New to me Dominator 88

Richard Tool · Oct 9, 2023

My number is 697xx so not far off .

t ingermanson · Oct 9, 2023

The drawings are from the earlier bolt-up frame, while you've got the all welded frame.

The drawing is the Norton "laydown" gearbox, and you might have the later AMC 'box (if it's the one on the trailer floor), which would bolt up just fine, assuming the main shaft is the correct one for a Dominator twin. There are variants of the laydown box for either singles or twins with their own main shafts as well. While the AMC and laydown 'boxes have very similar internals, they do not have interchangeable parts. Laydown 'boxes are much harder to find parts for, so an AMC 'box is not a bad thing to have for functionality.

There will be a date of frame manufacture stamped into the top edge of the headsteady tab at the top of the headtube.

N0rt0nelectr@ · Oct 10, 2023

Richard Tool said:
My number is 697xx so not far off .

Cool. I have been in contact with Jim Comstock about what I will need to do to rebuild the engine.

N0rt0nelectr@ · Oct 10, 2023

t ingermanson said:
The drawings are from the earlier bolt-up frame, while you've got the all welded frame.

The drawing is the Norton "laydown" gearbox, and you might have the later AMC 'box (if it's the one on the trailer floor), which would bolt up just fine, assuming the main shaft is the correct one for a Dominator twin. There are variants of the laydown box for either singles or twins with their own main shafts as well. While the AMC and laydown 'boxes have very similar internals, they do not have interchangeable parts. Laydown 'boxes are much harder to find parts for, so an AMC 'box is not a bad thing to have for functionality.

There will be a date of frame manufacture stamped into the top edge of the headsteady tab at the top of the headtube.

I didn't know about the date stamp. It may be a bit difficult to check with the forks back on the bike.

Richard Tool · Oct 10, 2023

N0rt0nelectr@ said:
Cool. I have been in contact with Jim Comstock about what I will need to do to rebuild the engine.

May I suggest you get the Mick Hemmings engine and gearbox DVDs available through the UK based Norton owners club .

t ingermanson · Oct 10, 2023

N0rt0nelectr@ said:
I didn't know about the date stamp. It may be a bit difficult to check with the forks back on the bike.

The forks shouldn't get in the way at all. It's on the top edge of the tab that faces backward that the head steady attaches to.

N0rt0nelectr@ · Oct 13, 2023

Richard Tool said:
May I suggest you get the Mick Hemmings engine and gearbox DVDs available through the UK based Norton owners club .

That is a good idea, thanks for the tip.
John

N0rt0nelectr@ · Oct 14, 2023

t ingermanson said:
The forks shouldn't get in the way at all. It's on the top edge of the tab that faces backward that the head steady attaches to.

View attachment 110294

Just checked the one on the bike I'm working on. August of 56. Thanks for the tip, never knew that.
John

N0rt0nelectr@ · Oct 15, 2023

hybridracer said:
Yes, gear driven on the Norton with a gear behind, and co-axial with, the cam sprocket.

I have located a dynamo with the gear from a friend. He will take the incorrect one in exchange.

N0rt0nelectr@ · Oct 29, 2023

Well, I have the engine plates and transmission mounted. Located a chrome plater that isn't too far away. I will have them re-plate the fenders, stays kick start and gear shift levers and strip the chrome off of parts that shouldn't be chromed. Been looking at POR-15 paint instead of powder paint, anyone have any experience using that?