Doing a rebuild on a young mans budget

I found an early 1969 norton commando laying around the property and asked my dad what the deal was. the engine was previously rebuilt but was left in a couple of rain storms with no plugs in. overall, it's a good project and i can do whatever i want but i have to pay for. i have a good tank, engine (only slight rust in the cylinder, can probably be bored out) and frame that i'm in the process of getting a title for. the rims may be good enough to use and i have the first half of a set of pipes that i've never seen on any commando so i don't know if i can use them, they do fit. i've scoured the internet looking at parts, upgrades, and possibilities but i'm not able to decide on anything because i don't want to spend such a large amount of money, but i can't seem to find any deals and i wouldn't know if i did.
what i'm getting at is i need help finding the parts to make this the beautiful custom norton that i know it can be. any links for parts websites, parts you're welling to sell, or just advice for when i go to put the bike together again, and especially rebuilding the engine.

these are a few things i know i need;
-forks with triple (preferably to use disc brakes)
-seat (anything will do for now but there is a style that i've come to like. i'm not sure what the name of it is though.)
-coils (i would like to update the electrics but, i'm on a really tight budget)
-oil tank
-fenders
-nuts and bolts to replace the rusty ones
-chain

the bike in my mind would have a belt primary, silver frame, dunstall like seat and tank, disk brakes.

Post some pictures of what you have. Unfortunatly from your description you are looking at at least $3K-$5K to do what you want.

Belt drive will run around $400 itself. Frontend will be around $500 or more depending on luck.

Coils are $60 for the pair, an electronic ignition is $150.

Pistons are $125, plus there will be more parts needed once you open it up.

As for new hardware, have yours plated. I had mine done in bright silver cad, 20 pounds of stuff shipped round trip was $200.

The oil tank that was on yours is about $150 on ebay, there are 3 or 4 on there now.

I think the seat you like is a Corbin. Check their website, it runs around $500.

I use ebay for many of my parts purchases, and Oldbritts.com for just about everything else.

Good luck and keep with it.

There is no such thing as a cheap Norton, and cutting corners will only cost more money later.

i've already started the tear down. i have most off and a rolling chasie. it's a shame it's going to cost so much. this will be the first bike that i build. it may take a while but this is pretty important to me. i'm working on the pictures now

the pipes

+1 with bwolfie. Gonna cost some money ... that's just all there is to it. Very, VERY satisfying when yer done though. Wish ya all the best in yer quest to put another Commando on the road yesirre ...

can anyone point me in the direction of a commando manual or some collection of information on tearing down and rebuilding the engine/transmission? i'm working on the cylinder heada and i can't find a how-to type post or any thing on the internet.

Can't quite understand why you "need" new yokes and/or fork lowers, yours appear to be rebuildable with new stanchion tubes, bushings & seals...

the yolk steering stop tabs don't seem to match up to the ones on my frame. did the earlier frames use a different yolk?

drtaylor101 said:

the yolk steering stop tabs don't seem to match up to the ones on my frame. did the earlier frames use a different yolk?

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Yes, the yokes you have are the 1971-on type.

my frame is an early 69, actually marked 68 i think.

drtaylor101 said:

my frame is an early 69, actually marked 68 i think.

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Yes it probably is a 1969 year model frame - as it also has the central oil tank that was fitted to the 750"S" type from Eng. No. 20M3S/131257 (and also 1970 model Roadsters).

I thought it was an "s" model. it has the mounting bracket for s pipes but, unfortunantly no s pipes.
what should i do for the triple tree? i don't want to cut anything off of my frame, but i don't think i can use the yolk like it is now.

drtaylor101 said:

I thought it was an "s" model. it has the mounting bracket for s pipes but, unfortunantly no s pipes.
what should i do for the triple tree? i don't want to cut anything off of my frame, but i don't think i can use the yolk like it is now.

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I would just post a "wanted" add on this forum, or watch "fleabay" for the earlier type fork yokes. That way you can use your frame as is, and not cut anything. I used to have just the yokes you currently need ... but I SOLD them on fleabay awhile back. Hope this helps ... cheers.

I have an early set of yokes available. pm me

thanks, i saw one on ebay a little while ago, but wasn't sure if there actually was a difference. oh well, i still have time.

Your question, "can anyone point me in the direction of a commando manual or some collection of information on tearing down and rebuilding the engine/transmission? I'm working on the cylinder head and i can't find a how-to type post or any thing on the internet."

Recommend you buy the 2 DVD set titled "Heavyweight Twin Engine Restoration by Mick Hemmings" From the Norton Owners Club. Step by step procedures with narration by one of the experts.

'classic bike biz' web site has workshop manuals and parts books for Norton and Triumph viewable on-site for free.

DONT FORGET the NUT up under the back , of the barrel / head .

Should post yr progress on the Commando thread , youll get more than enough advice there . :lol:

THAT Oil Tank is the cool one . WHY would you need another ? ? ?

Antique car mag had suspending FERROUS parts in caustic potash solution in a 44 Gallon ( 50 US :wink: ) Drum , connected to a car battery .
For overnight ' my isnt that clean ' ing .

A lot of hours Freeing parts off . Use CRC / WD 40 liberally , DAYS in ADVANCE . saves Blood & buggery .

Side PPanels & things , you can make. if desperate or all creative .

Will need a few ' proper tools ' .

Would use all standard serviceable parts you have , rather than going for the high faluteing stuff . Haveing it running will be a incentive .
Saves depresion & fretting . If it aint broke , dont trash it . and see you dont have to . A lick with a gas or butane torch can do wonders. But have a few pails of water on immediate ' stand by '.

and lots of rags . :lol: :lol:

Mechanicals before tarting up the finish , keep to priorities . Inside Out . You may trip over suitable stuff of other machines , if youre short of a tank of the like .
Can you weld ,& cut & drill things spot on ? ? ?

I have a coffee can full of early Cdo bolts and threaded rods. if you are in the US, I'll send them to you...just pay postage.

Slick

+1 for replating,
if your on a budget or not and want shiny fasteners. remove every last non chromed nut, bolt and washer ( minus internal engine fasteners ) and have it all sent out for plateing, even coil brackets,steering head and wheel bearing dust covers and mufflers mounts, anything plane or plated steel.
comes back looking nice and new. the plateing process will even strip rust out of pits and refinish it.
just straighten or repair things before replating.

bug me again in the spring, as I may have some left over parts from two projects I have on the go

cheers.............. 8)