This listing is for a bundle of 3 seperate documents relating to the electrical fitment for Norton single cylinder road models from the early 1930's to 1962.  The first document shows a collection of original wiring diagrams for most Norton single cylinder variants, while the other two documents are A4 format facsimiles of Lucas Spare parts lists from the 1950s.  Together these 3 documents should be very useful for any restorer of a Norton single model about to tackle the electrical tasks, or just as a useful read and reference for the future.

Each document is printed on high quality A4 100gsm paper and come bundled together in a sealable plastic bag.

Details of the 3 documents are as follows:

Document 1: Norton Single Cylinder Models Wiring Diagrams - Early 1930's - 1962:

This is a RacingNorton publication giving a chronological list of the different Wiring Diagrams used on Norton singles from the early 1930s to 1962 (A4 format, 14 pages).  It consists of 8 seperate wiring diagrams - covering all the main wiring setups used on Norton models from the early 1930's, through to the last 1959-62 alternator models.  It even includes a particularly rare 'tank top panel' variant from 1939.

Each of these diagrams have been sourced from original period Norton maintenance and workshop publications in my possesion - some of which I have never seen available elsewhere. 

As well as the wiring diagrams, we have also included a couple of pages showing period line drawings of various electrical fittings for Norton models - particularly, pictures of both the earlier 3 brush type Lucas Mag/Dyno and the later two brush type, as used in conjunction with the Lucas regulator unit (of which we sell a modern copy, like many of the electrical parts used on Norton models).

As a footnote on this document - like many Norton single enthusiasts, for many years I had made the assumption that there were only a couple of variants on the Norton single cylinder models wiring harness - It was only when I started to look through some of my rarer original Norton documentation when I realised there were so many variants, hence why I thought it useful to put this document together.  If nothing else - I hope you will find it provides an interesting read -showing the slight variations between the different drawings

Document 2: Lucas Spare Parts List for Norton Motorcycles 1956 - Facsimile

This useful 8 page document is an indispensible document to anyone restoring a mid 1950's Norton model - who wants to try and restore their electrical system to as close to original specification as possible.

The inside front cover shows a summary table by model type (i.e. OHV, Twins, SOHC models) - with each component area covered and parts numbers shown, and then each area (i.e. Ammeter, Horn, Horn Push, Magdyno etc) is shown in more detail - with a list of part numbers and variations - which even includes the variants of export models.

Most importantly - this particular Lucas spare parts list includes small but clear pictures of each of the main components fitted to the Norton models for that year - and invaluable visual aid to the restorer (many Lucas spare parts lists are parts numbers only).  

This is quite a rare publication - but our version is taken from a particularly nice quality original I have had for many years, with any marks or faults removed (as with all our facsimiles).

Document 3: Norton Section Exerted from the - Lucas Spare Parts List for (all makes) Motorcyles 1936-57 - Facsimile

Again - this document is very useful for any restorer of Norton models - as it lists all the Lucas parts used on all Norton models from 1936-57, broken down into seperate lists by all the main model/variants, and then the different component part variations within each of those lists.

The original document was much larger than the 12 page 'exert' we have reproduced here - and it covered all major motorcycle makes over that 20 year period, that fitted Lucas electrical components - but as I was only able to borrow the document many years ago . . . I scanned the cover and index pages, and the pages that covered all the Norton models - which is what is included here.

Again, another rare and highly useful publication, unfortunately there is only one small picture section (showing a generic page, later in the documents - detailing different Lucas headlamp light switchs) - but the real value of this document is that for any Norton model over that period - it shows what magneto/headlight/switch/horn variants that were fitted to a Norton model type for a particular age range.

FYi for this facsimile - it is intended to cover the Norton model range only (which takes approximately 4 pages of the 12 pages) - but as part of capturing Norton models, it has also captured some Montgomery, New Imperial, OEC, OK Supreme and Panther models!

Final small point on this final document - as I scanned it many years ago - although it is printed on the same high quality paper as all our documents - some of the Lucas parts numbers are slightly faint - but all are legible, you might just need a small magnifying glass to pick some up!

