Hitchcocks Forum

Please can anyone tell me where the engine number is stamped on a 1949 flying flea.
The reason I ask is because in the V5c it gives a 10 digit number beginning with a G,which I cannot find.I have found though, two 5 digit stampings.One near the back of the cases 16750 where they attach to the frame and another one 25103 stamped over the generator housing.So I have two 5 digit numbers,one on each crankcase half.
Which number do you think I should supply to DVLA Swansea.

Thanks.

Are you sure the DVLA is quoting the engine number and not the VIN number. It is common not to have an engine number on a registration document it is the VIN that is the important one.

The V5c lists the correct frame number,its the engine number that listed wrong.
If I decide to notify Swansea,I just wondered which of the two numbers found I should use.

I don't think they had VIN numbers back in 1949?



anyway, the frame number is usually stamped on the frame, whereas the engine number is usually stamped on the engine!



are you sure that the ten digit number from the DVLA is not both your 5 digit numbers, one after the other?

Sorry, forgot to add that I am nt sure which is the correct number, but somebody else will!

Hi Scalyback.
I think when Papa mentioned Vin numbers it was just a generalisation for frame numbers.
Yes the frame number is stamped on the headstock and is correct. A bit of lateral thinking about the two 5 digit numbers,but no thats not the answer.
Although I suppose I could join them together and supply swansea with a replacement number.

I be very tempted to let sleeping dogs lie.

A lot of things could have happened in its 67 year history. As neither of your engine numbers begin with a G as per the V5c, the original engine may have been replaced with a rebuilt engine using unmatched crankcases- who knows. As PeteF says it may be better not to complicate things. All the best.

Hifm12, To hopefully answer your question, I have the original documents from 1949 for my bike. The five digit frame number (on headstock) matches the number stamped on the engine over the generator, so these were the numbers supplied by the msnufacturer/supplying dealer to the local licensing authority.
REgards, Mick