New-ish Member Intro

Joined Access over 2 years ago when I got my 1969 Fastback (Big D Cycle-Dallas) title indicates it was in Florida before that. 1up3down lives close to me & has been so helpful in getting the bike sorted out, ty John. Finally, maybe, figured out Photobucket & my computer so here goes. This is my bike, 20M3 130963; bet it's one of Elvis's bikes. anyway, it runs good & sounds great with new CS peashooters; no smoke; but a bit valve-noisey to me but is oiling ok. im having the typical issues with fiberglass tank, oil/trans drips and isolastics. New isos on the shelf along with Taylor headstay tho. original gelcoat red repainted black but looks good. Boyer electronic ign. and PWK carbs purchased from the "for sale" section a year or so ago. I posed this question.........the s/n headstock plate is completely blank. only number is on the engine. the id tag looks original, faded, scratched and a bit of rust on the rivets. it's nothing recent and doubt it was replaced ever. You guys have any opinions on why it's blank? could it be an old widowmaker factory replacement frame? anyhow, isos are next for me. I've checked out the site on isos and am sure it will be helpful. you'll hear from me soon.......



I might have gotten 2 in here, but decided to leave it rather than screw it up anymore!!

Fantastic job,the best looking (real) Commando's have to be the drum brake Fastbacks.

RedApe53 said:

You guys have any opinions on why it's blank? could it be an old widowmaker factory replacement frame?

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That was exactly my thought. Not sure the factory ever made a recall on those frames, someone else may know. It's easy to tell if you have a widowmaker by looking at the gusset on the down tubes leading up to the head stock.

Does the trans number match the engine number. I believe there's a few lists floating about detailing what models based on the SN. Maybe the NOC or check for info at the root of the access forum on the first thread or two - lots of resources there. Call Big D and see what they say.

Great looking build. Well done.

transmission number does match the engine number; except the trans also adds the letter "C" at the end. I've looked at countless threads but have yet to find anything on it. Nothing? Si or No? picture cut off the TLS brake; I really like the look and works well too.

Really good looking bike. I like the newer peashooters instead of the old cigars. Good specimen of an early bike and looks in good shape too.

Dave
69S

Nice

Welcome Red Ape. Very nice job keeping it stock looking. A black fastback looks really good. Sweet!

The picture isn't cut off. If you hold down CTRL then hit + or - you can change the screen resolution so it becomes visible. To see the picture it would be a CTRL -

Russ

Nice bike. I would get/borrow a proper metal stamp set and make everything as you like it. My 70 Fastback came with fiber tank. I spent way too much $ getting it looking good before it leaked. I had to get a Norvil aluminum tank and it was worth the money. Looking forward to hearing more from you..
Mike

batrider said:

Welcome Red Ape. Very nice job keeping it stock looking. A black fastback looks really good. Sweet!

The picture isn't cut off. If you hold down CTRL then hit + or - you can change the screen resolution so it becomes visible. To see the picture it would be a CTRL -

Russ

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On a Mac you only have to click on the photo and it will take you to the original Photobucket picture.

I never cared for the look of the fastback. However, yours looks great in black. Nice ride. Congratulations.

aceaceca said:

I never cared for the look of the fastback. However, yours looks great in black. Nice ride. Congratulations.

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Phew! It's one of those 'unmentionables', saying you don't like the look of Fastbacks! I agree, never liked 'em, but DAMN, love this one! Goes to show how important colour is!
Good job!
Did Fastbacks ever come in black originally?

Initially, they were all silver metallic, with those stupid green globe "corporate symbols" on the fuel tank. I think it was a few months after the 1967 show that the corporate lunatics either were deposed or got the message from Norton enthusiasts that the traditional logo was close to sacred.

I was heavily into the AJS Stormer program by then and didn't get exposed to the Commando very much. Once it became a production bike, Plumstead took over the further development.

Norton sold that out too.



On January 1 1984 the Bell System ceases to exist. In its place are seven Regional Bell Operating Companies and a new AT&T that retains its long distance telephone, manufacturing, and research and development operations.


There is said to be a reason for the difference letter styles.

Front brake may require re-line, the cable is more than 90 degrees to the first lever, this reduces the leverage.