No frame number

yosemite

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Mar 13, 2023
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Starting to build a triton, but have hit a problem almost before I start, the bolt up wideline frame does not have any numbers, and looks to me to never have had numbers. Obviously wanting to use it on roads in UK so need to get it registered it will need a set of numbers, does anyone have any suggestions as to a course of action, have to say that I am at the stage of gathering parts, so a long way to go
Yosemite
 
I have the same problem, so interested in responses!
I think a Q plate is possible, in which case a frame number is created , probably by owner, but it won’t be a typical Norton featherbed one, I suspect, in case it duplicates an existing one.( I have done this with a custom build back in 1986- NOT a featherbed)
 
yosemite said:
Starting to build a triton, but have hit a problem almost before I start, the bolt up wideline frame does not have any numbers, and looks to me to never have had numbers.
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Did you look here?
No frame number
 
First area I looked, no sign of number, looks like its never been stamped, there are no grind marks or file marks where one could have been removed. Have to check with micrometer later but plate looks to not be thinner in that area than elsewhere.
Would be worried about legality of stamping numbers from a purchased logbook, with my luck would end up getting into lots of trouble
 
Jan Nelder did not know swansea jokeshop were still issuing q plates, but will look into how to do it
 
I'd assume you would have to get it MSVA checked and registered as a new vehicle
But I'm really not sure these days
It'd be far better to start with at least a frame with a v5
 
Problem with the featherbed frame is it has been replicated by many builders ever since Norton stopped making them, so no number means there is no way of dating the frame.
 
There is an awfully small chance it was an early replacement frame that was never stamped.

That would be rare...
 
Not sure but cant remember seeing anyone building replica bolt up frames, but as frequently happens I could be totally wrong yet again. Are there any other markings on frame that are factory stamped apart from the frame number or any other way of identifying frame builder if it is a replica?
 
yosemite said:
First area I looked, no sign of number, looks like its never been stamped, there are no grind marks or file marks where one could have been removed. Have to check with micrometer later but plate looks to not be thinner in that area than elsewhere.
Would be worried about legality of stamping numbers from a purchased logbook, with my luck would end up getting into lots of trouble
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I do not believe that stamping a ‘new‘ replacement frame is illegal. On the contrary, that is what you’re supposed to do and is why they‘re supplied without numbers.

As your frame has no number and has no evidence of it being scrubbed, it is surely safe to claim it as a new replacement ?
 
To replace a frame you first need an original to replace, no original then its not a replacement frame but a new frame.

To find any replica makers mark you will have to examine the frame all over.
 
yosemite said:
Are there any other markings on frame that are factory stamped apart from the frame number or any other way of identifying frame builder if it is a replica?
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If the frame was made by Renold, (the frame supplier to Norton), there will be a date stamp (mo-yr) on the top edge of the gusset plate that buttresses the fork yoke.

Slick
 
texasSlick said:
If the frame was made by Renold, (the frame supplier to Norton), there will be a date stamp (mo-yr) on the top edge of the gusset plate that buttresses the fork yoke.
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Had not heard of that. I have to check my Triton and confirm it, although the serial number is legit for a '66 SS650.

Date of frame manufacture, I'd expect; nothing (or not much) to do with when it became a motorcycle...
 
grandpaul said:
Date of frame manufacture, I'd expect; nothing (or not much) to do with when it became a motorcycle...
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Yes, the date stamp put by Reynold, is the date of frame mfg. If the date stamp is present, it provides evidence that the OP's frame is, or was, an original Norton frame. If not present, we know nothing more than before.

Slick
 
My 1964 Atlas had had its frame powder coated in the 80’s and I had to sand the coating off to uncover the stamping on the frame- it was completely obscured by the heavy coating
 
Frame is in several coats of rough primer, no sign of any topcoat, where primer was removed to look for frame number, around the swinging arm bracket, there is no sign of anything being fastened to it so more thinking it is a replica may take it to be blasted to see if there is any sign of marking anywhere.
 
DSC04173.JPG

This is a bolt-up Wideline's date stamp.

The frames were arc welded, despite the brazing in the background on this frame.
 
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I have the same problem, a T110 dating to 1956. Wideline frame with NO numbers on the gussets as mentioned or shown. There is a number stamped on plate on the neck, but can't quite sort out what it says.

I took gusset paint off and as mentioned, there is no indication of grinding.
 
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