Atlas frame VIN numbers

Hortons Norton · Jan 26, 2017

Just picked up a new project, a 1968 Atlas. Where do I find the stamped vin frame number?? They may be painted over and I just can't see them. The bike was purchased from someone that was starting to gather the parts to turn it into a triton and I'm going to build it back to a stock Atlas. Also I picked up some cases with the numbers 20/113750 /P does anyone know what year these are?? Really looking forward to this build, Although I know very little about the Atlas. It's missing lots of bits but it looks like there are lots of parts out there. Thanks in advance for any help, Chuck.

triumph2 · Jan 27, 2017

Frame number will be on the left side frame gusset just above the swinging arm spindle. Engine number is approx mid '65.

norton bob · Jan 27, 2017

The P stands for Plumstead AMC factory.

gtsun · Jan 27, 2017

Wow HH, can't wait to see the results. I am really wanting to build up a featherbed twin also.

Bernhard · Jan 27, 2017

triumph2 said:
Frame number will be on the left side frame gusset just above the swinging arm spindle. Engine number is approx mid '65.

+1
As long as you have all the chassis number you can trace it, i.e. is there any hole drilled for rearset footrests :?:

Hortons Norton · Jan 28, 2017

Thanks guys for your information, The frame looks to be in good shape as far as all the tabs go. I did notice a crack near the front motor mount that will need to be welded and were the side stand was the frame is crushed in a bit. it looks great shape other than that. I'll look for the frame number today and do some more cleaning also. maybe post some pics, Thanks again guys.

grandpaul · Jan 28, 2017

Numbers will be in the format of the top two-digit number being the model (Atlas = 20), then the serial numbers stamped one digit below the other vertically.

i.e.

20

3
3
1
2
5

Hortons Norton · Jan 28, 2017

Found it guys, thanks.

BillT · Jan 29, 2017

If it is a 1968 model year-produced Atlas, the frame number would be somewhere between around 124300 and 126145. Most of the 1968 production after this number were Commandos.

If the number is earlier, it is actually a 1967 model year bike.

Here in the US, bikes were often titled in the year they were sold, rather than the model year the factory produced them.

Atlas bikes produced after 121000 (mid-year 1967) would have a distributor and Amal concentric carbs. Bikes built before then would have a magneto and monoblocs.

johnod · Jan 29, 2017

Where can I find info to decipher my own frame numbers?

texasSlick · Jan 29, 2017

johnod said:
Where can I find info to decipher my own frame numbers?

http://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/Maint ... umbers.htm

johnod · Jan 30, 2017

Thanks.

wot · Feb 11, 2017

Wow, that's pretty close. Your motor is 20/113750/P and I have motor 20/113800/P sitting in my latest project. I don’t remember much about this motor other than it’s been in my shop for at least 35 years. It's missing carbs and manifolds, and missing the mag too, but that doesn't matter because I'll be using more modern stuff. Turns over and seems o.k.

Gonna make a café racer with it.

Atlas frame VIN numbers

Similar threads