This listing is for all 3 documents supplied together

This listing is for a complete wiring harness to fit most rigid and plunger framed Norton singles, manufactured by Lucas.  This variant is the more common type, where the horn was fitted to the front engine plates.  The harness is a very good reproduction of the type fitted 1930's - 1950's, including employing a cloth main harness with rubber sheath

I was originally going to look at having proper 'period' wiring harnesses made myself - but when I saw that Lucas had gone to the trouble to have done it themselves - and made such a nice job of it, I am now just listing these instead.  

They offer some variations, the type here is the type fitted to most Norton models using Rigid or Plunger chassis - which should cover all SOHC, OHV, SV models employing Lucas Mag/Dyno electrical lighting and may also fit for similar chassis Norton twin (Dominators) as well.  This particular variant is intended for those bikes where the horn will be attached to the front engine mounts - which most single cylinder moders with lightning were, see the reference phooto of a 1947 International attached, which shows this.  If you require a harness where the horn is mounted near the saddle (not sure but some early models may have had this, and mid 1950's swinging arm singles) then look at Item 0711 instead.

The kit comes supplied with main harness, sub harness, couple of loose wires and wiring instruction diagram.  Note: I also sell a laminate of the electrical wiring harness in more detail, taken from the original Norton International Workshop Manual - which you may find more useful, check in 4.a Norton Literature section

Note May 2021: The Classic Lucas range are now starting to be delivered in new 'red 1960's style' packaging, rather than the previous green branding.  Both types are still being sent to us - but expect red will be the more common going forward, but rest assured the contents and instructions are exactly the same for both packaging types.

This listing is for a complete wiring harness to fit most rigid and plunger framed Norton singles, manufactured by Lucas.  This variant is the less  common type, where the horn was fitted near the saddle mount.  The harness is a very good reproduction of the type fitted 1930's - 1950's, including employing a cloth main harness with rubber sheath

I was originally going to look at having proper 'period' wiring harnesses made myself - but when I saw that Lucas had gone to the trouble to have done it themselves - and made such a nice job of it, I am now just listing these instead.  

They offer some variations, the type here is the type fitted to most Norton models using Rigid or Plunger chassis - which should cover all SOHC, OHV, SV models employing Lucas Mag/Dyno electrical lighting and may also fit for similar chassis Norton twin (Dominators) as well.  This particular variant is intended for those bikes where the horn will be attached close to the sadlle mount, which may suit your bike - but is less common than the type that horn is fitted to the front engine plates - which we also sell - Item 0710.  However, I do know that the Norton OHV and Domintor range that used pre-Featherbed swinging arm chassis fitted their horns near the saddle (including the type in the photo with the lozenge type battery box) - which this harness should fit, provding it is a mag/dyno (i.e. pre alternator type. However I should also be able to obtain the later type, please email on normal sales@racingvincent.co.uk email

The kit comes supplied with main harness, sub harness, couple of loose wires and wiring instruction diagram.  Note: I also sell a laminate of the electrical wiring harness in more detail, taken from the original Norton International Workshop Manual - which you may find more useful, check in 4.a Norton Literature section

Note May 2021: The Classic Lucas range are now starting to be delivered in new 'red 1960's style' packaging, rather than the previous green branding.  Both types are still being sent to us - but expect red will be the more common going forward, but rest assured the contents and instructions are exactly the same for both packaging types.

This listing is for a complete wiring harness to fit those last OHV (Model 50 and ES2) Featherbed framed Norton singles that were fitted fitted with 6v Alternator electrics, manufactured by Lucas.  However, I am not an expert on the last few Featherbed SOHC models made ..  . but if you have one of those models also fitted with 6v alternator electrics - then this wiring harness should fit that as well.

And by the way - if you do own a later Featherbed Inter, fitted with alternator electrics - we would like to hear from you, so we can update this listing, thanks.

I was originally going to look at having proper 'period' wiring harnesses made myself - but when I saw that Lucas had gone to the trouble to have done it themselves - and made such a nice job of it, I am now just listing these instead.  

This wiring harness is slightly more expensive than the other two (rigid/plunger) Norton variants which Lucas offer , which I assume is because it is a more complex harness.  However, like all parts that the Lucas Classic range are now offering - the quality looks good and offers good value for money.

