1955 AJS 500 Twin

Information relating to the Matchless G9 or AJS Model 20 500cc twin
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SPRIDDLER
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Re: 1955 AJS 500 Twin

Post by SPRIDDLER »

Ram - You should make yourself familiar with Christians Archive where there is everything technical and cosmetic. Start here:

http://archives.jampot.dk/

Note that not every piece of AMC sales material is correct in every detail because photos and drawings were sometimes carried over to the next model before being updated. (Changing drawings and illustrations wasn't as easy as with today's digital techniques).
Be aware that the 1955 models were shipped from the factory from September 1954 until August 1955.

Here's an original illustration of a 1955 Model 20 (AJS 500 Twin) from Christians Archive:
http://archives.jampot.dk/general/Pictu ... g_Twin.bmp

and another 1955 Model 20 on page 5 of the original AMC sales brochure here:
http://archives.jampot.dk/promotional/S ... ochure.pdf

And in the 'Photos' section top right of this page there are several photos of members' Model 20's (search: 'Model 20').
Here's one of them - owned by one family from new.............

http://www.jampot.com/pic_display.asp?id=1043
'There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which taken at the flood............'
R_Nairtvm
Posts: 41
Joined: Thu Jan 25, 2018 3:42 am
Location: India

Re: 1955 AJS 500 Twin

Post by R_Nairtvm »

Thanks Spriddler.

Been following that archive - but I am sure that you'll agree that its not really that well organised from the point of "user friendliness" and hence, I tend to ask for information
SPRIDDLER wrote:Ram - You should make yourself familiar with Christians Archive where there is everything technical and cosmetic. Start here:
I had looked at this and had saved the pic as a reference pic.
SPRIDDLER wrote:And in the 'Photos' section top right of this page there are several photos of members' Model 20's (search: 'Model 20').
Here's one of them - owned by one family from new.............

http://www.jampot.com/pic_display.asp?id=1043
I have the following one pic of the bike owned by Member - GSAX1 as reference point as well;

Thanks for the help

Best Regards & Ride Safe

Ram
R_Nairtvm
Posts: 41
Joined: Thu Jan 25, 2018 3:42 am
Location: India

Re: 1955 AJS 500 Twin

Post by R_Nairtvm »

I have marked two spots in the following pic

Would anyone be kind enough to let me know the purpose of these two please. The one on the sub frame is there on both left & right side.
Image

Couldn't find these mentioned in the archive info I managed to go through so far.

Thanks in advance

Best Regards & Ride Safe

Ram
Mick D
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Location: Aberdeenshire

Re: 1955 AJS 500 Twin

Post by Mick D »

Hi

They are attachment lugs for a side car - the front one was also used for a crash / badge bar.

Regards Mick
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Rob Harknett
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Re: 1955 AJS 500 Twin

Post by Rob Harknett »

http://archives.jampot.dk/promotional/S ... ochure.pdf
See / read the Sales cat. All black perhaps chrome tank panels gold lining. Blue seat piping for AJS
SPRIDDLER
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Re: 1955 AJS 500 Twin

Post by SPRIDDLER »



Hey, Rob, don't confuse the chap!
I had already given Ram that link on Monday with a couple of others


SPRIDDLER wrote:Ram - You should make yourself familiar with Christians Archive where there is everything technical and cosmetic. Start here:

http://archives.jampot.dk/

Note that not every piece of AMC sales material is correct in every detail because photos and drawings were sometimes carried over to the next model before being updated. (Changing drawings and illustrations wasn't as easy as with today's digital techniques).
Be aware that the 1955 models were shipped from the factory from September 1954 until August 1955.

Here's an original illustration of a 1955 Model 20 (AJS 500 Twin) from Christians Archive:
http://archives.jampot.dk/general/Pictu ... g_Twin.bmp

and another 1955 Model 20 on page 5 of the original AMC sales brochure here:
http://archives.jampot.dk/promotional/S ... ochure.pdf

And in the 'Photos' section top right of this page there are several photos of members' Model 20's (search: 'Model 20').
Here's one of them - owned by one family from new.............

http://www.jampot.com/pic_display.asp?id=1043
'There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which taken at the flood............'
R_Nairtvm
Posts: 41
Joined: Thu Jan 25, 2018 3:42 am
Location: India

Re: 1955 AJS 500 Twin

Post by R_Nairtvm »

Hi Spriddler & Rob

I thought I was enlightened after the appended post from Spriddler had kind of decided on "Chrome tank with SILVER lines with blue pinstripping on it. As the pictures were all showing Silver Striping and So did the following
http://archives.jampot.dk/technical/Tan ... ckson).pdf - page 16 or page 20 of the doccument.

Quote:
021164 - chromed with three black panels. Each panel had a single broad silver stripe with a blue pinstripe and 018852 plastic badge (silver detail/screws).
Unquore:

Now Rob is saying its should be Gold Lining

I think I will go with what I can see in the pics of the two purportedly original 1955s in the archives :), when I get to do that eventually. First priority - I need to get a prop/side stand and the correct rear hub.

