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My `51 Model 30 is running. And a seat cover and tire question.

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I finally got caught up enough on building a P11 for a friend to take a break and turn my attention to the Model 30 I bought in Las Vegas the end of April.  Happy to report after a good service and some critical checks she started right up using race rollers.  Actually rode it around town for 30 minutes or so and it's running way better than i hoped. I would post some videos here but I don't think it's allowed?  You can see some of the videos I posted on my Facebook page or the INOA and Norton single cylinder Facebook pages. I'm very happy that it's running so well and I'm looking forward to the Central Coast Classic Motorcycle showSept. 25, in San Luis Obispo, CA where they've chosen Norton as the featured marque.

I'd also like to thank the powers that be (editor?)  for publishing my article outlining my long history with P11's in your Sept. issue of the Roadholder magazine.

And I'm seeking advice and opinions as to where to find 20 inch tires & tubes along with the best Lycette seat cover for my Inter.  Thanks in advance for any help.Inter at home

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https://www.cokertire.com/tires/350-20-simplex-cycle-blackwall-tire.html

i assume your front rim is 21" ?  if so, then Avon Speedmaster

i have also heard that Mitas sells 20" tires, but i do not know that to be true.

There's also a fellow in Australia who i've heard sells 20" tires, i've been looking for his contact info in my files, but don't seem to have it...  If you don't hear from anyone here, perhaps try the facebook site.

 

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Leighton in UK make seat covers. Sadly they no longer make the "Rexine" material, so modern ones are soft vinyl.  They might need a pattern...not very convenient for you. Perhaps they can work from dimensions of your sest frame? I suspect a saddler could make one. There are after market seats but no guarantee that they will be correct size. Sadly, the rubber Dunlop type are no longer made...the mould used for recent restorations had worn out apparently.

I have read that Rexine has been re-made for vintage Bentley...at a cost to match, I believe.

I'm sure someone in the US can do something. Lovely bike! I think Norton put more chrome on export models than for the home market. Although Inters had plenty of chrome over here in the 1930's. Our climate is not kind to chromium plate.

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I was interested to read that  the Vincent Nero record breaker was fitted with an SM for its run of close to 200 mph. 

Great knowledge...I'm quite sure I'll be able to specify what I want to a local saddlery or upholstery shop and get a quality recover.  It helps that I can bring them the saddle.

In reply to by nicholas_clark

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I'll look into this supplier...I don't mind spending a little extra dosh on such a nice machine.  Too bad you can't take it with you.

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Hi Jerry.

Hope you manage to get the Avon tyre sent to you.

When I first built my Inter back in '86 I had to build a 19" rear wheel as Avon were not making the 20" tyres at that time. I am glad they decided to reintroduce them in the '90s so I could use the original 20" wheel.

Best of luck, Nick

I used your link to go right to the web site and completed their pages to order and pay for the Avon.  I am not at all certain that they will ship to the US?  So far there's no email acknowledging my order.  I'm going to be patient here and wait a bit longer before contacting them again.  Fingers crossed.  C-Ya, Jer 

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... seems to be available from martrim.co.uk in a wide range of colours. Coincidentally, at a classic car show last weekend here in UK, a vintage Bentley owner mentioned remaking of this material, after pointing out the 90 year old rear bonnet covering of original material, which was finely crazed, but still very well attached. 

All it takes is money...delivered to my door today from good old Blighty all the way to California in less time that it usually takes for many of my domestic parts orders. Not cheap but impressive. Thanks for your recommendation Nick.

Jer

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That's great Gerry. Pleased that the purchase was straight forward and the delivery so quick. Just have to fit it now.

Cheers, Nick

 

 


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