1962 Model 88; previously 1957 basket case value?

[Kiwi]

JBW- Would it be fair to say most people would not normally look to a company like Leigh Paints for their automotive paint needs?

 

[johnnyboy-wonder57]

Kiwi,
Unsure @ the moment, however, their stuff must have been good re- its application on the famous Firth of Fourth bridge, which is exposed to the harshest of conditions.

I will talk to a mate who sprays up stuff, I will additionally  look up their products in a Restorer's Handbook.

Cheers

JBW

[Kiwi]

JBW, I am trying to establish an easily identified supplier for guys in the UK to identify with, then I will make some suggestions as to what baseline products I would use and why. I would like to put together a simple paper that triggers interest and gives simple explanations for anyone to consider before they paint their treasured restoration.

After people have had the chance to read what I suggest some will be enlightened and some will no doubt challenge my opinion which should make for a fun debate!

Your feed back is greatly appreciated  thanks

Kiwi

[Kiwi]

By the way does anyone have an idea as to the chrome work ex factory in the sixties? I posted a photo of a Model 88 that has chrome guards, was this the norm ex factory at any point?

[johnnyboy-wonder57]

I will ask A.Dixon for you.

Cheers

JBW

[R]

Can any body tell me if Norton produced the Dominators with chrome guards and primary cover as standard around 1961? I have noticed chrome under the paint on this one, by the way I have purchased it!

Congratulations !

Export and home market bikes can vary, considerably, in the finish. Chrome bits were becoming quite common even in the early 60s.
The NOC can possibly look it up in the factory records and advise - but of course previous owners could have done anything with it in the past 40 years.  Depending on where it was delivered to new, some Dealers also added to the bling in the showroom...

[Kiwi]

Cheers for that, I have decided in my mind that my bike had chrome guards!

[johnnyboy-wonder57]

Kiwi,
Additionally, there was the mysterious Norton Manxman built & exported having slightly different spec's and more chrome, most parts if not all would have been inter-changeable and this model definitely had  more chrome   & according to perceived wisdom,  was fitted with chromium plated mudguards.

Cheers

JBW

[Kiwi]

Indeed, that is all the justification I need, Chrome guards it is!

I have a lockable throttle (twist grip) there is a key on the twist grip, is this standard? Its the first one I have seen all the bikes I remember just had lockable steering on the fork tree.

[R]

Lockable throttle is most definitely an accessory fitting.
Two-tone painted tanks and chromed mudguards don't go together, when you look at the brochure pics from back then.

[johnnyboy-wonder57]

Norton Manxman pictures

You can clearly see the chrome guards I thinkI know someone in the NOC who has all the code Numbers used for the production of every Norton @ Bracebridge Street.

Bright & a little bit more bling, than a standard Dominator!

Cheers

JBW

[Kiwi]

Was the Manxman ever produced in 500cc? the one in the brochure and photos strike a remarkable resemblance to my new acquisition and I note that it appears at least as if the guards were chrome before they were white (the wrong white at that) I understand this could mean nothing with more than few years under its belt!

[R]

No -  the Manxman was only ever a 650cc, in blue with small tank, high handlebars and orange/red seat.
It was about the first to get chrome guards - mostly for the US market of course.

All featherbed dommies look somewhat the same at first glance - without knowing the engine numbers its tough to tell them apart.
Apart from slimline or wideline frames and various features over the years.
Or counting fins....

[johnnyboy-wonder57]

Kiwi,
I have sent an email to request codes.

Cheers


JBW

[Kiwi]

Thanks R

I am catching on, I pulled the primary and right side chain covers off the engine last night and mechanically the old girl looks pretty sound wear and tear wise but the nuts and bolts on things like the Generator, Dizzy and other external fittings are well worn out so I guess there has been a lot of tinkering to keep the bike running. I also see plenty of brake drum wear etc too, all quite consistent with some earlier advice given regarding bikes from the Asian regions. In saying all of this the bike has good bones and deserves a re-build.

It seems the old owner has had the front and rear brakes done, (but they didn't skim the hubs!) the gear box has had a re-bearing as well as the bottom end of the engine, I guess I am still going to have to strip the motor though as it was not well covered and the barrels were not fitted.

Thanks JBW! I look forward to it.