Ron

Well this one is dated 46 and I've got a picture of a 47 with the flush screw, so the change must have happened at some point in 47. Ron

I haven't deciphered Taff's jottings yet. But here are three WW2 Altette's. As far as I know, they are only dated on the triangle Tufnell plate. First one is 1943, the other two are 44. Apparently the flush screw was post war but they went back to the recessed screw in 51/52.......The Altette range over the years is quite complicated. Ron 

Steve, the HF180 is a Clearhooters. But what is your frame number? Frames 845-4844 had the Lucas 1235.(Altette?) Ron

Dull chrome yes!  Ron

PS. The G3L also has dull chrome caps.

headrace bearings are 3/16" X 56. Ron I'll PM you.  Ron

Martin you only need one on the rear and much better and easier to buy a stencil from https://www.axholmesigns.co.uk/  and spay it on with a rattle can. They should know the size and font.  Here's one of mine.   Ron 

Good start Steve. Your saddle springs are late G3L. If you haven't got the correct springs, let me know and I'll tell you who/how etc.  Ron

And this colour film will teach you how to ride it Steve.🙂Ron

https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR3c9ltlzEpiQUtdjKmLUZK2095-NrXCmj0s7_txsruXODwES_g-0D53n_s&feature=youtu.be&v=ZSb-K2LipRo

Loads of fun Steve.  Ron

I'll send the bracket on Monday Rupert. If you really want to cheat? You can use these and fill the socket in with body filler   https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=1%2F4"+button+head+socket+screws&_sacat=0😉Ron

Rupert I've found those brackets. I presume you only need one?  PM me your address and email.  Ron

I've got one too! In nice condition, which I removed from my 5SW.  Maybe there are two guys looking for a 3HW rack?  Ron

I agree. simpler, cheaper and more useful.

I've I can find one of those brackets (will look later) You're welcome to it.  Ron

Well if you want to go the early route (So far I don't think I've seen a picture of one in service) Then Jan makes the stays and rear carrier. But the panniers are very handy. I'll see if I can find where I threw the brackets I removed??? 

You mention replacing incorrect and post war parts. I see quite a few, so that's a sound scheme. But you also mention "Patina" !!! Since it's had at least one post war re-paint, the patina is long gone.   Ron

Hello Rupert. You definitely have a mudguard from an earlier model. Either a very early 3HW or more likely one of the SW models. 

I had the opposite effect as my 5SW came with a 3HW rear guard and panniers, so I had to de-rivet everything, weld up redundant holes and fit the new oval stays that Jan made.  Looks like you only have to move the front bracket.

BTW I cheated with the rivets as I haven't got the facility to close steel rivets, so I mig welded them underneath.  Ron

I wasn't accusing you of any wrong doing Pawel. What I said was very "Tongue in cheek" ....As we say.  Ron

Never let it be said that we would ever do anything remotely illegal Lex!  Ron 

The general rule with Harley's here Lex,  is to stamp the engine number on the frame.  Ron 

Ha Ha! I wonder how many bikes are registered with that same frame number. The number should start with TL for the lightweights. And the guy who thinks his is the test model is dreaming. Obviously none of them knew where to look for the frame number!! 🙄Ron

This from my 1943 3HW list...... Exactly the same in my 1944 3HW, 3SW and 5SW lists.  Ron 

PS. There is a "typo" in the 39 illustration, but it is correct in the list.

I spoke to Brian today. He confirmed my theory that it's just a "component" number. He said you often see it on other parts too. Like if you look behind the lugs on the forks where your wheels spindle goes....Is often an F number.  Ron

OK that proves we have the same thing. I have no idea about other parts, it's so long since I stripped and painted them, I can't remember if I saw anything. I guess you are in a better situation to know. I'll ask Brian, but his phone is busy so far.

Ron

So far I can't see a number on my 3HW or 5SW, but under the paint on my 3SW on the left side of the saddle lug I think I can make out ??30 which is upside down. Presumably if I cleaned the paint off, I would see F1630, which I'm still convinced is the foundry or factory part number for that lug. Not shown in any parts books as it's not available as a separate part. 

Each individual frame part would need to be distinguished before assembly.  Ron 

Well I have three Triumphs and can't remember ever seeing that number.......But I'll look tomorrow.  Ron

I'm strangely attracted too!

Pawel I've noticed a couple of similar mistakes in the Norton Big list. But something as prominent as a frame part number carried over from pre war and covering different models throughout the war seem an impossible mistake to me. I'll ask Brian Tillin if he knows next time I speak to him.  Ron