Frame repair worth it?

Doc187 · Oct 28, 2018

What's better option? Repair and beef up to keep numbers matched frame and motor or use later year frame?

Dutch · Oct 28, 2018

If there is a title for that frame, if it matches the engine/gearbox - that has value.
Depending on your fab skills/pocket book, that frame can be repaired.

Fast Eddie · Oct 28, 2018

You could always do it ‘by the book’...

Buy a brand new genuine frame and transfer your VIN to the new frame.

It’s even painted. Job done!

https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-details/15542

kommando · Oct 28, 2018

The 68's frames were stamped directly so I would put the new bottom rail in and keep it original, bottom rails are available from Andover Norton in their Frame repair section. Rather than repairing the top rail you could consider replacing it completely but that looks like a very involved repair.

https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-drawing/457/early-commando-frame-repair-items

jimbo · Oct 28, 2018

Fast Eddie said:
You could always do it ‘by the book’...

Buy a brand new genuine frame and transfer your VIN to the new frame.

It’s even painted. Job done!

https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-details/15542

Do this and ask AN to stamp the frame with the correct stamps ( hopefully they will with proper docs)

Doc187 · Oct 28, 2018

Looks like a $1500 frame more or less factoring shipping and conversion rate from AN with possibility of having it stamped.

I might be able to have it patched/braced for 800 or 1200 plus for sleeve job.

I have a frame that's in perfect condition but don't know how complicated it would be to get it titled in Illinois if I swap this motor/trans into it. Decisions, descisions.....

Pete Komarek · Oct 28, 2018

That doesn't look like a difficult welding job. What is the metal composition of the frame, ie is it chrome moly or mild steel or?
Be much less than $800 in my neck of the woods.

Fast Eddie · Oct 28, 2018

Doc187 said:
Looks like a $1500 frame more or less factoring shipping and conversion rate from AN with possibility of having it stamped.

I might be able to have it patched/braced for 800 or 1200 plus for sleeve job.

I have a frame that's in perfect condition but don't know how complicated it would be to get it titled in Illinois if I swap this motor/trans into it. Decisions, descisions.....

Transferring title to a brand new frame should be easy, it is the correct thing to do, that’s why new frames come un stamped.

Doc187 · Oct 28, 2018

Fast Eddie said:
Transferring title to a brand new frame should be easy, it is the correct thing to do, that’s why new frames come un stamped.

The frame I have is already stamped. I have the paperwork from seller.

Doc187 · Oct 28, 2018

Pete Komarek said:
That doesn't look like a difficult welding job. What is the metal composition of the frame, ie is it chrome moly or mild steel or?
Be much less than $800 in my neck of the woods.

Not sure of material but it's a 68 commando frame.

Pete Komarek · Oct 28, 2018

Do a search in this forum for frame composition/material. Too bad you're so far away, I'm in western NY. I have a welder that could easily fix that.

kommando · Oct 28, 2018

Its mild steel, nothing special and a competent welder would have no problems doing a good repair.

Fast Eddie · Oct 28, 2018

Doc187 said:
The frame I have is already stamped. I have the paperwork from seller.

Yes, I realise that. I’m talking about the fact that when someone buys a brand new replacement frame, it comes without numbers. Why, because the correct process is to transfer the numbers from the old frame to the new one, then scrap / destroy the old one.

If you can get it fixed, that’s great, you’ll keep the history etc. But if it costs $1200 and a new one would only cost $300 more, and if it’s for riding, rather than ‘conkers’ shows, I know what I’d be doing (and it wouldn’t involve any welding).

rvich · Oct 28, 2018

Adding an additional tube and reinforcing to a widow maker frame does not keep the bike original. Why not buy another frame and enjoy riding the bike and keep that one on the wall of the shop so someday when you sell it you can sell it as a matching numbers bike. I get the idea that matching numbers is good but it doesn't hold much weight for me when the original was known to be defective.

Fast Eddie · Oct 28, 2018

With a new frame it would actually still be a matching numbers bike...

MexicoMike · Oct 28, 2018

Is that right? I would have thought that if the frame is not original, the bike is no longer "original" and that it would not be legally correct to call it matching numbers, it would now be "Bitsa." No?

Fast Eddie · Oct 28, 2018

If it’s got a VIN number that matches the engine number is has to be matching numbers doesn’t it?!

Claiming it is all original would of course be wrong. It’s a matching numbers bike with a new replacement frame.

concours · Oct 28, 2018

Have a professional weldor repair it. It will be sound & safe.

ashman · Oct 28, 2018

If it was mine I would set it up on my steel welding bench brace it up in a jig so its all in the right position then weld it up, weld in a cross brace like the new frames all fixed and I can't see where that would cost that much unless you have to buy a welder, once set up it won't take long to do the welding, small mig welders are cheap these days, I brought a decent one for $500 to replace my old stick welder and have already fixed up a mate's Norton frame one small crack and weld in a side stand mount and if done right the weld will be stronger than the frame metal.
Once the weld has been cleaned up no one will ever know its been fixed except for the new cross brace added.

Ashley

Steves · Oct 28, 2018

They rebuild Spitfires where the only original bit is the small airframe number plate off the tail. I think Fast Eddie is right.