Frame Replacement or restoration???

I purchased a 1970 Norton Commando 750 and begun restoring it this week. Right away I noticed some troubling things.

1. Frame has been modified to Bobber. The neck is racked and the seat loop has been cut out. Should I attempt to rebuild this tag-less frame or purchase a replacement frame?
2. If your answer is purchase replacement do you know where I might find a new replica that has all the mounts or a clean used frame?
3. I was told that the frames for the 750’s didnt change from 1970-1973. Is that true?
4. I will also need to replace the folks and all controls. Maybe a Junkyard is my best bet but I was hoping there might be a go to store online that would already have everything I need to restore this ole girl.

Thanks for your help in advance, looking forward to completing this build with you guys!

MotorcycleMichael-

there are several 750 frames. if you want to stay original than a 69 70 frame is what you want. in 71 the frame was changed and again in 72. it was some details like the center stand mounting was moved to the trans cradle and side stand mounting changed twice with 71 as a one year on the side stand. if you don't care ANY one of them will work, you just need some other parts for it to work.

DetroitStreetRacing said:

2. If your answer is purchase replacement do you know where I might find a new replica that has all the mounts or a clean used frame?

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The 1969-70 frame is available at AN and they have a site where they roughly explain the details. The AN owner, Joe Seifert, is active here under the nick ZFD (but refuses to tell what that stands for .... :mrgreen: )

Have fun with the resto, IMHO the 1970 roadster is the sexiest of all Commandos. I just got a RK Leighton seat for mine, very nice.


Tim

Might be also worth keeping an eye on Ebay + the for sale section here, for a second hand frame. I saw an 'S' type go for $150 last week.

I'm still kicking myself over missing the 'SS' frame that went for about $500.

Steve

DetroitStreetRacing said:

I purchased a 1970 Norton Commando 750 and begun restoring it this week. Right away I noticed some troubling things.

3. I was told that the frames for the 750’s didnt change from 1970-1973. Is that true?

Thanks for your help in advance, looking forward to completing this build with you guys!

MotorcycleMichael-

Click to expand...

No, the very early frame do not have the bottom tube under the top tube from the headstock, this omission was later rectified.
Its always better to get a frame with this tube attached. As the main top tube tends to crack without it :!:

Shitcan the ghetto frame. I've been fabricating and welding professionally for 34 years and I wouldn't waste time dicking with it. Bag a complete one, save the drama of rebuilding what was butchered. :shock: Just my .02

Just a few things to add here. The frame loop being cut is not so big a deal...the neck on the other hand will not only affect how the bike handles but it is a real bad place to have it come apart.

You can even put that motor into an 850 frame if you found one. The only difference being that the 850 had a different rake in the headstock for more stability. So you need to match yokes to the frame for best results to get the right steering geometry. Some of the early 750 frames have the center stand attached to the frame. The later versions have it attached to the cradle. Assuming you have a cradle and center stand in good shape it would be nice to get a frame that matches what you have, or you will be shopping for those. Make sure any frame you find has a large tube for the backbone and a smaller tube running underneath it, otherwise it is known as a "widow maker" and is useful only as decoration or for getting a good frame loop off of!

For parts, almost everything you need can be purchased new. There is a large supply of used parts, buyer beware. Check out this web site:

http://www.oldbritts.com

Enjoy,

Russ

I should add, that NOT everything can be found new. Tanks and side panels are being reproduced but are not always up to the quality desired by enthusiasts. The speedo and tach were manufactured by Smiths and fetch a dear price if you need them. Depending upon whether or not you want the bike to be as close to original as possible there is debate about other items. Also the original Lucas switch gear is no longer available. You can get some replica stuff there too. Many say good ridence, others like the orignal controls. In good shape they fetch a pretty good price. If you have them at all they might be rebuildable.

Spend some time reading this forum. There is lots of good information here. You will need to decide if you are willing to modify the bike and if so what things you might want to do. The list is endless and many of the modifications are a real nice addition for a bike that will be on the road more than the garage. Don't be afraid to ask questions, post photos and use the search function!

Russ

Tell us what parts you DO have. If you have all the parts for the 70 frame like the center stand/side stand, you want to get an early frame. If not, it doesn't matter. How about the forks? The 69/70 had a different mount for the headlamp than later and the fork stops are different after 70 also. You don't want to mix years there. Which parts you have that are good, may make a difference in the other parts you want. Central oil tank or by the side panel? Makes a difference which panels you have/want. Pictures would really help. Have you got a nice metal fuel tank?

Dave
69S

I'm still kicking myself over missing the 'SS' frame that went for about $500.

Click to expand...

An 'SS' frame is just a '71 Commando frame (complete with the lousy side stand).

Ron L said:

I'm still kicking myself over missing the 'SS' frame that went for about $500.

Click to expand...

An 'SS' frame is just a '71 Commando frame (complete with the lousy side stand).

Click to expand...

I have one, I would gladly sell for 500!

concours said:

Shitcan the ghetto frame. I've been fabricating and welding professionally for 34 years and I wouldn't waste time dicking with it. Bag a complete one, save the drama of rebuilding what was butchered. :shock: Just my .02

Click to expand...

Well said!

IIRC the guy selling the 'SS' had the complete bike, minus the engine...And then broke the bike for spares! :evil: :evil:

Don't get me started on the P11 that was up for grabs also(Again in bits!!). AFAIK it was almost a give away by the time the bidding finished. I so nearly put my builds back another 6 mnths to buy it. I ask you wtf is up with some people? :cry:

The same was for the 'S' I mentioned above.

rvich,

Is it a real one...Or just another 750 frame? Just trying to remember what the max bid I placed. $300? Something like that.

Steve

rvich said:

Ron L said:

I'm still kicking myself over missing the 'SS' frame that went for about $500.

Click to expand...

An 'SS' frame is just a '71 Commando frame (complete with the lousy side stand).

Click to expand...

I have one, I would gladly sell for 500!

Click to expand...

Admittedly, I don't know what the frame started life as except that it is a Commando frame from '71. I have no proof of pedigree. I was wrong to have offered it up.

Russ