I am working on my 64 Atlas, which I purchased over the holidays. I understand the long and sometimes frustrating process of locating parts, prices, etc. I have done this with my Triumphs.

My problem is I keep getting conflicting information. I need fenders, side cover, gages, headlight and some other goodies. I have found some fenders, but were they all the same for the Atlas? I haven't found many pics/info to describe the difference if there is any.

Also, I have been told there are no manufacturers for "after market reproduction parts", but it seems they are out there. Of course the price goes up and kills my budget.

I have a Haynes service manual and reproduction copy of a parts manual, so these are my sources for info right now. I am also spending countless hours doing research, but I am still coming up short.

My question is does anyone know of a book/website that specifically breaks down the details of the bike so as I make a purchase I know I AM GETTING THE RIGHT PART? I have been reading thru the posts here too, so I plan on using this website due to the valuable and helpful info provided by the members here. Thanks for the help; I will update as I can. I have to go out and lite the heater in the shop to let it warm up for a while so I can start taking the bike apart (the fun begins!!!).

There is a forum specific to the Norton/AJS/matchless hybrids, I'll try and find where I put that link...

Lots of pix of all the various years and models.

Also, The Haynes books have for years been known as "The Book of Woes"
I started playign with old bikes long before the internet. The only resources were books...
Have you a copy of Roy Bacon's Norton Twin Restoration?
In 64 the forks were widened on various models. The Atlas at that time got plated stays. There are various fenders introduced that year. It becomes a bit confusing, and I think it really helps to have more than a Haynes manual. There are just too many changes happening in a short time period. The Haynes manual is meant to show you how to keep it running, not what it correct equipment for a given year.
Unfortunately, I believe most of Roy Bacon's books are long out of print. But I'd try your local used book store. Mine has been helpfull in locating such things.

I have a number of Roy Bacon books that I've acquired over the years. These are known for misinformation also. There are a lot of miniscule detail changes to cover and he sometimes generalizes too much so it becomes just wrong. The only rule is that to every rule there is an exception with these bikes. I'd start with the source and get a factory shop manual and parts book. Everything else can then be compared to that.

Gosh, now my impression of Roy has been shattered.
I wouldn't doubt it though.
Most of these things were put out the door with what was available the day it was built. So those things change a bit.
I have a couple of bikes that I did some years ago when I cared more about absolute authenticity. Lovely things. But I'd rather ride now days.
I think the big changes in the Atlas in 64 was teh wider forks and thus fenders and the change to 12v.

I have tried to locate some of Roy Bacons books while working on Triumphs, but to no avail. I haven't given up though.

Got the shop warmed up.. removed the tank, a few brackets, cables, bar levers, pipes, and a few other odds and ends. I tried to pull the top cylinder head but my sockets won't get to all the bolts... hmmm.. gotta work on this some.

Only busted my finger once too... glad it was cold...

The frame looks like it is in very good condition.. I was kinda worried but now I can see more of it I am very pleased. I haven't found any cracks, weld repairs, etc. Of course I will know more as I get the motor pulled and take it to work for a good cleaning/blasting.

I am trying to load some pics, but I haven't gotten that part figured out yet either.

I appreciate everyones' assistance here!

Thanks!

I have both Norton Twins Restoration and Norton Twins. If you need info, I can scan pages.

I would appreciate it! Any info would be helpful. Scanning would be great...

I just found a primary cover, and have a lead for a front fender in very good shape. Things are going well!!!

I don't know about your bike, but a client's '67 Norton 750 Hybrid (N15) that I'm building, uses a steel spacer ring approx 1/4" thick in between the crancase and primary.

I'm sure that folks in the know will chime in as to whther your's is supposed to have one.

My Hybrid had a Matchless primary, quite different from the Atlas steel pan. Last I saw there was an Atlas at Raber's, I think he would be a good source for what fits. My Dominator/ Commando is so modified from stock that she would be little help as to what is correct.

I got lucky and found used copies of Bacons' books, so that will be some help. Thanks for the scanning offer pbmw!

I am slightly confused on the "hybrid" term being used. Isn't this due to Matchless, AMC, and others combining/using the same parts on different bikes? That is my undertsanding... is this correct? Frames, motors, etc. When I receive my books hopefully I will be able to identify any differences with my 64.

Hey grandpaul... if you come up with any internal motor components you don't think your client will need... let me know and I'll give you my address! Nah, just kidding... I am hoping I can just rebuild the top end... but if I'm pulling the motor anyway... and have some spare parts...

Thanks for the updates and suggestions folks! I really appreciate it!

Oh yeah, do I have to contact an administrator to be able to upload pics, or did I read the FAQs wrong?

Yep,

The hybrids were Norton engines in Matchless frames with a mix of cycle parts over the years.

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