1954 Dominator 88 Rebuild Questions

Nice model there; an early bolt up frame featherbed 500. One of the original capacity engine in the best frame of the period. Tank is held on my a metal strap down the centre of the tank fixed just under the headstock and an adjustable fixing in front of the tool tray under the seat. Some one took care to preserve the motor but what goes on with the frames out there!
collect the parts you have and lay them out against the parts lists.

Plenty of information on this model in the tab on top of page labeled LIBRARY, on line offline or order a hard copy of the Heavy Twins Compendium. There are videos, some on line showing the restoration of general components. Restoration of Classic Motorcycles titles are available on Amazon but they are pretty generic guides.

My approach would be to get it built up as it should be. So you have an idea of what may be missing. If there is confidence in it starting, do so. Magneto spark can be tested,charging verified and gear selection confirmed while you are static.  Then you have a baseline to work from.

You will get plenty of advise here, many different ways to approach this.  Your skill level, facilities, time and finance all play a role.

As previous a very nice machine to start on, in my view one of the best of the breed.
photograph everything from all angles and get a scrap book going, online or in a binder.
J
 

Welcome Jeff, a very desirable bike, we are all very jealous!! Jonathan has done a good job in a response to your enquiry.

With respect to the broken fin on top of the cylinder barrel that is not a critical issue, it could be repaired by a competent welder or left as is and not effect the bikes performance.

The 500cc Norton twin was considered one of their smoothest twins and has a great following here. There are also many members here that will be able to answer all your questions so don't be afraid to ask and please post updates as we are all interested

The broken fin on the barrel could be from someone trying to lever the head off or any type of impact , a good engineer will weld a donor fin on and shape to nearly invisible mend. Spare decent barrels are hens teeth . If bore is not too bad a hone and new rings may do. 

Hi Jeff,
As others have already commented, you have a very original and desirable machine.
Initially, when the model was first released, it was named the Dominator Deluxe to distinguish it from the plunger framed Model 7 already on sale.
You seem to have a very unmolested machine with the correct carburettor still sitting in the tool tray and the correct date on the magneto (October 1953).  The bike should have matching engine and frame numbers. (Should be J for 1954 manufacture, 122 for the model and numbered between 57,000-60,000)
My first step would be to contact the Club Twin Dating Officer and get the details for your machine.

I'm just finishing a similarly dated 88 which was initially despatched to the US in mid 1953. 
 

The factory records did give me the data that my machine left the factory painted black.

UK machines, and many coming down here to Australia were more commonly painted in a silver-grey tone.  There is information on replacement paints on the website.

These bikes were a very well made item , I would not be surprised if you were able to clean, change oils, battery , and tyres , lubricate , clean out carb and tank unstick clutch and ride away . It's what  I would do to find out what is the plan going forward while I gather parts and information. Throw nothing away and if at all possible avoid new parts as they may be inferior to what you have .