1953 vha front number plate

[jim.dumont]

HI ANY ONE KNOW WHAT THE NUMBER PLATE FOR MY 53 LOOKS LIKE. PARTS LIST CALLS FOR 4745-53. IS IT 53 ONLY? IS IT SHEET METAL OR CAST? A PICTURE OR SKETCH WOULD BE A GREAT HELP JIM

[brenton.roy]

Hi Jim.
I think you have the first of the numberplates with the aluminium beading. They are sheet steel, in a cast aluminum slotted cover.
Hopefully, someone will know for sure. I have one I can measure up if this is correct.
regards, brenton

[jim.dumont]

BRENTON DOES THE 53 3PLATE LOOK LIKE THE ATTACHED PICTURE? LOOKS TO BE MADE OF THREE PIECES ,THE MOUNTING HOLES TO THE MUD GUADR ARE 11 1/2 " ON CENTER

[brenton.roy]

Hi Jim, Yes, that's it. The flutes at the end are hollow and threaded for fixing to the guard.
There are only two pieces, the steel plate and the ally cover. The plate just sits in a slot inside the cover.
Brenton

[pete.collings]

I have had a similar type of numberplate fitted to an Ariel, it was symmetrical instead of the elongated base section at one end, and had small studs fitted to the base ends. I have seen the type above fitted to Triumphs, but I don't know for sure if the one I had was an Ariel original, as it was fitted to an alloy mudguard.

[brenton.roy]

I think the correct front mudguard has round pressings in the centre rib that are as you say - about 11 1/2" apart. The earlier 40's / 50's guard has these about 8 1/2" apart.
As Pete says, there are studs, not bolts.
Is there any end to this Anorackness!

[brenton.roy]

Hi Jim,
repro, but close. Maybe there's one on your ebay? item # 220973050967
Brenton

[andrej.b]

Hi, I am looking for the same front number plate like on the picture above, the holes are about 11 1/2" apart. By Draganfly they don't have it, does anyone know where can I get it?
Andrej

[ian.dabney]

I purchased one of the later style (alloy, slightly asymmetric) from ebay ; however found that the distance between the holes was significantly less than 11 1/2" (adding a suitable threaded hole was not possible as the total usable length of the base was about 11 1/2 ") . Therefore I would recommend you check before purchasing.
regards
Ian

[simon.holyfield]

I put a dimensional sketch of my original number plate on my blog, a couple of weeks ago, if anyone needs the info.