You are quite right there is a disclaimer printed at the top of this list which says that if you are in any doubt you should contact the VMCC because they hold all of the original factory records.
The point I was trying to make is that in my opinion when you start any restoration project you should try to accurately identify what parts you have actually got. A bike may look like a 1971 model for instance but unless the engine and frame numbers confirm this fact it isn't .
As far as the question of what carbs to fit - there are several options - mikuni, kehnin, MK2 concentrics, SU etc.
Its no coincidence that there are so many aftermarket kits to replace the original MK1 concentrics.
The reason for this is the fact that the MK1 has a basic design error - as standard it doesn't have a removable pilot jet and most carbs do. Obviously pilot jets are so small that they are prone to blockage so it makes sense to be able to remove them in order to be able to clean them .
The other problem with these carbs is the fact that on Commando's they originally had no rubber manifolds fitted to them to protect them against the negative effects of engine vibration so the slides and bores wear very quickly and once they wear past a certain point its difficult to keep the carbs tuned properly
If you want to retain the original MK1 concentrics on your bike then you need to make sure that the slides and bores are not worn out. If they are worn out you can buy the carb bodies and slides separately and re use all of the other bits from your original carbs (providing they are not worn out too) or get the bores re sleeved and fit new slides or just fit new carbs.
Machining the carbs to accept a screw in pilot jet is a great idea and so is drilling and tapping each carb body to accept an access plug which allows you to get a good view of the pressed in original jet .
But make sure that you don't rely on the petcock and banjo filters - ALWAYS fit additional in line filters and make sure that you keep the tank clean internally - if it is a metal tank apply a rust treatment and then a sealer.
Regards
Andy KG

L.A.B. wrote:

JimC wrote:Speaking of steel tanks, is the fill neck backwards on the aftermarket steel tanks? The pics of the aftermartket ones all show the hinge to the rear.

The filler cap hinge direction was certainly reversed on the original late model tanks for safety reasons, I believe?

As in the event of the motorcycle and rider being involved in a head-on collision, with the cap pivot towards the rider, the cap then presented less of a danger to the rider's genital area if it unlatched and flipped up due to the force of the impact .

I believe there was US legislation introduced during the mid-'70s that required filler caps to be designed so they would not cause injury to the rider in the event of a collision.

Funny thing, safety. The old Monza caps were hinged at the front for what were seen as good reasons too, I expect. Reasons like not being so easily unlatched by low-flying sparrows, not flying completely open if unlatched at speed, ease of seeing into and refilling the tank while seated.

Hello again,

Thanks for everyone's original help with figuring out more about my bike. I wanted to post some photos of my project so far, since it is getting pretty close to being done. It gets paint this month, and all I have left to do is wire it and put the oil lines on it. And obviously finish the seat. I am taking a stab at making my own...




and here is one of it in pretty much restored stock...I put it together so I could go from stock look to cafe look in a day or so, just change the tank, seat, and rear set...


Let me know your thoughts!

Dan

Dan,
what part of PA are you in?
Get her running by spring as there is a gathering of the Nortons in April in Bucks County.
It is hosted by the DelVal Norton Owners.
It's a great time especially for a newbie to Norton, yeah you'll see Triumph and BSA's there.
Something for all no one is excluded.
We all get ideas from one another, see some orig bikes like mine, and see some cafes that have magnificient
machinists for owners, some great ideas change hands. We drink allot of coffee, eat hot dogs from the local Boy Scout troop and then go for a group ride and show the rest of Bucks County what they're missing.
I think you would be perfect for it
Marshal

Hi Marshal,

Is this the Bucks County gathering (from Delaware Valley Norton Owners website):
April 18 17th annual Gathering of the Nortons, Washington Crossing, PA

Love to bring my Commando to ride in this area if only can find a way to get it on board the airplane. I have a customer in Allentown and come to the area a few times a year.

I am in Harrisburg area, so not that far. I WILL have her road worthy by April, so I will definitely try to make it out. Thanks for the input, and keep the greasy side down

David,
yes this is the same Del Val ride.
If your in the area in April PM me on here.
I'm sure you can find your way around a yellow combat for the day.
I have an electraglide I'd have no problem riding along side you in the ride.
That's the nice thing about being a Norton rider.
Serious as a heart attack if your in the area let me know.
PM me for my cell # if it works out w/ your schedule.
Love to ride the west coast someday
Marshal

Dan,
your an hour away no excuse not to ride some of the nicest roads in our area.
Plus you'll meet a number of Nortoneers who love being asked What's this for?
Seroiusly, got to try to make it.
Marshal

Hi Marshall,

Will see how the schedule goes in April - thank you for the offer. Maybe one thing the west has that's not in the east... that's high altitude. You should see what 10,000 feet does to a Commando's power. The nice part is you can run any grade of gas with no pinging problem. Still think I could spend days on the back roads of Penns Mennonite country.