Early 3 1/2 strada side panels

[bobajob]

Hi,

I'm after a pair of early side panels for a 3 1/2 strada (new to Morinis but I assume they are the sport ones will also fit). I have a '76 bike with the larger , more angular panels and want to go for the earlier look.

Thanks

Bob

[bobajob]

I'm assuming that the early and later side panels are interchangeable. Can someone confirm?

Thanks for you help

Bob

[72degrees]

I would think so. I briefly had a 77 cast wheel Strada which seems from what you say to have had the early steel more rounded side panels fitted at some time. So if someone had already had the same idea as you that tends to confirm it. For my sins, I broke it (lots of work required to make it a good example and I now have a spare engine for the 375/2C). I won't depress you by saying how much a German paid for them on Ebay.

[George 350]

Hi Bob,

Only have the ones on my bikes, no spares, but can confirm that the sidepanels are fully interchangable between '78 Sport and Strada. Sport has the pointy ones, Strada the rounded ones. I have no idea about later K-series sidepanels though.

Wasn't somebody doing fibreglass replacements of the early rounded ones some time ago? Wonder if they still have the moulds...

Regards,

George.

[bobajob]

Thanks for the help guys. It sounds as though the side panels will be difficult to track down, they're not essential just a nice to have.

I've had a number of cars and bikes over the years that have been worth more as parts. I don't think breaking these vehicles is a problem, the parts generally go to further the cause and ensure that a number of cared for machines stay on the road.

[EVguru]

The rounded style panels and tank were used on Stradas up to around 1978 and are a straight swap with later panels, up to and including K/K1 machines I think.

Expand your search overseas and you might find a sensibly priced pair, or you could buy a fibreglass pair from NLM. The examples I saw would be hard to spot without a magnet.

[bobajob]

Hey, I've just looked at some European Ebay sites and found a load of stuff I don"t need but want to buy!

I'll give NLM a call to get a price for the fibreglass panels.

Thanks Guys.

[hendre]

Bob, if you can get hold of a right one... I have a spare left...

[bobajob]

Hendre has supplied a left hand side panel (thanks Hendre!) so still after a right hand panel if anyone has one.

[bobajob]

OK Guys, one last go. Anyone got a right and early side panel?

[buell1203]

There are a pair of moulds to make fibreglass replicas on e bay now..a bit pricey at 50 but not my business!

[bobajob]

Yes I did look at the moulds. The photo is a bit confusing, the moulds look as though they are the later side panels but there are 2 early panels next to the mould. £50 seemed steep to me even if they are for the early panels.