Please Note:  Although this wiring harness is to fit alternator model Featherbed singles - we can also obtain the slightly earlier Featherbed magneto type wiring harness for Norton Singles.  These are by special order and normally will take 2 - 3 weeks for delivery, price will be similar (or slightly less) than this listing. Email sales@racingvincent.co.uk if wishing to order the earlier Featherbed harness - and quote also this Item listing.

Update 2022: note that Lucas are now changing the colour of their packaging over to red - see last photographs.  Therefore some deliveries are still with the green box, but may also be the red type.  Contents for both are identical

This is a replica of the Lucas U39 headlamp binacle fitted to Norton Singles (as well as many other makes) from the late 1930's through to the mid 1950s.  The binnacle is fitted with a 6v black face ammeter as well as the U39 3 setting (Off/Pilot/Main) bakelite replica light switch. 

Price is per unit. 

I purchase from a UK distributor - but am aware they are made offshore.  But even given that they are not UK manufactured, I was suprised how good the quality of these looked . . . I remember the original Lucas switches (many years ago, when trying to restore old Nortons for the road . .. and trying to keep original wiring working!!) - and frankly, these units look very similar in construction to the originals.

They look to offer very good value for money . . . and of course, all the electrical connections will be relatively fresh, not tarnished with 70 years of brass corrosion, like the originals!

Although not obvious in the pictures, the base of the binnacle has a small clamp on it's interior - just like the original unit.  This was so that when the wiring harness was fed to the headlamp, the main wiring harness outer cable could be clamped to the binnacle, and not place strain on the wires going to the ammeter and switch.

Note - we sell (genuine) Lucas wiring harnesses for many Norton single types seperately, and can also offer complete headlamp units fitted with this binnacle already fitted, if required, as well as selling the switch and ammeter seperately.

FYI - we can also supply a laminate of the original Norton wiring diagram from the same period, in our facsimile section

This is a nice quality replica of the Lucas 6v Black Faced ammeter of the style most commonly fitted to Norton (Binnacle Headlight) type road going models from the mid 1930's through to the 1950's. Like most proprietary items similar to this, it is manufactured off-shore, but having looked at it closely, it looks nicely made and good value for money.

We also sell complete headlamp units and the lighthing switch/ammeter binnacle, fitted with this type of ammeter, so should the need arise, they can be purchased here seperately

Price is each

This replica of the Lucas type 8" DU142 headlamp with inbuilt binnacle containing black faced 6v Ammeter and U39 type headlamp switch were normal fittment on girder fork Norton models from mid 1930's (aprrox) through to 1947, when the telescopic fork models were introduced. 

This is a nice example of this complete unit and represents excellent value for money. They are supplied to us from a UK distributor, but I know they are manufactured offshore - so although they may not be of quite the quality of the original Norton/Lucas items, looking at them - they do seem very good, even the glass lense looks close to the original style, and the switch/ammeter electrics look well put together.

However, I noticed that as manufactured (not suprisingly) the side mounting bolts are a modern UNF thread and are fitted with cadmium plated bolts and washers - where the head of the bolt has modern writing on i dont know about you - but I dont think anything quite ruins a nice restoration more - than using modern bolts with writing on them, Norton's did not do this!!  Therefore, we supply each headlight unit with two similar length stainless steel UNF thread bolts to replace these, but our bolts have had a Norton type 'curved' profile head CNC machined on them by us . . . and obviously these have no writing on them.  We also supply two pan type stainless washers to go with these bolts.  We tape a small bag with these in, to the outside of the box the headlights are supplied in - so look out for them if you purchase this for us.  (Note: if you have purchased a similar headlamp from a different supplier in the past and know the threads are UNF - we also sell these bolts seperately as Item 1094) 

Therefore Note: Our versions are supplied with additional headlamp mount bolts and washers in stainless steel with Norton type 'curved heaad profile', to replace the standard modern plated bolts normally fitted.  See listing for more detail

I purchase from a UK distributor - but am aware they are made offshore.  But on inspection - I have to say I was impressed on given that they are not UK manufactured, I was suprised how good the quality of these looked . . . I remember the original Lucas switches (many years ago, when trying to restore old Nortons for the road . .. and trying to keep original wiring working!!) - and frankly, these units look very similar in construction to the originals.

