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How to find out original colour

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Farmer Bob
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How to find out original colour

#1 PostAuthor: Farmer Bob » Fri Oct 26, 2018 9:41 pm

Almost ready to get the Z1B painted. It's currently in the Z1A Candy Tone Green, but I'd like to go for a Z1B colour this time. I don't really have any preference but I like the idea of taking it back to its original colour if I can. Is there any way to find this out, based on the frame number perhaps? Was one more common than the other?

On a different tack; is there any major preference out there for either colour? Wouldn't want to pick the colour that no one likes, I'll be selling it one day :)
('98->) Z1B
(->'98) Z1R, T140E, XS750, T500, GT500, KH125, Astra 1.3L :roll:

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Zedorset
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Re: How to find out original colour

#2 PostAuthor: Zedorset » Fri Oct 26, 2018 10:22 pm

Is there a wear on the paint that reveals the original colour, mine had worn through where the seat touched the tail piece, I could see blue paint underneath.
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davejames
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Re: How to find out original colour

#3 PostAuthor: davejames » Sat Oct 27, 2018 12:30 am

Is it a UK bike or import from US/Europe? If it's UK you can get the info from DVLA.
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Re: How to find out original colour

#4 PostAuthor: pertonpc » Sat Oct 27, 2018 7:45 am

look for traces behind badges/ grommets/ rubbers or inside/ underneath tank & panels or fuel filler cap/ catches.
a lot of painters wont get right in around those and there may be some original bits to spot somewhere.
Such as where front tank to frame mounting rubbers go or threads above fuel tap.
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Re: How to find out original colour

#5 PostAuthor: garyd » Sat Oct 27, 2018 8:43 am

Don't think the colour will matter...but I prefer the blue with the thick gold stipe.
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Gonzo
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Re: How to find out original colour

#6 PostAuthor: Gonzo » Sat Oct 27, 2018 9:25 am

Farmer Bob wrote:Almost ready to get the Z1B painted. It's currently in the Z1A Candy Tone Green, but I'd like to go for a Z1B colour this time. I don't really have any preference but I like the idea of taking it back to its original colour if I can. Is there any way to find this out, based on the frame number perhaps?


If you enter your reg No into this it will tell you the proper colour..

https://vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk
1978 Z1000A2
Previous Zeds:
1975 Z1B
1982 Z650F3

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Farmer Bob
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Re: How to find out original colour

#7 PostAuthor: Farmer Bob » Sat Oct 27, 2018 11:39 am

Thanks for the replies. It's a US import and had already been repainted. DVLA says 1974 Green but the frame/Engine numbers come up as 1975/Z1B. I guess they just have whatever the importer gave them at the time.

I'll look for previous paint as suggested. If that doesn't work, I'm thinking the blue looks best. Or perhaps the red. No, Blue. Red. Hmm...
('98->) Z1B
(->'98) Z1R, T140E, XS750, T500, GT500, KH125, Astra 1.3L :roll:

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ADRIAN H
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Re: How to find out original colour

#8 PostAuthor: ADRIAN H » Sat Oct 27, 2018 11:41 am

Gonzo wrote:
Farmer Bob wrote:


If you enter your reg No into this it will tell you the proper colour..

https://vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk


Only tells you the colour the vehicle currently should be. Not original colour.
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ADRIAN H
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Re: How to find out original colour

#9 PostAuthor: ADRIAN H » Sat Oct 27, 2018 11:44 am

Farmer Bob wrote:Thanks for the replies. It's a US import and had already been repainted. DVLA says 1974 Green but the frame/Engine numbers come up as 1975/Z1B. I guess they just have whatever the importer gave them at the time.

I'll look for previous paint as suggested. If that doesn't work, I'm thinking the blue looks best. Or perhaps the red. No, Blue. Red. Hmm...


If it’s a Z1B - should be either a Candy Sky Blue or Candy Red. The blue is very difficult to match. Hutch (club members) at Pontefract Paint has done mine.
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wheelysteve
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Re: How to find out original colour

#10 PostAuthor: wheelysteve » Sat Oct 27, 2018 11:55 am

Got to be red :P



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1975 Z1B Candy Red/Blue
1975 Dogs Z1B
1976 Z900 A4
1977 Z650B1
1978 Z650B2
1978 KZ1000D Z1R
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ADRIAN H
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Re: How to find out original colour

#11 PostAuthor: ADRIAN H » Sat Oct 27, 2018 4:38 pm

Got to be blue. Best colour. :lol: :lol:
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Gonzo
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Re: How to find out original colour

#12 PostAuthor: Gonzo » Sat Oct 27, 2018 5:14 pm

Tsk, I hope that's your forecourt Adrian? :roll:

(BTW, I prefer the Candy Blue but to be honest, both Z1B colour schemes are absolutely stunning)
1978 Z1000A2
Previous Zeds:
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1982 Z650F3

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Re: How to find out original colour

#13 PostAuthor: Garry.L » Sat Oct 27, 2018 5:20 pm

'Original' Candy Red.....

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chrisNI
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Re: How to find out original colour

#14 PostAuthor: chrisNI » Sat Oct 27, 2018 9:18 pm

Farmer Bob wrote: DVLA says 1974 Green but the frame/Engine numbers come up as 1975/Z1B. I guess they just have whatever the importer gave them at the time.


1974 is quite likely to be the build date for a Z1B...

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chrisNI
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Re: How to find out original colour

#15 PostAuthor: chrisNI » Sat Oct 27, 2018 10:26 pm

Farmer Bob wrote:Thanks for the replies. It's a US import and had already been repainted. DVLA says 1974 Green but the frame/Engine numbers come up as 1975/Z1B. I guess they just have whatever the importer gave them at the time.

I'll look for previous paint as suggested. If that doesn't work, I'm thinking the blue looks best. Or perhaps the red. No, Blue. Red. Hmm...


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