BSA Owners' Club Workshop Discussions

The BSA Workshop => Singles => Topic started by: Kim Stevenson on 13 Jul, 2025, 05:08

Title: 1948 M20 colour scheme
Post by: Kim Stevenson on 13 Jul, 2025, 05:08
I'm in the planning stages of the restoration of a 1948 M20.

Can anyone help me with the correct colour scheme for this bike, particularly whether the tank and wheels were originally chrome plated and then painted or if the were painted all over.

Were the ammeter and switches in the headlight or the tank?

Any other advice gladly excepted.

Thank you.
Title: Re: 1948 M20 colour scheme
Post by: JulianS on 13 Jul, 2025, 08:24
Below from the 1948 UK market catalogue may help.

Many of these bikes went for fleet use or went overseas and may have a different finish.
Title: Re: 1948 M20 colour scheme
Post by: Derek996 on 13 Jul, 2025, 10:35
According to Roy Bacon's "BSA Singles Restoration", for 1948 to '51;
Frame, forks, oil tank, tool box and mudguards and wheel rims - Black
Petrol Tank - Chrome-plated with matt silver panels lined black.
Handlebars, exhaust system, headlamp rim and fork oil seal holders - chrome-plated.
Option of wheel rims chrome-plated with matt silver centres lined black.