From:Steve Ciccalone e-mail:hensteveamc@aol.com
Subject:RE: 28 Henderson Deluxe Date:Tue Feb 28 19:35:53 2006
Response to:1163
I have a piece of factory literature announcing the 1928 models. This is the first year that the factory offered optional colors. I won't argue the point that prior to 1928, a bike could probably be special ordered in another color at additional cost and period photos show police bikes in white or perhaps police silver ala Indian and Harley. The listed colors in addition to Henderson Blue were Sage Green (Super X), Maroon and Bright Blue. Bright Blue is probably the Otis Spiker "Balboa" Blue. I have never seen any documentation refering to this color by the Balboa designation. Bikes could be ordered with tank and fender panels of one of these colors to compliment the base color. In my opinion, this is the first year that black was used as a standard color for some parts such as handle bars, toolbox/battery box, front brake backing plate, brake cross shaft, seat support structure, etc to cut down on additional painting. Prior to '28, I believe the only black enameled parts were the lights, horn and seat pans that came in from suppliers. Henderson Blue can easily be confused with black. John Pierce (antique m/c paint expert) and I have spent many hours examining NOS parts to come to this conclusion. The wheels for '28 were Cream. This color appeared on the 1926 models per documentation in the trade magazines of the era which I have. During the period 1920 through 1925, the wheels were Gray. Some but not all wheels have a Henderson Blue pinstripe on the edge of the rim. This is not listed in the literature but shows on original paint wheels I own. John has mixed this Gray from original wheels I loaned him. I have a formula for the Cream that I will post for everyone's info. Again, this opinion is based on the documentation I have reviewed and hold. If anybody else has additional documented facts to add to this discussion, it is requested that it be posted.

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Hello, This is my first time on your chat line. I am involved in restoring a 1928 Deluxe. Was all of the Deluxe models dark blue, black, and cream wheels in color? Also in need of Splitdorf mag. and gen. for a 28.
Thanks, Harold