Good morning, thanks for having me. Looking at a 1988 softail. Owner claims original paint but I’m doubtful because of color and tank decals. What do you all think ? Thanks

Good morning thanks for having me. Looking at a 1988 softail. Owner claims original paint but I’m doubtful because of color and tank decals. What do you all think ? Thanks

 

Could be Harley color shop tins. They've offered different colors and combinations every year. From wild limited edition sets down to the color match sets. Would have to look through wish books for those years. (Harley Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories & Genuine Motor Parts catalog).

I thought my 2001 was a custom paint job until I found the tins offered in the wish book for 2003.

 

So much of that bike ISN'T original, who cares if the PAINT is? Is it a bike you like? Is it a reasonable price? If so, grab it. I myself would not offer a penny more than $4,500 for a bike like that, but that's just me. From the ONE picture you posted.....

The bars, controls, wheel's (front), seat, exhaust, and saddlebags are not stock. And who knows what else.
If you like it, make him an offer. All he can say is no.......

 

I bought the bike. All the original parts came with it. 10k mile one owner. That’s why I was wondering about the paint

 

Enjoy the bike..!

If you ever want to know for sure what color it is .... If it's OEM, there's a paint color label on the tunnel of the tank. At 10K miles, it should still be readable....

Two years ago, I bought a 2001 Springer with 9.8K miles. The liner in the tank was peeling, so I needed to deal with that. When I had the tank off, I saw and took a pic of the paint label under the tank for reference. Here is what it will look like.. As you can see, my 2001 FXSTS is Diamond Ice / Luxury Blue.

 

Thanks for that, I actually called Harley. They Ran the vin and it is correct. Red rose pearl

 

There you go! Good news all the way around!