part numbers???

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Dave Rademacher here in Minnesota. I've had my bike a number of years but am still a rookie asking questions and trying to learn. The bike is a 1954 Norton Big 4. All that said it was orderedan delivered to Vienna Austria with a swinging arm suspension. I am in the process of installing a Watsonian Palma on the left side. I have found some issues that need to be addressed. I have found a frame photo on Andover Norton with some description numbers but no factory numbers. Also it does not seem that they stock the parts. I have tried to post the bike photo and the frame photo, I hope it worked.

The parts from the photo I am looking for are, Numbers 51-52-55 and the bolts, nuts and washers for the top of the shock absorber. Also this photo from Andover Norton is great but my question is where can I get the rest of the information that goes with the photos. I have I have the blue spare parts book but the frame and details is not in it.

Am I mistaken or is this a ES2 frame with a big 4 motor and trans?? Again I apologize for my lack of knowledge.

Thank you for any and all information.

Dave Rademacher alone in Minnesota

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Hi Dave, what an…

Hi Dave,

what an interesting bike, do the frame and engine numbers match?, yes I would imagine that the cycle parts are straight from the contemporary ES2/19S and that you should get the parts book for the 1955 models of those to get the part numbers.

Re parts availability, I would imagine it is going to be Ebay or get somebody in the club to photograph and measure them for you. Molnar stainless in Preston, Lancs., www.manx.co.uk used to make some stainless parts for the pre-featherbed s/a models, it may be worth trying them, also https://racingnorton.co.uk/.

Good luck, and please keep us posted.

Yes frame and engine numbers…

Yes frame and engine numbers match. It has been documented by the NOC club. It was sold with a sidecar from a dealer in Vienna Austria. I will look for the book you mentioned. There is a distributor in New York that I can get hardware from.I was told this was a off the books special order that Norton would build. Others have said they have heard of this combo, the Club said it was the only one he had documented at that time.

Thank you for your assistance

Dave

I would..

.. just measure the distance across the outside of the shock absorber mounting lugs and buy suitable (5/16" CEI) nuts and bolts. I can't see that they would be anything special.

thank you for the…

thank you for the information.

Dave

Fitting a Palma

Hi Dave, I have fitted Palma's on Triumphs and BSA's, and Honda Goldwings in the past. Are you asking how to fit the sidecar? It's a pity you do not live in the UK, as I have all the fittings on the shelf, including a tote tin of brand new Watsonian fittings to fit any sidecar to any motorcycle. On my Outfits, I used to fit longer high tensile steel studs on the rear shocks with spacers to put an Austin Mini front shock absorber alongside each rear shock, after fitting 150lb inch rear springs. Message me on jagracer1967@gmail.com if you want any help on fitting the sidecar. All the best, Paul

Paul, yes it would be much…

Paul, yes it would be much easier if I lived in the U.K.. I have visited it a couple times and purchased items for my 59 Frogeye and my 67 Velo L.E.. but that is in the past. I am just trying to sort a couple items out on the Norton before I get it back on the road. I have had the Palma mounted just have to fine the sweet spot for settings on the big 4. I am looking for a proper photo of the rear seat.

I will contact you when I get the Norton is back in one piece. dcrad@comcasat.net