We can also sell the switch's, ammeters and complete binnacles as seperate replacement items 

Finally, if required , we also supply a laminate of the original Norton wiring diagram from the same period, in our facsimile section

Background on Headlights Fitted to Norton Singles:

Most Norton road going singles through the 1930's to the mid 1950's (i.e. pre-Featherbed models) seem to have been fitted with headlamp units by Lucas of similar style to this type - i.e. with a seperate binnacle built into the headlamp shell to contain the light switch and ammeter unit (The only being the few models that had the instrumetn panel built into the tank pre-war). 

However, according to the original 1951/6th edition Pitmans 'Book of the Norton' (one of two definitive 1940's-50's workshop guides to Norton models, this one by W.C. Haycroft, the other one being by Edgar Franks): Pre-1947 models were fitted with the larger DU142 model headlight (i.e this item ), and then from 1947-1949 with the MU42 model (Item 1088), and finally from 1950 onwards with the similar SSU700 unit.  Visually, the only differnce I can see between the original MU42 and SSU700 units are the latch mechanism for the headlight rim changed slightly - with a small screw on the later version, but visually both units looked similar to the headlamp unit shown here.  Note: The later 1963/9th edition of the same publication had been completely revised, to make the manual more focused on the later mid 1950's models.  This later edition mentions that from 1955 onwards, several types of Lucas headlights were fitted - dependent on model (i.e. Featherbed or swinging arm etc) - but the SSU 700P1 was first fitted - which although similar to the headlight shown here - had its pilot light fitted seperately, with an additional small reflector, underneath the main headlamp unit (sorry - dont think they have been replicated by anyone yet!).

(As an aside - For anyone wishing to purchase old copies of W.C. Haycraft' 'The Book of the Norton' - it is well worth looking for them on E-bay or similar, but please note - there were various editions - I think the first was approximately 1939, through to the early 1960's.  I have 3 different editions of this excellent book - 1947/5th edition (still with War Economy Stamp on it!), 1951/6th edition and 1963/9th edition - and although much is the same, they are all different - and details of the electrical fittings, and wiring diagrams often seem to change.  It is worth noting that some later editions do not contain the same level of detail on the earlier 30's/40's models, so multiple copies are worth considering.  Also, my earlier versions show interesting factory pictures of the 30's/40's models that the later editions look to have omitted, a shame!)

This replica of the Lucas type 6.5" MU42 and SSU700 headlamp with inbuilt binnacle containing black faced 6v Ammeter and U39 type headlamp switch were standard fittment on Norton models from 1947 through to the mid 1950's (i.e not Featherbed). 

This is a nice example of this complete unit and represents excellent value for money. They are supplied to us from a UK distributor, but I know they are manufactured offshore - so although they may not be of quite the quality of the original Norton/Lucas items, looking at them - they do seem very good, even the glass lense looks close to the original style, and the switch/ammeter electrics look well put together.

However, I noticed that as manufactured (not suprisingly) the side mounting bolts are a modern UNF thread and are fitted with cadmium plated bolts and washers - where the head of the bolt has modern writing on i dont know about you - but I dont think anything quite ruins a nice restoration more - than using modern bolts with writing on them, Norton's did not do this!!  Therefore, we supply each headlight unit with two similar length stainless steel UNF thread bolts to replace these, but our bolts have had a Norton type 'curved' profile head CNC machined on them by us . . . and obviously these have no writing on them.  We also supply two pan type stainless washers to go with these bolts.  We tape a small bag with these in, to the outside of the box the headlights are supplied in - so look out for them if you purchase this for us.  (Note: if you have purchased a similar headlamp from a different supplier in the past and know the threads are UNF - we also sell these bolts seperately as Item 1094) 

Therefore Note: Our versions are supplied with additional headlamp mount bolts and washers in stainless steel with Norton type 'curved heaad profile', to replace the standard modern plated bolts normally fitted.  See listing for more detail

I purchase from a UK distributor - but am aware they are made offshore.  But on inspection - I have to say I was impressed on given that they are not UK manufactured, I was suprised how good the quality of these looked . . . I remember the original Lucas switches (many years ago, when trying to restore old Nortons for the road . .. and trying to keep original wiring working!!) - and frankly, these units look very similar in construction to the originals.

