Indian headress "Chief" tank emblems/decals. Any recommendations ?

[pcarrell]

Sorry about taking so long to get back to you.

First, make sure that the emblems lay snug against the curved contour of the tank.  If they don't, don't sweat it.  run the part under warm water.  It takes a while, so take your time.  After a few minutes, apply a gentle pressure to "coax" the part the way it needs to be.  Be careful, as wherever there are deep contours in the part, those are the weak points and can break.  (Don't ask me how I know.......)  Once you get it to lay right, it's time for the adhesive.

Go to the auto parts store and get a tube of automotive trim adhesive.  Before you open the tube, squish it around a bit.  The adhesive tends to seperate in the tube, so this helps to remix it.  When you apply the glue, don't get too close to the outside edges of the part.  Remember, the glue will squish out as you apply pressure to it as you mount it.

Speaking of mounting it, get some of that blue painters trimming tape (you can get it at any home improvement store, or even WalMart).  Mount the part and tape it in place, making sure the tape holds the part well.  After at least 24 hours, carefully remove the tape.  The blue tape is great because it comes off easty and leaves no residue.

Now......GO RIDE!

[Meridious]

HI there.

I just purchased those and am looking for any tips about installing the tank emblems. Did you use a silicone (as if from a tube) or did you use super emblem tape?

I'm a little intimidated by the contour and don't want to make a mess or mount them just to worry that they are going to work themselves loose.

Can you walk through what you did/how you mounted those?

Thanks,

Merid

Have you seen the emblems that Zambini Bros makes?  ( http://www.zambinibros.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=browse&id=74406&pageid=28 )  They're very nice, and come in several different finishes.  I have them on my bike and they look great.

[49Reo]

I finally got around to taking some pics of my Baby; here is one showing the tank decals I had made by a local shop.
Regards and such,
49Reo

[49Reo]

Try Concession Decals on eBay; they will make just about anything in decals for you; if you have no luck, I had a set made up here (Northern B.C.) for about $40.00. I took them in a sample, they made them to my spec. I have also had decals made up for other projects, and have done it entirely through email; show them what you want and they will set it up in their system, send it to you, and back and forth until it is what you want. I'm sure you could do the same in your neck of the woods as well.
Good luck and be sure to show us the finished product.
Regards and such,
49Reo

[Homey237]

I do recall coming across their line of products.  Yowza, that's a hit in the pocketbook AND the finish on the headress "feathers" is in GOLD.  They look good on your black paint but I think I'm looking for a nickel finish to contrast with the gold bike.

Your input is greatly appreciated, however.

[pcarrell]

Have you seen the emblems that Zambini Bros makes?  ( http://www.zambinibros.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=browse&id=74406&pageid=28 )  They're very nice, and come in several different finishes.  I have them on my bike and they look great.

[Homey237]

I have a 1999 Drifter 800 in the "gold" finish.  I've taken off those factory Vulcan tank emblems and want to put on the Indianhead "Chief" tank decals/emblems to dress it up.

The ones I've seen on Ebay are a wide selection in size / color / style / etc.  I picked up a set off Ebay to try because I like the burnt red hue on the Chief's face and it picked up my pinstriping on the bike.  The quality is not the greatest, however.

Most of the nice decals are the gold or silver on the Maroon/Black/Red gas tanks.  But with the Gold tank the gold emblem wouldn't look right.  I'm leaning towards the "silver" finish (not chrome) and maybe pick up the engine case color of dull nickle/silver finish.  I came across the 4th photo down on Ebay and am trying to find someone who could do a larger decal from the photo.

Anyone have any suggestions on who might be making a high quality tank decal as described above ?  Photos would be a plus.