Commando engine conundrum/clocks

ignore that got some better pictures and can just about make out th middle of the m is worn down

quick one though on the second half of the engine number the 133 bit where should that be stamped under the barrel on the flat part of the case or on the curve after the 20m3s bit?

Thanks,

Tom

Hi Everyone been offered a 69 fastback

engine number is 1334 XX Other numbers

registered 03/06/69

Its never had a colour change and is green but the engine number puts it in the S range did the bikes come as fastback in that range to or when it refers to that on the model page was that within the range of the different models as well

also the position of the number seems a little different seen a bi of variation in the position on a few commandos now seen 8 with the full number he flat but this girl has the 203ms/ bit on the curve then the rest of the number on the flat

any info would be very much appreciated,

Thanks,

Tom

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g319/tomsteele01/Screen-Shot-2014-04-14-at-0709_zps88bcdbd9.jpg

Thanks Anna

taking it the numbers are ok compaired it to another 69 a 1000 bikes earlier and the digits look identical in shape in particular the no 1 and 3's so guessing its right as the later bikes Ive seen have a flat line under the 1 compaired to a plain ish number one love learning

fingers crossed i get her

Thanks,

Tom

thanks for the comments Richard, Ill send another email asking for a clearer image of that area of the numbers,

have blown it up in photoshop and it looks like theres nothing there but we shall see would have thought if it had been restamped they would have just stamped over the original area maybe if they were playing silly buggers?

really intersting stuff though as Ive seen a few bikes within a couple of hundred where the entire engine number is to the right,

anyone else out there with one with the numbers split up like this?

Thanks,

Tom

Hi Richard,

pretty new to the commandos thanks again for the reply,

is this the crankcase breather? another picture of the engine on her

Thanks,

Tom

so how much would a restamped engine affect the value on a commando then everyone?

Thanks,

Tom

Thanks lads im the proud owner of 4 lcs took ages to find not mucked around ones some of the engine numbers were shocking on some I looked at before i got mine just built a proddy racer for next year was fun at oulton on a td a few weeks back

my old man had his nicked back in the 80s from his printing college month old absolute gutter

so how do you use a acid kit then? never heard of that before be interesting if i went to look at her

know the owner said the engine had been rebuilt by a previous owner and shes been motd and ridden since 06 in his ownership, Ive asked him to check the numbers on the underside of the crankcase hoping that they arn't matching and the alternator side has been replaced then that would explain it either that or its nosey for another one, guessing they really didn't care back in the 80s, keep noseying at those maney crank cases no way id describe it as matching If i ended up with her and re sold her though so agree with John on the dispensation side needs to be right price wise now as its pretty much all my savings since i brought my love of my life 650ss

Cheers,

Tom

Previously richard_payne wrote:

Tom, you're quite right on the camshaft breather. Basically the 20M3 and 20M3S engines - prior to 1972. Post 72, there was a raised pad on the side for number stamping.

I endorse for 100% what John says. In terms of value, some people won't care at all, and certainly mismatched numbers on Commandos have little effect, especially if the replaced components are of a preferred type. Probably only a few % of Commando owners are collecting / restoring as historical artifacts.

However, if it ever comes to a an official / Insurers inspection and someone knows how to use their acid kit...and you turn out to have a stolen motor then it's a worry.

Norton Commandos were the most stolen make / model in the UK for several years in the early 1970s. (The RD 250/350 LCs took over the honour). There must inevitably be quite a few still around of dubious origins although of course the current owners are likely to be quite unaware of what sort of thieving b*st*rds hung around Commandos forty years ago. (Some of them were even NOC committee members but that's a very long story....)

bit of an update got a pic of the vin number the text is worn a bit by the cables but the frame number is there and the gearbox number is on the gearbox which matches the frame

also got the high res of the engine number after the 20m3s it looks like there may be a 1 after the / but rest looks like factory casting

so guessing its been restamped back in the early 70s or norton screwed up and stamped it further round, noticed a engine a few numbers on from this in the 133 range had all the numbers on the flat part of the case on a few so a little confused now wether it was factory or not

least the gearbox an frame match mind

just been looking at more commando pictures haha

engine numbers 1338 and 14 onwards seen a few nowall on the flat of the engine case but with the 20m3s prefix to prior to them putitng the raised plate

question is does anyone know at what point norton started putting the engine numbers on the right hand side and if there was some sort of switch over point where they stamped half the number on the flat part of the case before moving all of it round?

Having said that think the search for a 69 fastback continues might as well hang on and find one thats right anyone selling?

heres some more pictures everyone

engine number

gearbox number

headstock plate

be interesting to know what you all think really new to me the commando not seen any other headstock plates or gearbox stamps bar 1 bike

Thanks,

Tom

Thanks Mike, massive help thats really close engine number to this one,

thinking I'll hunt for another 69 fastback as this one is pricey if the numbers have been messed with

Thanks,

Tom

Hi Mike just a quick one

does yours have a P after the engine number?

also does it have the rev countero on the side and or is it integral and what month is she really curious as its right near this commando number wise guessing its got points on the side being a 20m3s?

thanks in advance learning all the time with all the great answers and info you guys and gal's are giving

Tom

thanks Mike thats an absoluley massive help

colour wise does yours have gold norton on the tank? or gold with black pinstripe and silver sidepannels? really interesting

Thanks,

Tom

Thanks,

Tom