VIN Data Plate question

I am in the very early stages of restoring/rebuilding a 1973 850 Commando. It may be a Dunstall Mk. 3 ... have not had the head off to confirm the intake valve size yet. Then again, the original owner may have simply bought the kit parts. I can confirm it did have the red 1/4 fairing, front fender, seat and gas tank of the Mk. 3 Dunstall when I aquired it, along with the rear-sets. Pity I no longer have most of those bits. Doesn't matter, we intend to restore machine to factory Interstate specs.

I have the original VIN plate from this machine but it is so banged up that one can read only the Serial Number but all other stamping has ben obliterated. British Cycle Supply can supply blank plates for me to fill in. http://www.britcycle.com/

I am wondering what information goes in the top box on the plate? Is this information on the frame? At some time in the past I apparently confirmed the machine was manufactured in May 1973, although I have no idea at the moment where this bit of info came from. Perhaps one could provide a picture of the plate from a 1973 example to give me some idea?

As the VIN plate is the only record proving ownership, this information may become important. The dealer may have original paperwork 37 years later but is 3000 miles away.

pic of the "ruined" vin plate?

I believe the VIN serial number is at a Data base at the DVLA in Swansea.
Unless you already have this number, I don’t think the DVLA will supply it, but I could be wrong.

I believe the other box has the date stamp as month / year (no leading zero if single-digit month)

Bernhard said:

I believe the VIN serial number is at a Data base at the DVLA in Swansea.
Unless you already have this number, I don’t think the DVLA will supply it, but I could be wrong.

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I think you mean the VMCC as they are the keepers of the surviving Norton factory records.
http://www.vmcc.net/

The DVLA will have frame and engine numbers for Commandos registered in the UK but it's unlikely they keep any records for exported bikes, and even if they did, they do not give out information unless the vehicle is registered in the UK and there is a legitimate reason to do so.

Of course, the plate isn't really a "VIN" plate but a safety certification plate as there was no VIN numbering system for motorcycles before 1981.

Of course, the plate isn't really a "VIN" plate but a safety certification plate as there was no VIN numbering system for motorcycles before 1981.

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Interesting bit of information.

DogT said:

http://www.oldbritts.com/13_061286.html

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I have the original plate, Serial # intact, and local supplier has replacement plates. I was curious as to correct format of what went in the upper box. So the new plate should be stamped
5/73 in the upper box and 303xxx in the bottom box and that's it?

GUNpowder said:

DogT said:

http://www.oldbritts.com/13_061286.html

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I have the original plate, Serial # intact, and local supplier has replacement plates. I was curious as to correct format of what went in the upper box. So the new plate should be stamped
5/73 in the upper box and 303xxx in the bottom box and that's it?

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Yes, 303xxx. The plate style and the date format did change slightly, early plates have the month stamped as letters: "JAN", "MAY", "OCT" etc. but by 1973 the date was usually stamped as a M/YY number.

Here's a '69 plate:

DogT said:

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I haven't been able to find an image of a '73 plate, as yet.

Just for your info, I had my plate engraved by a jeweler for less than $20. I got tired of trying to stamp them correctly. You can find the plates for around $10 if you look around. Of course the originals were pretty messy, at least mine was.



Dave
69S

To be REAL authentic, stamp one line upside down!

Here is a photo of my ID plate, stamped 1973, however this is a 1974 model year. Not totally positive, but I think they are the same. More knowledgeable folks, please advise.

Looks like by 1973 they solved the problem of the direction of the stamping, maybe put the dyslexic guy in a less important job, like assembling gearboxes? Reminds me of the dyslexic agnostic that did not believe in Dog. I digress.



If you put your ID number up, at least to the 10's number if you don't want to put the whole thing up, perhaps some on the list might put their numbers/dates up and you can bracket the date for yours, if you wish.

I have been idling searching to see if any entity in the British motorcycle world offers certificates as the British Heritage Center Motor Museum does for automobiles, does anyone know here? I have a certificate for the 1959 Austin Healey, and have got them for a couple for other cars I was thinking about buying, but did not buy. All one has to do is supply the chassis number of the vehicle, and pay. Other options for engine numbers, etc. What is nice, at least for the Healey, is that one finds out the date build (my old boy was manufactured something like Aug 29-Sept 1. 1959) where it was originally shipped, color, and other fitments like original tires, disc (solid) or wire wheels, adjustable or non-adjustable steering, over drive or non-OD, others numbers, like engine number, coach (car) number, etc. All good stuff for a restoration. Link below.

http://www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk/ ... -services/

These are quite nicely done.

Here is a photo of my ID plate, stamped 1973, however this is a 1974 model year, think they are the same.

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Right you are.

My ID number 3038 _ _ , I am reluckant to provide the full serial at this point. This is a 1973 Norton Commando 850, purchased from original owner in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada around May/June 1974. The gentleman was a flat-track racer and was hobbling around the motorcycle shop on crutches when I met him. Really did not want to part with the red Dunstall but I was an eager 22 year old with the required financial means. Really wish now that I had invited him out for a beer or three that summer ...

The stamping on my plate is very crude, certianly appears to have been stamped one digit at a time, by hand. I would guess in a hurry as all of the numbers
sit at an angle of 5 to 7 degrees to the right. At least the dyslexic guy had moved on, or perhaps was on lunch break? when my plate was hammered, er, stamped. All digits are right side up.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond, especially rwalker28.

You are welcome, Gunny. Best wishes with the scooter.