1940 Matchless G3WO

[Carruthers]

Hello all,

A few months ago I became the custodian of this 1940 Matchless G3WO. A few of you may recognise it. It was restored a number of years ago and a nice job was done. The previous owner has left it languishing and I've got it back up and running. Whilst it has been restored very nicely there are still some details which are wrong which I am trying to work through. I am hoping to get it as near to correct spec for 1940 as possible. 

I have changed the repro ammeter for a November 1939 dated Lucas BM which I had the foresight to but earlier in the year. At the point, there was no reason to buy it but I am glad I did as it is a nice addition. 

There are still a few bits I am searching for. If anyone could help me, I would be extremely grateful. They are - 

Correct throttle
2 piece tank badges
I think the horn may be wrong? I have read a bit on that subject and am not totally certain.

Bar ends

Please let me know if you can see any other details which need to be sorted!

Best,
Jamie.

 

Edited December 5, 2024 by Carruthers

[welbike]

Love the G3WO's, can't see the horn, and the taillamp, but throttle is wrong, and the exhaust pipe clamp.

Some more pictures would be nice, and certain things depends on the contract, weather they would be fitted or not.

Pictures attached of the correct exhaust clamp (used to have many of these) handlebar and throttle and Lucas MT210 taillamp, note, the postwar version of this lamp is very different.

Cheers, 

Lex 

Edited December 10, 2024 by welbike

[welbike]

This is what the end caps for the bars look like.

Lex

Edited December 7, 2024 by welbike
Spelling

[Ron]

It took me a long time to collect all the correct "BOWDEN" controls for both my G3 and G3L and the MT210. Very saisfying when it all comes together though. Ron 

[Carruthers]

Thanks for the replies chaps. I am aware that the throttle is wrong and am hunting for a replacement. I didn't know about the exhaust clamp though so that is something to add to the list!

I haven't got the correct rear light either which will also take some finding...

I also note that when the bike was restored it had the insert that fits into the tank around the saddle. This is now missing, presumedly lost when the tank was repaired. So that is another piece to source!

I don't have many more pictures but I will take some over the Christmas period and post them up. The mag is off being re conditioned currently as it failed after the first test ride. I am hoping to have that back and refitted over Christmas too!

[welbike]

Here's the water deflector, another difficult part to find, but not too difficult to make one.

Cheers,

Lex

[Ron]

I think Jan make the watershed, but he is currently indisposed for a while.  Ron

[welbike]

I had some from Alan S. he was very good, but passed away 5 years ago.

Was working on these in the US, and even originals needed a lot of tinkering to fit.

Lex

Edited December 10, 2024 by welbike
spelling

[Ron]

Yep, sadly miss Alan. Ron

[Carruthers]

I managed to get a couple of hours in the workshop on Christmas eve and removed the incorrect post-war dip switch. You can also so the 1939 BM ammeter I had in a box, complete with dull chrome bezel. I believe it is the correct one for the bike? It is certainly and improvement on the repro previously fitted. 

 

This is the new reproduction fitted in its place - 

I have also found this throttle which is dull chromed plated and I have fitted it in place of the cheap repro which was on the bike. What do you chaps think? And yes, I know the horn button shouldn't be painted black. It is a nice old brass example so will go to the platers soon!

 

[welbike]

Good show!

Ammeter is listed in the P/L as a DF (Dull Finish) -369-277 but like with all Lucas part numbers, not much significance can be given to them, with their constant superseding products.

One more thing that is missing is the AMC tank top transfer, I had these printed at Classic Transfers, and they still stock them.

[Carruthers]

Hi Lex,

Many thanks for your response. I am aware of the missing decal but am waiting to make a list of other transfers I need for some other bikes before I order.

On another note, my Dad has kindly re-finished the rear number plate for me to match the original pictures. Census number will go on next. The rear lamp is a repro which is an improvement on the pattern MT110 previously fitted and will suffice until I find an original. I think that leaves bar ends and two piece tank badges to find now!

Hopefully the magneto will be back soon so I can refit it. I have also been working through some wiring issues which have been fixed. Hopefully I will post soon with it back in running condition!

[welbike]

Ok, here one more picture, of an original paint rear number plate holder.

Cheers,

Lex

[rewdco]

Another example of the rather crudely applied RASC census numbers. 

[welbike]

But I like it very much! here my Enfield model C.

Lex

[rewdco]

The 6 and the 8 look pretty much "identical" on your front numberplate and on the Matchless rear numberplate. They must have been applied by the same person!

Edited January 3 by rewdco