Help a daughter Help her dad get started

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Hello,

I'm hoping someone can help me out. My dad just recently retired and now has time on his hands (between the chores my mom is giving him hahaha) He has an old Norton Commando in storage and I have been dying for him to get it working ever since I could remember. With fathers day coming up I'd love to give him a little Norton Commando gift basket. (I'm excited I actually found an old Cycle Magazine that he was in when he worked and tested for them! Hopefully no one will out bid me) I'll be trying to put in a Norton shirt and manual as well. Can you think of anything else that may be good?

Anyways, about the manual..... I was hoping for some info on what manual I should get to help him put it back together.

Here's what I know about the bike: Norton Commando 750, late 1960's to early 1970's, don't know the exact year,at some point in time I think I heard him say the word twin (but not twin turbo) some parts may be in boxes, we are in America (if that matters) As far as technical jargon readability (not sure if there is a "real" or "for dummies" type manuals) I don't mind getting him one of each.

If this is not enough info to find the proper manual what do I need to fish for?


Thank you in advance for any help!
 
How 'bout a memberhip in the Norton Owners Club (NOC)? http://www.nortonownersclub.org/
or the International Norton Owners Association (INOA) http://www.inoanorton.com/

Most of us are members of one or the other if not both! And, of course, a users account on this forum! We're always happy to encourage someone to get another Norton on the road!
 
I don't know what you should get him, but it's a cool thing you're doing.
 
You probably can't go wrong with a Clymer manual, as it covers all years of Commando:
http://www.clymer.com/Book.aspx?bid=637 ... reet+Bikes

Specific year manuals and parts books are available, but you'd need to know which one is right for his year model?
http://www.andover-norton.co.uk/JRP/jrcatfrm.htm These manuals should be available from any Norton parts supplier in the US.
http://www.nortonmotors.de/ANIL/Distributors.htm


Any chance you could find out the engine and/or frame number of your dad's Commando, as then we would know which manual is the right one?

Or buy him a copy of the Kim Norton CD as he would then have copies of all the Commando manuals, and a whole lot more besides? http://www.britishonly.com/estore/sprin ... efault.asp

Maybe a copy of "Norton Twin Restoration" by Roy Bacon?
http://www.britcycle.com/products/roy_bacon.htm
 
+1 on you wanting him to get it running, Have you seen the new Wells Fargo commercial? Just finding this forum will be a great help for the two of you, It's hard to know what to get him but it sounds like you already have some great ideas. Maybe you could send a picture of the bike so we could find out what year it may be? Where are you located? That might help for parts or maybe service too, Chuck.
 
Maybe some Whitworth wrenches and socket set? You can find the on Ebay Motors. Search "whitworth tools".
 
I concur with the suggestions regarding a Kim the CD Man Norton tech compendium CD, and a set of Whitworth wrenches.

Welcome, and I hope my daughter is as nice to me when she gets older, as you are to your dear old Dad!

P.S. is your Dad computer savvy? If so, he needs a link to this forum.
 
grandpaul said:
I concur with the suggestions regarding a Kim the CD Man Norton tech compendium CD, and a set of Whitworth wrenches.

Welcome, and I hope my daughter is as nice to me when she gets older, as you are to your dear old Dad!

P.S. is your Dad computer savvy? If so, he needs a link to this forum.

Paul, you beat me to it on the last 2 points!
My daughter changed my login to 'Mr. Mad About Nortons'......

As others have said - tools are essential, and all technical resources are all available online (My rebuild is the first I've ever done without having to buy a workshop manual, but it's still great to be able to pick it up in the garage/off the coffee table ;)
 
Go to Old Britts Norton mortorcycle parts. Then go to gift ideas. This is so cool that you would do this for him. I parked mine to help bring up our kids. Im getting mine running again. Hes going to love you for this.

