Wideline Dominator Rear Mudguard

hello now if you look on eBay yet again there are some Indian made wide line mudguard other model ES2 why  maybe there not too sure about Norton models  but from the photos on eBay they look the parts there then mudguard made from 1955 with the deep valance and lit up tail peace, but if you need the earlier ones from 1952 to 55 then there is a mudguard maker in the midlands that works on his own, just make odd mudguards  he in the old bike mart,                                    yours  anna j 

Anna, 

For members outside the UK that may be interested in obtaining mudguards for these models, can you give the full contact details of this manufacturer? 

We don't see Old Bike Mart and copies are not available to view on the internet. 

Thanks for the prompt response Michael. 

I haven't had a response from Anna so I assume that she is referring to Renovation Spares.  I did use them when Pete Lovell owned the business so I will call him next week. 

When Pete was running the business I lent him my rear guard for the 1959 wideline - separate tailpiece.  (It was original and date-stamped "Jul 59").  He had it for a few years as a pattern then I had it back, and still have it.  I spoke to the "new" owner of R-S a few years ago and said I would lend him the guard in case he wanted to copy it.  Sorry, I haven't done that yet!  I would need assurances of its security as I will eventually restore it to painting condition and sell it. 

I bought a very good pattern one from Bantam John at Netley Marsh a few years ago. It was a one-off as he doesn't usually sell them.  It's good enough for chroming, once I polish it up.  My 99 came with the optional chrome guards and was in the classic black/silver paint - my favourite!

They are complex items and Fred Williams isn't interested in making them for that reason.  He makes excellent front guards, even if the radius IS a bit tight!  He also supplies them to well known Norton spares businesses.  I saw him pass a few to one of the stands at Stafford some years ago. 

The NOC shop has the same problem I guess. Not many takers to make them!

Hi Lionel, 

I spoke to Fred when I  came over for Stafford last October and bought some new stuff from him. 

My 88 is a 1953 model  with the bolt on rear frame. I haven't found a supplier of rear guards for this model. 

regards Ian 

You could try Metal Magic in Reading, as they can make almost any thing in metal.

hello, guys, you have do  some searching on the internet  like I do frequently   the eBay wideline mudguards are listed under  ES2  mudguards  and both are less then 200 pounds  and free delivery   yours   anna j  

Hi Lionel, 

Yes I am aware of the rarity of the 1953 model 88's.  I had a couple of 1953 engines and when a 1953 rolling chassis turned up in Philadelphia it was a good fit. Originally shipped from Bracebridge St to Indian Sales in Springton Ills.  I have imported the rolling chassis.  It came with stand, engine plates and correct oil tank but no guards. Hence the request for Anna to actually confirm the identify the man in the Midlands who makes 1952-55 rear guards so I could contact him. I have checked the internet offerings but they are not correct. 

I've just had a quick look on eBay.  They will be useful in the absence of anything else, but the rears are quite a long way from being correct in design or construction.  I wouldn't trust them to arrive intact!

Thanks Lionel, 

I don't  trust the Indian ones either as they look nothing like the ones shown in my 1953 & 54 sales catalogues and the mudguards are not shown in the parts books. 

I know that the catalogues were printed before the machines were made so I will probably use a universal rear guard originally while waiting, hopefully,  for an original to turn up which can then be used as a pattern.

thanks and regards. 

Hi Lionel,

I have checked my sales catalogues and although they may not represent what the factory shipped, it shows that the 2 piece guard was first shown for the 1955 catalogue.   1953 and 1954 catalogues show a one piece guard with a very specific style.   It is slightly valenced at the leading end near the rider and this tapers to a very small valence where the guard bolts to the rear top mount on the bolt up subframe.   Attachments show the difference.

regards

The 1953 version has lovely lines.  I first had a 1955 with a hinged tail, like the one in your pic.  I can say, without much fear of contradiction, that you won't find anyone making a 1953 or 1954 version.  The hinged and detachable tail versions are around but very rare - like all the Wideline rears really.  I have a 1959 NOS detachable tail which I may eventually sell but it will fit my rather tatty 1959 original guard so I won't sell until I have decided what to do. (I have a pattern version suitable for chroming, like I said) Your best hope is to find and original that someone mighty lend you (!!) for copying or a nearest look, off the shelf one. Maybe a slimline one will suit?