Alloy head for '54 Dominator 88

Here is a good read for some of the variants of the Norton twin cylinder heads & how to identify them:

http://atlanticgreen.com/nhth.htm

Skip

Previously wrote:

I have seen bare second-hand alloy alloy heads advertised very cheaply. Two questions :-

1. Would the valve gear etc swap straight over?

2. Apart from saving a few pounds in weight, would it be worth it?

Of course, I would keep the original head, and get a couple of broken fins repaired. John.

Hi John,

Having a number of bikes with Cast iron heads and the later alloy types, I would personally stay with the cast iron on on your 54 '88' and get the fins repaired. I like the quietness of my 54 dommi compared to the later machines I have and it looks just right on that year of bike.

I have just put an exchange head on mine which I picked up at an autojumble with no broken fins for very little money.

Regards,

Paul

Previously wrote:

Thanks Skip, and Paul.

Since my bike is,almost original, I think I will pass on the alloy head idea. I don't want a "Cafe Racer", and it is almost fast enough as standard (at least for a geriatric!). I used to own a '71 Commando 750, that would top the "Ton" in 3rd gear, but who really needs this performance in modern driving conditions? John.

Hi John,

Good decision. If you do repair the fins on your original head, then I have an old head that I can supply some salvaged pieces to weld on to yours. Just let me know.

Regards,

Paul.

You will probably have to take the head off. Paul's offer was kind, and you may like to take him up on it, since a "Plate" will likely not be cast iron, and a steel plate would not weld so well to the cast iron head.

What you will most likely get anyway is a "Cosmetic" in, welded at the ends, and looking good after painting, but not as effective at cooling as a real fin. Gearbox rebuilds are easy - all you need to do is follow the instructions in the manual exactly.

Hi John,

I have several gearbox manuals for both the laydown & AMC boxes, but the best instruction I have gotten so far is purchasing the video on this very website.GearboxServicingby Mick Hemmings, you can find it under videos in the NOC shop. Best money I ever spent on instructions !!! You won't be sorry. I havent had any trouble getting parts so far for my '50 laydown box, or the AMC boxes, but I am sure there are some parts more difficult to find than others. Good luck on the projects !!!!!

Skip

John - I have an early 50s Dommie iron head hiding somewhere in my garage. I do believe that it is complete, in good conditionand nearly ready to use.

I will send out a search party, tomorrow,to try and locate it.

Ifthis head could be of use to you, then just let me know.

Update on above - The cylinder head is almost as described but has small chunks missing on both front corners, bottom fin, under the exhaust ports. Easily repairable.