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ES2 tank badge screws

Submitted by alan_thomas on Wed, 06/11/2013
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After removing the paint from a recently acquired ES2 fuel tank I discovered the tapped holes for the round 'Norton' tank badges. I haven't been able to identify the thread form or find any screws to fit. Can anyone tell me what thread form was used? Thanks

Submitted by jim_royce on Wed, 06/11/2013

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Hi Alan,

I think they were BA. The originals were phillips head countersunk and blackened. They were only directly fitted to the tank on 55 and 56 models. 57 on used a sepparate chrome panel.

Jim

Submitted by alan_thomas on Thu, 07/11/2013

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Thanks again Jim.

I don't have the knee grips and don't see any mechanical method of fixing them. I coudn't understand why all the pictures of 1955 ES2's I've looked at have knee grips. How are the fixed on or have I got a tank that doesn't belong?

Alan

Submitted by jim_royce on Thu, 07/11/2013

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Hi Alan,

Up to 54 they were bolted and for 55 maybe to cut a few pennies they glued them on. This was the only year theydid this for 1956 they went back to bolting possibly after finding that they kept falling off!

If your tank has no means of attaching knee grips but has the screw holes for the round badges it is without doubt a 55 tank.

Jim

P.S. pic attached of the 1955 catalogue image; unusually accurate apart from the seat which isn't quite like that in reality.

Attachments es2-1955-jpg

Submitted by neil_wyatt on Fri, 08/11/2013

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The originalscrew thread on my slimline tank badges and also my 57/58 pre F/bedround tank badges are 3BA.

The pre F/bed 57/58 kneegrips are held on with two set screws.

My Ex WD 16H has just the one.

Even one is better than glue etc.

Hope that helps. Neil.

Submitted by alan_thomas on Fri, 08/11/2013

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Thank you Jim and thank you Neil.

The picture of the 1955 ES2 gives my something to aim at when restoring my bike, as you say the seat is different and I don't have the knee grips - probably fell off 50 years ago! Shame they have to be glued on, might try to modify the tank so I can use screws. Until I removed the paint I didn't realise that the tank was chrome plated, I suppose I'll have to get it plated again. Were the tanks always chrome plated or were some painted and was the paint work applied over the chrome or was it transfers? (paint on chrome doesn't seem a good idea to me, or am I wrong)?

Once again thanks for your help. I didn't realise I had to find out so many different things just to make the tank look original. Luckily the engine and other mechanical bits are in very good condition.

Alan

Submitted by jim_royce on Fri, 08/11/2013

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Hi Alan,

They were a chrome tank with painted panels. It's scary expensive to get a tank rechromed asuming it can be of course.

Jim

Submitted by gordon_johnston on Fri, 08/11/2013

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The problem with re-chroming a tank is that the pre-chroming preparationcan reduce the the thickness of the metal leading to possible porosity or leaks. If the tank is otherwise absolutely fine, it's probably safe to go ahead. If there is any corrosion or pitting probably best not to.

Submitted by alan_thomas on Fri, 08/11/2013

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Thank you Jim and Gordon,

I think I now have enough information to tackle this tank. I don't think I will risk getting it re-chromed but will concentrate on a good paint job with badges and knee grips.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Alan

Submitted by alan_rogers on Sun, 10/11/2013

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I to am looking for a set knee pads is it possible to post Fred Williams contact details?

Thanks Alan

Hi Peter,

Fred Williams(Wideline Repro Parts) sells them.

Jim

Submitted by alan_rogers on Sun, 01/12/2013

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Previously jim_royce wrote:

Hi Peter,

Fred Williams(Wideline Repro Parts) sells them.

Jim

Has anybody got an email address for Fred Willams as I am in New Zealand and am strugling to get contact details.

 


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