Phil
 
Beachbum,
If you are close to some Norton guys/girls on the forum they maybe able to help you.
It would be neat to video the event for him on Fathers day.
If you were or are near to me I'd help you get it restarted.
Kinda like that show pimp my ride 8)
Hey theres an idea for another reality show? NOT!
We could have dad come out side and see his reaction when its running in the driveway.
I know he'd loose it right there.
If its all there and together just stored it is a day job to get it at least rideable locally.
This would maybe relight the spark in him to enjoy it again.
If he stored it correctly and the battery and carbs were the only issue it could be running in several hours
assuming no mechanical issues prior to storing it.
Any reason why he stopped riding it?
If you send me a PM, I have photo copies of the factory shop manual for 1969-1973 bikes.
I could mail you a copy certainly before fathers day.
There's DVD's on ebay, but the Clymer manual like LAB recommended is what I use mostly for routine maintenance.
Very Cool idea you must be a special daughter :wink:
Marshal
 
beachbum said:
Hello,

I'm hoping someone can help me out. My dad just recently retired and now has time on his hands (between the chores my mom is giving him hahaha) He has an old Norton Commando in storage and I have been dying for him to get it working ever since I could remember. With fathers day coming up I'd love to give him a little Norton Commando gift basket. (I'm excited I actually found an old Cycle Magazine that he was in when he worked and tested for them! Hopefully no one will out bid me) I'll be trying to put in a Norton shirt and manual as well. Can you think of anything else that may be good?

Anyways, about the manual..... I was hoping for some info on what manual I should get to help him put it back together.

Here's what I know about the bike: Norton Commando 750, late 1960's to early 1970's, don't know the exact year,at some point in time I think I heard him say the word twin (but not twin turbo) some parts may be in boxes, we are in America (if that matters) As far as technical jargon readability (not sure if there is a "real" or "for dummies" type manuals) I don't mind getting him one of each.

If this is not enough info to find the proper manual what do I need to fish for?

Thank you in advance for any help!

Hi I would go for a Norton parts manual in a folder if available I know Andover Norton had them maybe Old Brits do also they have a gift idea section..
link is http://www.oldbritts.com/ob_start.html have fun so when did your dad work for cycle magazine?


One last thing to all readers of this post no bidding on the mag..............!! Its a June 1973 so maybe this helps in dating her dads Commando but an engine number would be the best bet
 
First, let me say that reading all your responses made me grin ear to ear. Not only cause I'm excited about my present to my dad but because... well... you all ROCK! I can't believe how helpful and willing to help you all are. I can't wait for my dad to open the storage doors and officially enter into your community again.

To all the UK people one more question. I was thinking it'd be great to add beer into the basket. I'd like to add a popular UK beer from the late 60's or early 70's. or was there ever an unofficial beer of the Norton rider?


Ron L - thanks for the links to the Norton Clubs although I now have them bookmarked in my computer I think I'll wait on those memberships though until we actually start. But it has inspired me to include a coupon for 2 full weekends of helping clean out the garage (so we have enough room to get started)

Pelican- thanks :)

L.A.B.- Maybe when I go to my parents house this weekend I'll try to do some snooping and see if he has any info on the numbers or at least a paper with the year on it. I was thinking on having my uncle open up the storage so I can go and look but I think I want to be there with my dad and experience the sights and smells of the moment with him. And thanks for pointing me in the direction of the CD boy that has A LOT of great stuff. I'm leaning towards that because it seems to have everything. Also the Roy Bacon mag if the price is right... even if he doesn't need it what a cool cover!!

Hortons Norton- So I read your screen name with Horton and then saw that you lived in Long Beach and thought for a second you may have been a teacher I once had but then I read your profile. And hey! I actually live in your area! Are there any good places locally for us? Then I could take him out for breakfast and just happen to take him to a shop that sells Norton stuff :) Oh and I just watched the commercial... its great! I hope though I get to have the experience of putting it together WITH my dad.

pvisseriii- The wrenches are a great idea. This is something I'm gonna look for in his garage first though since he may have them from way back when (he doesn't throw anything away). And hey, if I don't see them, buy them, and it turns out he has them.... well, I just have my own set then :p

grandpaul- Thanks.... if you are half as amazing as my dad is then you'll have no worries with your daughter being nice to you too. And yes, he knows computers... had to sit behind one for the family. Now.... FRRREEEEEDDDDOOOOMMMMM (totally pictured my dad in a "Braveheart" moment there hahaha) But the link to this website as well as some mentioned will be included in the basket . Hey he may already be a member and I just don't know it.... man I hope he isn't reading this post if he is hahaha

B+Bogus- Thanks :) And I think both forms are good to have. I am way pro manual in hand (even if you print from online it doesn't have that "feel" ). But when you are looking for something specific nothing beats Ctrl+F and having the computer search for you. (I have never put a motorcycle together but much to my moms dismay I've had to work on my own car.)

