1958 A10 Super Rocket, swinging arm, where do I find the frame number?

[rowan.bradley]

I have looked in all the places that I have found recommended, and failed to find the frame number. Most people say it should be around the headstock (see photos) but I haven't found it. Where exactly should I look?

Thanks - Rowan

[JulianS]

The frame is a later one - the wrap around headstock support with the hole for the wiring harness was a 1961 season feature. The number would have been stamped on the wrap around on the left side like the photo. Note the frame in the photo is "FA7" because it is a factory replacement following, I presume a crash.

If your frame has provision for 2 rear brake cable stops and for a rod brake pedal pivot on the clutch side then it also is a factory replacement.

[rowan.bradley]

>Note the frame in the photo is "FA7" because it is a factory replacement following, I presume a crash

How do you deduce that? The frame number in my log book is FA7 1388. According to the info given on https://www.britbike.com/bsapitstop/dating/1951-60.html that is the correct prefix and number range for a 1958 Super Rocket. It doesn't mention factory replacement numbers. I was under the impression that factory replacement frames were not marked with a number at the factory, and that the dealer who sold  it was supposed to stamp it with the original frame number of the bike. In this case special numbers for replacement frames would not be required. Is this not correct?

Thanks - Rowan

[morris]

Here’s some pictures of a genuine ‘58 frame.
The stamps are 8mm high and 5-6mm wide and look as being stamped with a gigantic hammer... 

[JulianS]

It is a later pattern frame with earlier number hence I deduce it is a factory replacement and not not an actual 1959/1959 frame.

Yes dealers were supposed to stamp replacement frames see below partsservice bulletin from 1954.

There was no factory stamp set sent to dealers and a dealer would use what he had.

The dealer may not have been stamped in the location used at the factory - the keen observer may notice bikes with numbers stamped in  unusual positions. I once had a D14 Bantam where the number was stamped on the lug near the dualseat nose.

Remember that in the Uk bikes have only been subject to a frame number check since the early 1990s when it was an MOT requirement.

 

[t20racerman]

Here’s some pictures of a genuine ‘58 frame.
The stamps are 8mm high and 5-6mm wide and look as being stamped with a gigantic hammer... 

Personally I would be very wary of putting my frame number on the Internet. I've heard of a lot of cloned frame and engine numbers being used illegally.....

[rowan.bradley]

Personally I would be very wary of putting my frame number on the Internet. I've heard of a lot of cloned frame and engine numbers being used illegally.....

You're probably right...

Rowan