A10 tank

[huddie]

My a10 1957 golden flash swinging arm model has an all black tank. Most people tell me this is not correct, ie it should have chrome sides?. I have been told though that there was a period around the mid 1950's when there was a Chrome shortage and that some bikes were made with all black tanks. Can anyone throw any light on this. Regards Huddie

[fido]

I think the nickel / chrome shortage was earlier i.e. 1952. I would guess all the swinging arm A10s had chrome tank panels.

[huddie]

Thanks fido Looks like mine is not the original then. Have to look for a good second hand one. I guess they are about as common as rocking horse manure.

[a10 gf]

Hello there, and welcome to the forum. Maybe this post shows the tank you're looking for?

http://www.a7a10.net/forum/index.php?topic=49.0

Regards
e.

[RichardL]

Huddie,

In your quest to be totally stock, are you certain that there are not other, or many other, parts that are not model specifc or year specific, but look great all the same? The discussion of whether or not one should seek to be perfectly stock is one that always raises interest in this forum. For me, the "factory original" ship has sailed, so I will never try to get there, but I think the bike looks pretty good and no one who sees it ever says "too bad it's not original." Of course, I have yet to take it where elite classicists loom. They might choose to whiff the more rarified air accessible with one's nose in an upward position (which I am sure you are not).

Richard