Phil - Thanks for that info! and I sure hope so :)

Marshal- I have absolutely NO idea what kind of shape its in. But you are right if it was pimped for him his face would be priceless, though I am looking forward to some father daughter bonding if he lets me help (oh and if my mom lets me help cause you know.. girls shouldn't get dirty) I'm not sure if he stopped riding because of an accident that totally wrecked his (was in a race, went over those whoopdi do things and it caught his knee ripping just about everything) or if it was the start of the family. And actually I'd love to contact you about the manual the less I spend on manuals the more I get to spend on my dad and the actual bike. Thanks!

plj850- Thanks for the info. I think he actually worked for Norton in the UK not sure if he actually worked for the magazine He may have ridden for them (but not one of the main riders. And wow! Either you know your stuff or I'm bidding on something you are selling hahaha either way thanks for telling everyone not to bid :p and I won whoo hoo!


Once I figure out the math I'll let you guys know what I'm getting him :)

Again thanks for the responses!!!!
 
beachbum said:
Once I figure out the math I'll let you guys know what I'm getting him :)

If you've read anything on this forum you know we love pictures, so a picture of the gifts and one of the bike at some point would be great. The best thing about the internet is that you can share pictures and words for no cost.

Good luck, yes this is the best community for Nortons, probably any bike group on the web.
 
beachbum, I can only add to those who comment on what a great daughter you must be. I have a son your age, far from home, who makes his parents equally proud... like we say "no ka oi" you are the best.

On to my field of expertise (not so much Nortons), though it is not a beer by definition, Guinness Stout would most likely fill the basket quite well. Though I'm sure some of our UK brethren may question that, it is available and reasonably priced, even in a backwater like Hilo. Stay cool and have fun.

Cheers,
Don
 
Apparently, "Newcastle Brown Ale" is available in the USA?: http://www.just-drinks.com/ia.aspx?id=1256



Help a daughter Help her dad get started
 
RE snooping. If you can get a good look at the bike look on the left side of the motor for a machined flat spot that has numbers stamped into it. Those numbers can help a lot, also on the steering tube where the front forks pivot there may be a plate with number and date (You have to look in behind the headlight). If you can't get photos then some basic descriptive features such as whether or not it has a metal rear fender or a fiberglass thing that looks like a Hawaiian may have worn it into battle!

The beer is a good idea, even if you don't get anything else! How much do you want to spend, a gift certificate to a parts supplier for 5 or 6-thousand would come in handy.

Good luck,
Russ
 
Yes, Newcastle is good stuff, and that's coming from someone who isn't even much of a beer drinker!

Seems to me a six pack of Newcastle, a copy of the Clymer manual, and Whitworth wrench set would make a pretty good starter kit.
Oh, and the url to this website of course. Dad could sip the beer while he flips through the manual and looks at the wrenches. If that doesn't get him motivated I don't what will! Then when he gets started he can come online and post his questions here. :D

Debby
 
debby said:
Yes, Newcastle is good stuff, and that's coming from someone who isn't even much of a beer drinker!

Seems to me a six pack of Newcastle, a copy of the Clymer manual, and Whitworth wrench set would make a pretty good starter kit.
Oh, and the url to this website of course. Dad could sip the beer while he flips through the manual and looks at the wrenches. If that doesn't get him motivated I don't what will! Then when he gets started he can come online and post his questions here. :D

Debby

Agreed! but since this is a somewhat technical forum, fyi Newcastle is an ale dear lady, not a beer ;)
 
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