But I really value and appreciate the comments from two "Seniors"

Best Regards & Ride Safe

Ram


SPRIDDLER wrote:

Hey, Rob, don't confuse the chap!
I had already given Ram that link on Monday with a couple of others
Rob Harknett wrote:http://archives.jampot.dk/promotional/S ... ochure.pdf
See / read the Sales cat. All black perhaps chrome tank panels gold lining. Blue seat piping for AJS
SPRIDDLER
Member
Posts: 8542
Joined: Wed Sep 01, 2004 1:00 am
Location: WEST SUSSEX UK

Re: 1955 AJS 500 Twin

Post by SPRIDDLER »

It can get confusing, Ram, and Rob is more knowledgeable on colour schemes than I am. It's a fact that the brochures and pictures are not always reliable and folk make changes to their bikes over the years. However, I guess you can only make your decision by looking at the brochures, Parts Lists and pictures and concluding which is the most probable design for your tank and importantly, which is the most practical to achieve bearing in mind the current chrome and paint design on the tank that you have now. Whatever you decide I doubt that anyone would argue with you!
'There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which taken at the flood............'
User avatar
Rob Harknett
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Posts: 11236
Joined: Mon Jan 01, 1990 12:00 am
Location: ESSEX UK

Re: 1955 AJS 500 Twin

Post by Rob Harknett »

R_Nairtvm wrote:Hi Spriddler & Rob

I thought I was enlightened after the appended post from Spriddler had kind of decided on "Chrome tank with SILVER lines with blue pinstripping on it. As the pictures were all showing Silver Striping and So did the following
http://archives.jampot.dk/technical/Tan ... ckson).pdf - page 16 or page 20 of the doccument.

Quote:
021164 - chromed with three black panels. Each panel had a single broad silver stripe with a blue pinstripe and 018852 plastic badge (silver detail/screws).
Unquore:

Now Rob is saying its should be Gold Lining
SPRIDDLER wrote:It can get confusing, Ram, and Rob is more knowledgeable on colour schemes than I am. It's a fact that the brochures and pictures are not always reliable and folk make changes to their bikes over the years. However, I guess you can only make your decision by looking at the brochures, Parts Lists and pictures and concluding which is the most probable design for your tank and importantly, which is the most practical to achieve bearing in mind the current chrome and paint design on the tank that you have now. Whatever you decide I doubt that anyone would argue with you!
I think I will go with what I can see in the pics of the two purportedly original 1955s in the archives :), when I get to do that eventually. First priority - I need to get a prop/side stand and the correct rear hub.

But I really value and appreciate the comments from two "Seniors"

Best Regards & Ride Safe

Ram


SPRIDDLER wrote:

Hey, Rob, don't confuse the chap!
I had already given Ram that link on Monday with a couple of others
Rob Harknett wrote:http://archives.jampot.dk/promotional/S ... ochure.pdf
See / read the Sales cat. All black perhaps chrome tank panels gold lining. Blue seat piping for AJS
Neville, I advised Ram of literature available quite some time ago, via direct contact with him. By referring to literature an individual can check for themselves. Perhaps with a little help along the way . Like old artwork being used. I have actually seen original artwork that has clearly been altered, for re use. Text in sales cats would have been updated, also parts lists updated. There is a file in technical/General topics/Colour schemes that will answer all the finish, for each year/model. I am not more knowledgeable than the average club member. I do however have the advantage of a huge library I have built up over many years to refer to. I would also more likely to know where literature can be found. See / read the Sales cat. All black perhaps chrome tank panels gold lining. Note there you were invited to see / read. The reference to black tank gold lines perhaps misunderstood. The tank Ram has, painted black with gold lines, like the 55 singles, would look more original. You may also see this on some twins. A finish much easier to achieve, if you have the wrong tank or a very rusty correct chrome tank.
User avatar
Rob Harknett
Member
Posts: 11236
Joined: Mon Jan 01, 1990 12:00 am
Location: ESSEX UK

Re: 1955 AJS 500 Twin

Post by Rob Harknett »

R_Nairtvm wrote:Hi Spriddler & Rob

I thought I was enlightened after the appended post from Spriddler had kind of decided on "Chrome tank with SILVER lines with blue pinstripping on it. As the pictures were all showing Silver Striping and So did the following
http://archives.jampot.dk/technical/Tan ... ckson).pdf - page 16 or page 20 of the doccument.

Quote:
021164 - chromed with three black panels. Each panel had a single broad silver stripe with a blue pinstripe and 018852 plastic badge (silver detail/screws).
Unquore:

Now Rob is saying its should be Gold Lining
SPRIDDLER wrote:It can get confusing, Ram, and Rob is more knowledgeable on colour schemes than I am. It's a fact that the brochures and pictures are not always reliable and folk make changes to their bikes over the years. However, I guess you can only make your decision by looking at the brochures, Parts Lists and pictures and concluding which is the most probable design for your tank and importantly, which is the most practical to achieve bearing in mind the current chrome and paint design on the tank that you have now. Whatever you decide I doubt that anyone would argue with you!
I think I will go with what I can see in the pics of the two purportedly original 1955s in the archives :), when I get to do that eventually. First priority - I need to get a prop/side stand and the correct rear hub.

But I really value and appreciate the comments from two "Seniors"

Best Regards & Ride Safe

Ram


SPRIDDLER wrote:

Hey, Rob, don't confuse the chap!
I had already given Ram that link on Monday with a couple of others
Rob Harknett wrote:http://archives.jampot.dk/promotional/S ... ochure.pdf
See / read the Sales cat. All black perhaps chrome tank panels gold lining. Blue seat piping for AJS
Neville, I advised Ram of literature available quite some time ago, via direct contact with him. By referring to literature an individual can check for themselves. Perhaps with a little help along the way . Like old artwork being used. I have actually seen original artwork that has clearly been altered, for re use. Text in sales cats would have been updated, also parts lists updated. There is a file in technical/General topics/Colour schemes that will answer all the finish, for each year/model. I am not more knowledgeable than the average club member. I do however have the advantage of a huge library I have built up over many years to refer to. I would also more likely to know where literature can be found. See / read the Sales cat. All black perhaps chrome tank panels gold lining. Note there you were invited to see / read. The reference to black tank gold lines perhaps misunderstood. The tank Ram has, painted black with gold lines, like the 55 singles, would look more original. You may also see this on some twins. A finish much easier to achieve, if you have the wrong tank or a very rusty correct chrome tank.
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