License plate bracket

[Derek]

What does the correct license bracket  for a '53 look like? Can someone post a picture?  Thanks.

[kartjockey]

rick's 53

http://www.simplexservi-cycle.com/index.php?topic=5.45

[pd]

Here's a pic of the bracket mounted on my '57 fender , before I redid things .



Pete .

[Ricks]

Here is one of the 1955 I am currently restoring, with measurements.  Notice how it is not made perfectly even.

[pd]

Here is one of the 1955 I am currently restoring, with measurements.  Notice how it is not made perfectly even.

I wonder why that is . Intentional design or

Pete .

[Ricks]

Here is one of the 1955 I am currently restoring, with measurements.  Notice how it is not made perfectly even.

I wonder why that is . Intentional design or

Pete .

Just poor workmanship, imho.  We all know that these bikes were rather crudely assembled at times.

[pd]

I think you may be right , Rick .

I just had a close look at my plate bracket . Where your's , pictured above , has the left 'loop' incomplete , mine has both loops complete .

Pete .

[Derek]

While we're talking about the rear fender, what are the different taillight brackets? I have the round taillight and this bracket but instead of the three holes in the fender I have two, one is 2 3/4" above the other.

[pd]

The bracket you pictured is the same as mine :



I believe what we have is the OEM bracket for the later models . M manual , page 9 # 560 .

Pete .

[Ricks]

Pete is correct, this is for the later model round tail light.  

The two outer holes are to bolt to the fender.  The middle hole is for the wires.  The holes on the sides are for the sheet metal shroud; these are threaded.  The two holes on the open ended side are were the light itself bolts on.

The fender you have is probably drilled for the early tail lamp.  Just weld the holes up and drill new ones.

[Derek]

Thanks guys, at least I now know that I am on the right track. Now I need to find a license plate bracket.

[Ricks]

Thanks guys, at least I now know that I am on the right track. Now I need to find a license plate bracket.

Make one!  If I were to make one, I would make it larger, as the holes are too close together for a modern motorcycle license plate.  What I wound up doing was punching new holes in my plate.

[Derek]

Thanks guys, at least I now know that I am on the right track. Now I need to find a license plate bracket.

Make one!  If I were to make one, I would make it larger, as the holes are too close together for a modern motorcycle license plate.  What I wound up doing was punching new holes in my plate.

Good idea, I'll give it a try. Btw, what is the hole spacing on the license plates?

[pd]

My S.D. plate has holes 5.75" center to center .

My OEM bracket would allow bolts about an inch narrower @ something close to 4.75" .

Obviously , if you make your own 'custom' bracket , no one would know the difference if you drilled the holes an inch wider apart .

Pete .