly and although it has been civilianised (Black) I am intending to return it to Olive Drab. Is there any paint code or type recommended. As it is a matt finish ? is there any mileage in brush painting rather than spray. Also what are the correct wheel and tyre sizes for the WNG.

Mike

[wade.edwards]

That would be matt, deep bronze green, Michael

[wade.edwards]

3.25 x 19, although I have a 3.50 rear. Your choice.

[nevhunter]

WM2 for both rims. 36 spoke on front 40 on rear. Nev

[admin]

That would be matt, deep bronze green, Michael

Broadly speaking:

Bronze green is early war
Brown is mid-war
Olive drab is late war.

Repaints following later repair/overhaul are also possible

There is alot written about the exact shades of each of these colours, through interpretation of the WD specs, original paint samples and the actual shades issued.
I have seen a fair few olive drab WNG's at Ariel runs, mine included, and each is slightly differet. I think you can likely go with any version of the "truth".

[Michael.Brown]

Thank you all for the information. I am going up to see, and hopefully ride the bike in a weeks time, although I have seen a couple of pictures so far. A few things are missing from it:

Second Toolbox with horizontal hinge.
Carrier over Rear Mudguard.
Pannier Racks.

Are these obtainable?

Also the Field Stand lug has been cut off.........................does that detract from value or is there a bolt on alternative?

Mike

[brenton.roy]

Toolbox on Aus Ebay
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Ariel-W-NG- ... SwbtNZ8YYt

[nevhunter]

That is not an actual W/NG part as it has different mounting fittings, but can be easily modified if you know what you are doing, but it adds to the cost, (or detracts from it's suitability however you see it).
Re the colour, the only lead I got was an old oil tank which had black over the original khaki and the underneath was a good sample colour to use for matching. Most of the finishes are matt finish that I've seen. Going through military sources colours of more recent vehicles wasn't particularly productive but IF you can get a colour that is close and more readily available you are better off. Touching up is simple if you use an acrylic lacquer. You save bulk dollars restoring a W/NG with the paint being less fussy. I do all my original paint and all touch ups with rattle can specially made up to the colour match and then anyone can get that particular colour from that supplier just by quoting the colour description..Nev

[admin]

The five fitting brackets are available from draganfly
racks have appeared on EBAY from time to time.
you do see original pannier frames and there are indian ones too.
a few sources for the pannier bags and Y straps

I would warn you. This little lot could add to between £300-£500 depending on what you end up going with.

I am with Nev on colours. Your life will be made much easier by selecting a recognised modern colour shade.
Take an evening or two and read all the various stuff on the internet on ww2 vehicle colours and make up your own mind.

[Michael.Brown]

Thank you John, Nev and all,

Been researching colors and settled on this as a possible choice in Matt

http://www.paragonpaints.co.uk/Olive-Dr ... C-298.html

Got to get the bike first, ride it, enjoy and bit by bit return it to its former glory. As for pannier frames, toolbox and carrier, I am sure something will turn up especially when I take it to meets etc.

May try brush painting as well. Years ago I repainted a leader in Tekaloid (special brushing enamel) and the finish was pretty good. Anyway that is a job when the warmer weather comes, until then ride it.

Mike