Additional information
by Floyd Clymer (Author), Velocette (Contribution by), Velocepress (Created by)
196 pages and more than 83 illustrations and charts, size 8.25 x 10.75 inches. This publication is a reproduction of two original Velocette Factory Manuals, the October 1955 service manual, part number F50/7R and the March 1958 illustrated parts manual, part number F132/11R. The parts manual is invaluable as it details changes in construction by engine number and/or model year.
The original 118-page factory service manual covers the 1933-1952 range of 250cc, 350cc and 500cc rigid frame models and both the 'Iron' Cylinder Head and 'Aluminum' Head machines. It includes the 1933-1948 MOV and the 1935-1948 MSS with Webb Girder Forks and the 1934-1952 MAC. The MAC models covered are the 1934-1948 with Webb Girder Forks, the 1948-1950 with 'Dowty' Oleomatic Forks and the 1951-1952 models with 'Veloce' Telescopic Forks. In addition, a reproduction of the factory 'Service and Maintenance' manual for Dowty forks is included.
The original 68 page illustrated parts manual covers both the MOV and MAC models listed above. It also includes diagrams and parts listings for the Webb, Dowty and Velocette forks.
The 350cc MAC is possibly the most popular Velocette model ever built. It evolved from the 250cc MOV by lengthening the stroke of the MOV crankshaft from 68.25 to 96 mm. From 1933-1939 the MAC was constructed with a rigid frame fitted with Webb girder forks. From 1940-1941 a version of the MAC was the basis for the company's World War II military motorcycles. The Military models were MDD and MAF (Factory Dispatch Records state 1320 were produced). In 1946, after the war, MAC civilian production restarted, and in 1948 the MAC's Webb girder forks were replaced with innovative air-sprung oil dampened 'Dowty Oleomatic' forks. In 1951, the Dowty forks were replaced by Veloce 'telescopic forks', with coil springs and oil damping. In June of that same year the engine was upgraded to an aluminum barrel and head with wider fins to improve cooling. For 1953, the MAC was updated with fully adjustable rear swinging arm suspension and a tube frame. Production of the rigid frame MAC ended in 1952 swing arm production ended in 1960.
Based on the factory part numbers there were approximately 20 service and parts manuals published during the 20-year production run of the rigid frame machines. However, the print quality of the later factory manuals was not the best, as the same pages or sections from earlier publications were re-printed multiple times as the newer manuals were published. Unfortunately, this created problems in print quality and print density in those later manuals resulting in both light and heavy print on the same page. While we have done our best to correct as many of those imperfections as possible there are some occurrences that just could not be corrected. Therefore, we request your indulgence in tolerating any variations that still exist and accept that the intention in reproducing these manuals was to provide the reader with information that would assist in the renovation and maintenance of these classic Velocette motorcycles.
