Air Filter Mounting Question

Hello all,

I'm rebuilding a 1971 Roadster. I bought it running, with the idea of doing some modest cosmetic work, but ran into the problem that there was nowhere to draw the line and stop renovating things (without the bike looking schizophrenic). So, down to the bare frame for powder coating, case polishing, fastener plating, tank painting etc. I also inspected the gearbox, forks and everything else apart from the engine, which had been rebuilt recently.

It turns out that stripping the bike down was a good plan, despite its alleged roadworthiness. I had to replace two gears and most gearbox bushings, including the sleeve gear bushing which was actually missing entirely. I replaced various seals and upgraded the layshaft bearing to a roller style.

I'll post some pics soon. The bike is going to be Yellow, with the cylinder black. I used real Norton paint from Domiracer, followed by polyurethane clear coat.

Anyhow, reassembly is underway and last night I sought to attach the rear air filter plate. That's when I noticed it should have spacer 061361, which a PO apparently decided was OK to leave off. Specifically, #50 on

http://www.oldbritts.com/1971_g14.html

At some point I'll get a proper one of these, but for now would like to improvise so as to keep moving forward. Can anyone tell me how thick this spacer is, and what material it's made from?

Thanks,

Dave

Hi David,

It's made from plated steel. Roughly 0.25 inch. I'm sure you can get one at any Norton parts supplier. If no other try
http://www.rabers.com
you can search the part number on this site.

David,

Thanks, just what I needed. I'll deploy stacks of washers for now.

I'm sure it won't be a problem to find a correct one, but I hate ordering parts one at a time and paying more for shipping than for the part. Every time I do that, a need for another part surfaces the very next day...

Cheers,

Dave

Is this peculiar to the '71?? I don't recall ever seeing that spacer before.

Ron,

I don't see it on any parts list apart from 1971, so it appears you're right. The rear air filter plate itself has different part numbers in '71, '72 and '73 - so perhaps the spacer is only needed for the '71 style.

This raises the question of whether I even need the spacer. My bike came with a rear plate, but not the rest of the filter housing. So I bought a complete set, not sure what year, and had one of the two rear plates powder coated. I don't recall which one I decided to use, will need to compare them tonight.

Dave

Just for information, the 68-70 models had circular spacers, but then the oil tank was part of that plate. I'm sure you could get a couple of 1/4" long x 1/4" ID spacers and make the same effect. Unless it is sacred.

Dave
69S