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Featherbed frame number conundrum

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This is my Wideline frame, The front engine plate brackets denote this as a frame for a twin. What's left of the frame numbers looks like it's a 'P' - 1959. The model numbers for that year if it's a twin could be 14 or 122 - would I be right thinking that would be a 14?  The other numbers look to be 7070* which would make it right for that year. Now the nummbers do look a bit dodgy - would the Stampers at Norton made this sort of mess? My Frame

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Hi Martin, I'm one of the Records Officers for the club and do a lot of exams with featherbed frames with poor condition numbers. If you'd like to get in contact, I should be able to help. My details are in the inside cover of any Roadholder Magazine.

Kind regards,

Paul Watkins

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The number on my slimline frame is only just legible. The frame is due to be media blasted and then powder coated. I didn't want the number to be completely obliterated as that would cause a problem when I apply for a registration (it's a barn find project with no paperwork). I made a small plate to cover the number while the frame is being powder coated. That can be removed afterwards and that area of the frame given a coat of clear lacquer. 

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Your first pic shows that it isn't Norton's original stamping.  Someone has gone over it badly with a pin punch rather than a letter punch - which are not difficult to find.  I'd be surprised if the DVLA accepted that - it they ever had the chance to see it.

Lionel Yexley....If you're referring to the pictures that I posted, the number hasn't been gone over with a pin punch. It looks that way because it has rusted during the 40 years it was left in a garden shed. I cleaned the paint away to make it more legible. Looking at it with a magnifying glass, there is absolutely no evidence that the number has been changed or tampered with.

The DVLA will indeed have a chance to see it, should they need to. The aluminium plate will be removed once the frame has been powder coated and that area of the frame gusset will be given a coat or two of clear lacquer to protect it from rusting in the future,

 


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