We can also sell the switch's, ammeters and complete binnacles as seperate replacement items 

Finally, if required , we also supply a laminate of the original Norton wiring diagram from the same period, in our facsimile section

Background on Headlights Fitted to Norton Singles:

Most Norton road going singles through the 1930's to the mid 1950's (i.e. pre-Featherbed models) seem to have been fitted with headlamp units by Lucas of similar style to this type - i.e. with a seperate binnacle built into the headlamp shell to contain the light switch and ammeter unit (The only being the few models that had the instrumetn panel built into the tank pre-war). 

However, according to the original 1951/6th edition Pitmans 'Book of the Norton' (one of two definitive 1940's-50's workshop guides to Norton models, this one by W.C. Haycroft, the other one being by Edgar Franks): Pre-1947 models were fitted with the larger DU142 model headlight (Our Item 1089), and then from 1947-1949 with the MU42 model (as shown here), and finally from 1950 onwards with the similar SSU700 unit.  Visually, the only differnce I can see between the original MU42 and SSU700 units are the latch mechanism for the headlight rim changed slightly - with a small screw on the later version, but visually both units looked similar to the headlamp unit shown here.  Note: The later 1963/9th edition of the same publication had been completely revised, to make the manual more focused on the later mid 1950's models.  This later edition mentions that from 1955 onwards, several types of Lucas headlights were fitted - dependent on model (i.e. Featherbed or swinging arm etc) - but the SSU 700P1 was first fitted - which although similar to the headlight shown here - had its pilot light fitted seperately, with an additional small reflector, underneath the main headlamp unit (sorry - dont think they have been replicated by anyone yet!).

(As an aside - For anyone wishing to purchase old copies of W.C. Haycraft' 'The Book of the Norton' - it is well worth looking for them on E-bay or similar, but please note - there were various editions - I think the first was approximately 1939, through to the early 1960's.  I have 3 different editions of this excellent book - 1947/5th edition (still with War Economy Stamp on it!), 1951/6th edition and 1963/9th edition - and although much is the same, they are all different - and details of the electrical fittings, and wiring diagrams often seem to change.  It is worth noting that some later editions do not contain the same level of detail on the earlier 30's/40's models, so multiple copies are worth considering.  Also, my earlier versions show interesting factory pictures of the 30's/40's models that the later editions look to have omitted, a shame!)

These are 5/16" x 1" long thread length, UNF Stainless Steel bolts - but with a CNC machined Norton 'rounded' profile head. 

Price is for two bolts and two wide faced washers, both in stainless steel

We offer these with our replica Lucas headlight units - which like so many proprietary manufactured units, use steel plated UNF bolts with modern writing on them - the headlamps come to us, supplied with modern UNF plated bolts with writing on them (Ugghhh!), therefore, we made these up so we could offer them with our headlamps - but can also offer them seperately in this listing, for anyone (Norton's or other marques) that have previously purchased either headlamps or similar replica items with 5/16" UNF thread - and want to replace them with something that looks a bit classier, and will not rust! 

These bolts are similar hex bolts to those that would have been originally fitted by Norton - but are in stainless steel.  We buy them as standard UNF hex bolts, then put them on our CNC and have machined a 'Norton rounded' profile to them, similar to that we use on other fastenings we manufacture of the 1930's-50's period.  We then linish polish them - so they look pretty and supply each with a wide faced stainless washer, so they are ideal for headlamps and other purposes.

Of course . . . if you have 5/16" stainless nuts available, you can also use them for other purposes - it is a handy size

This replica Lucas MT110 light unit was standard fitment on the Norton International through the 1930's/ It is fitted with a twin filament Rear Light/Stop Light bulb as well - which on modern roads I think is essential. Although made by a proprietary supplier (and probably made in China), I have to say I was really impressed by the quality of this unit, it looks very nice.

However, if you think the lens does not look big enough for modern roads, then I also sell the very similar Lucas 477 type