Hitchcocks Forum

Hi, does anyone know the difference between a the 1959 and 1960 toolbox fitted to this model? The parts book shows different part numbers for each year. Vince

Vince, tricky question! The Chief didn't have a toolbox at all to start with but when AMC took over Indian in 1959 they still had Chiefs to sell. They added a toolbox from the AJS/Matchless heavyweight singles. It was fitted on the left side and looked rather out of place. I think the difference is that the ignition switch was mounted in it for 1960 (just a hole in the lid and a simple bracket) but previously it was in it's old position down near the battery. I have a Chief project with a lot of mixed up bits and this is my best guess. But I could be wrong!

REgards, Mark

Hi Mark, That confirms what I suspected, interestingly there is a factory photo of a police model fitted with a royal enfield triangular toolbox on the leftside between the shock and swingarm. Most restored examples have connie type toolbox/airfilter combos which look better but i dont think are original. Vince. ps the big battery GUZ11e is the same as Ariel square four.

Vince, I've seen that picture and wondered about it too. The Police models must have needed some sort of toolbox prior to 1959 so it makes sense that Enfield would have fitted something from their own range. The Police Chief in the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham UK was restored by Les Power who has since died. I knew Les and he was quite honest about his bikes, he added the cross-the-frame toolbox for convenience in use and never pretended it was original but now the bike is in a museum everyone takes it as gospel! Thanks for the tip about the battery, I was looking at the battery tray and wondering how to fill it! If you want to contact me you can email trials59(AT)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk

REgards, Mark