B31 tank colours

[Garyk]

I'm sorting out the tank on my B31 and would appreciate any advice to confirm the correct colour. It's a 1947 rigid with the speedo in the tank (frame and engine number both start XB), which according to Roy Bacon's book, should make it matt silver on chrome on the top and side panels. However, from the remains of the original tank (rusted out, so I've had a new one made), it looks like it was green on chrome, plus the fork oil seal holders are also chrome, which, again according to Roy Bacon, suggest that the colours are the 1948 option colour of Brunswick Green on chrome. Is it likely then that the bike is a late '47 with the '48 option colour? Or should I go back to the original 1947 colour scheme? Or should I go for personal preference?!!
Thanks for any advice on this one!

[JulianS]

Always go with what you want.

BSA may have changed the finish of the oil seal holders mid season, who knows after all this time. Or an owner changed the black for chrome.

Who knows how many parts of your bike have been changed over the past 70 years.

The XB31 series ran from early 1946 til about October 1947, when the 1948 season YB31 series started.

The first photo is from the 1947 catalogue and the second from 1948. Both give the finishes offered.