Engine and frame numbers don't match (just)

The chaps that stamped the frame, engine and gearbox numbers have quite a reputation for getting them wrong somedays. Use the search site and you will come across some real stamping howlers. especially with the gearboxes.

I don't think that converting a 1 into a 4 would be too difficult. However, it might be worth checking with the NOC librarian, first, to avoid cloning another Norton.

Out of interest.....I owned a 1967 Atlas 120750 for many years. One day while visiting London I came across Atlas 125745 with a 1968 registration plate.

A 1967 Dommi 650ss has come into my possession. With an engine number of 18SS-120794/P and a frame number 18-120791 the numbers differ by three! Anybody have any ideas how this could have come about?

well I noticed its all happed in the Plumstead days , and not so much in the Bracebridge days, has all the stamp marks were done some time after they where built, this is why you get the shop numbers out of phase , has they pulled bikes of and back on the production line , the bikes were all built up on small tables that ran on rails in the floor they start with a painted frame and engine and gear box and build the bike from there, and down the line it would go too the end were it was craned off to be tested out on the rolling road , that next day with a 15 mile road test, and the tester would then make a report, out , if there were things not right it would then go back on the start end to be put right, , its was a bit like this at Plumbstead but more intence of getting the machines out of the door , so you then get some punch markes out by a number or two, Has Phil says send your information to Dave Catton the Twins record officer , he will get back to you but this all takes its time , yours anna j

Yes -you probably could re-stamp the frame number to make it into a "4" but that would be illegal! The frame number determines the year of the bike so the registration details would have to be changed officially through the DVLA.

I would agree, i have an ex RAC ES2 in a similar situation.

Back in the day if an organisation had a fleet they were keen on keeping a working machine on the road, even if that meant mixing and matching parts.

Previously iain_brown wrote:

I would agree, i have an ex RAC ES2 in a similar situation.

Back in the day if an organisation had a fleet they were keen on keeping a working machine on the road, even if that meant mixing and matching parts.

I can confirm that. RACpatrolmen were given time to service the ES2outfit and if a major repair such as a big end was needed a recon engine was sent from the London garage in a wooden box via the local superintendent as a replacement. With these machines travelling 22,000 miles a year you would be unlikely to findone with matching numbers now. 'Matching numbers'is a recentsaying used by dealers to pretend it is worth more, rather like barn find.