done deal Commando 750

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I am not trying to hyjack this thread. Yes, the fireflake blue I have seen reproduced usually has some gold in it. Original did not. I am using DupliColor Metal Specks Blue. The flakes are much smaller and there is no black in it like original, but blue is good match and for a rattle can the price is right.

At this point I have everything I need except for better fenders, headlamp shell/rim and a few little bits here and there.

Dave
69S
 
highdesert said:
Leo had quoted me about $650 for a complete head job, valves, guides, springs, etc a couple months ago.

What is he telling you now?

If you have the head off, there is no better time than now to take the cyl barrel off and have the bore honed and
get some new rings also, have the condition and clearances checked.

Also, you can then see what kind of shape your cam is in.
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I supplied all the parts minus some intake valves. I collected the parts factory direct and some from Norvil, springs, collars, collets, seats, valves, and guides. Left the original rockers in the head. So the original quote was $400. According to Leo the valve seats are bad, some light rust found on the new springs from Norvil, and the PO who removed the original guides apparently damaged the bores.
The cam is trashed. one of the lobes and lifter are chewed up. I started making a tuna can clutch compressor but broke down and just ordered the gear puller and compressor tools online since it would be more of a pain finding the center stud for the tuna can. I'll have to find a new cam but fortunately the used cylinder barrel I bought from a member in Canada came with the lifters still installed in the jug! and they look great!
 
pvisseriii said:
Ernest,
That fire flake blue color scheme is very special. Hard to find and many efforts have been made to duplicate it. I have evidence of it on paint chips on my side covers. I hope it is in good condition.
You should make a list of some of your needs like pipes, manifolds, etc. and post it in the wanted section. Many people will bite and offer to get them to you for little more than shipping, myself included.
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sweet, I had a feeling it was rare. It's all in good shape....just a slight fade on the top of the tank and the covers are in perfect shape except for the decals. I've been wondering if I should put a protective coat on the tank or just keep it out of the sun? as you know it's fiberglass. This bike is going to be a hit at the Greaserama show (Ed Roth inspired) if I can get it done before Labor day weekend.
 
What ever the paint underneath a clear coat on top rubbed and
buff polished out add depth and shine to fall into by onlookers.
Pro shop shot or DIY. I prefer the Duplicolor Clear Wheel
coat but don't over do too thick or begins to dull the view.

hobot
 
I just have to say that I got the head back from Leo and it is immaculate. I can tell the attention to detail that Leo puts into his work and I now feel very small about getting uptight for the time it took.
 
I got the motor pulled, timing cover off then removed the oil pump. I noted earlier that I saw damage to one of the cam lobes and lifter.

I can see pieces of metal clogging up the oil pump!

I'm waiting for a pinion puller to arrive before I can split the cases but what other kind of damage should I expect?

yikes...
 
Pieces of piston and rod shells may be what ya seeing.
Cam thrust washers and come apart, especially '72's.
Examine oil pump shell really close as cam drive issues can
jerk a fracture in the cast iron drive snout.
Check the intermediate shaft the pinon puller needed to expose
for well seated and square.
Check TS case where oil pump seals - crank whip can
chip it so oil seal fails.
Check cam case bushes - may be worn out. A booger to get
line bored re-newed if needed.
Note there are two thicknesses of oil pump out let grommets.
Make sure you get a few of the ones for your model.
TS gasket and oil pump gasket are part of this fitting right.

I'd suggest Jim Schimd's cams as caring expert prep'd
to avoid the sad tales I'm collecting on other current sources,
like MegaCycle.

hobot
 
Some pics of what's in the works right now. You can see the cam lobe damage below. I'm replacing it with a NOS cam 061084 and a fresh regrind on the lifters.


done deal Commando 750

done deal Commando 750



The head work back from Leo Goff brand spanking better than new. Sitting on top of a replacement cylinder with standard bore. Hoping to just hone the cylinders and fit new rings.


done deal Commando 750



I'm having the crank case worked on by Cafe Racer here locally. Gregg at Cafe Racer is very familiar Commandos. I need it done before a couple big shows coming up around labor day and another in fall, I'm still a novice and would feel better having a mechanic who's done it before then I can piece the bike back together.


done deal Commando 750



It's going to be a beauty...


done deal Commando 750
 
Ernest,

The head work looks fantastic! Bet you find it was worth every penny. Sure had something rattling around in the case,though, didn't you? Never did catch what kind of shape the barrels and pistons were in? Guess they just need honed and new rings I think?

I have a clutch compressor if you need it. Beats the tuna can, anyway. I live in KCMO, so let me know. I know a guy that does work on Nortons, the shop isn't much to look at, and he'd rather be smoking meat than working on bikes, but he knows his way around a Commando, so if you get stuck on something or need advice or a little familiarization, I can get you in touch with him. He's in KCKS, not far from Quindaro.

Love that paint color, too!
 
I know a guy that does work on Nortons, the shop isn't much to look at, and he'd rather be smoking meat than working on bikes
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I bought a cb750 4 to 1 exhaust from Mark, picked it up at a shop in that area...drives a vehicle converted into a meat smoker. if that's who you're talkin about. sets up shop at Greaserama?

thanks,
 
[I bought a cb750 4 to 1 exhaust from Mark, picked it up at a shop in that area...drives a vehicle converted into a meat smoker. if that's who you're talkin about. sets up shop at Greaserama?
/quote]

That's the guy, although the vehicle/smoker can't be driven far as I know, just towed!
Click to expand...
 
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