68 Commando Tank Badges

Hi everybody, can anybody where I can get a set of authentic tank and tail badges for a 68 commando?
Thanks Al

Andover Norton:

http://www.nortonmotors.de/ANIL/Norton% ... e-list.php

060499 TANK BADGE "NORTON VILLIERS" £ 13.50
060864 (USE 060499) £ 0.00

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Has anybody purchased these? are they authentic? as I have seen a stick on one that was not a good copy.

I bought a replica and there is no differences with the stock badge.
Ciao.
Piero

Hello All.
Regarding the badges it comes down to what is meant by "authentic". I have an original set and there is a difference between what is offered now and the original. You would need to be very pedantic and a concours fanatic to notice the difference. It is only the curly Norton name that is different. When a replacement is put alongside the original that the difference in fonts is then very noticeable. But gee, should be thankful that we can get any badges for a 40 year old machine. Just pointing out something for the concours fanatics.

I do have a query regarding what Andover is offering as a set. The original badges had 2 types. the 2 tank badges had a rounded back to fit the scallop in the fuel tank. the tailpiece badge had a flat back. Andover offered me 060499 which is listed as tank badges, but has a flat back. maybe only flat back is available now.

A point to watch for, when purchasing the rear tailpiece badge, the flat back is necessary. Some other suppliers have offered the round back for the tail piece. This is wrong and will not mount securely and looks funny.

In summary, there is a difference between the tail piece and tank badges. hope this helps Bradley

B.Rad said:

I do have a query regarding what Andover is offering as a set. The original badges had 2 types. the 2 tank badges had a rounded back to fit the scallop in the fuel tank. the tailpiece badge had a flat back. Andover offered me 060499 which is listed as tank badges, but has a flat back. maybe only flat back is available now.

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The original tailpiece badge was 060864. According to the Andover Norton information I posted previously, it seems the 060864 badge is unavailable: "060864 - use 060499" however, that's not much good if it doesn't look right.

060499 TANK BADGE "NORTON VILLIERS" £ 13.50
060864 (USE 060499) £ 0.00

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Thanks Bradley, That's the info I am after, my understanding is the background of the factory badge had a chrome effect where as a badge that I sourced a while ago was a dull silver, I currently have a set of metal repo badges which look ok but will order a set from Andover. My bike is Feb 69 can any body sugest what decals it should have as there is little info in the parts book.
Thanks Al

The original tailpiece badge was 060864. According to the Andover Norton information I posted previously, it seems the 060864 badge is unavailable: "060864 - use 060499" however, that's not much good if it doesn't look right.

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I'm pretty sure that all repro badges offered for the last 15 or so years have been flat-backed. In this manner one badge can be made to fit both applications. Filling the tank recess with polyester resin until flat may provide better surface for grip, but most people are using the foam tape used to adhere car insignias and seem to be having on problem.

my understanding is the background of the factory badge had a chrome effect where as a badge that I sourced a while ago was a dull silver

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I have original factory badges that are mirror-silver and some that are more "aluminum" in color. It would seem that both were supplied, but I have no idea if one was supplied early and the other late or if they were simply from two suppliers and chosen from one "bin" or the other during assembly.

Gidday Possm
the original badges do indeed have a silver paint type background. I have never seen a genuine badge with a chrome background. I have just ordered a rear tailpiece badge. Andover's offering of 060499 will probably be OK. if the diameters are the same AND the badge has a flat back it will be OK and not sit funny on the tailpiece..
there are vinyl stickers being offered but they do not look any where as good as a plastic badge. very obvious they are a cheap knock off.
I will report back on this when I recieve the badge.
best wishes Bradley

It was my understanding that the molds for the gas tank didn't have a recess for a badge until some time in the '69 model year. The original design was for the "green ball" insignia that was hastily replaced after the ridicule thrown at Norton after the '67 Motorcycle show. A classic "Norton" script decal (black) was used until the tank molds were modified.

It was my understanding that the molds for the gas tank didn't have a recess for a badge until some time in the '69 model year

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I think you have that backwards. The first Commandos (Fastbacks) in the '68 model year had the badge recesses and sometime near the end of the model run or with the first of the '69 model run went to a smooth tank and "Norton" transfers.