- Joined
- Oct 5, 2004
- Messages
- 3
Hello all,
I will try to keep this as short as possible since and I really need the group's help deciding what to do, but I am sure that this post will end up long so sorry in advance...
I have a Norton project bike that I've owned for about 5 years and never touched. Having finally gotten the space to work on it I'm finally getting into it. It was a basket case when I bought it and is listed as a 1970 on the title. The frame has a plate on it labeled "132919 Jun 1969" and this matches the registration. The engine is numbered "20M 3S / 132919" so I know it's the correct engine but not sure about the other numbers.
Biggest problem is that someone "chopped" this frame...
It's been "raked" at the fork and doesn't exactly look like an expert job. I can send someone digital photos if they wanted. I bought it in this condition without a proper seat or tank, but it did have the side covers and appears to have proper front and rear rims. It also had a pretty cool steel chopper tank and a "solo" seat, of course both of these have nothing to do with Norton.
I had obviously indended to put the bike back to "proper" condition but never planned on it being a show bike of any kind. Consequently over the years I've picked up a few of the larger parts, such as a fiberglass fastback? tank and a bare frame since I figured it would be easier than trying to repair the current frame.
Now that I have begun sandblasting the (new) frame to have it powdercoated I've noticed a few other things. One is the markings are stamped into this one and they read:
"(symbol like a W) 850 (symbol) F 103 930 (symbol)"
which would lead me to believe that it is from an 850. There are also a few minor differences in the frame, mainly it seems like the front fork on the 750 has one small block (a stop?) welded in the center while the 850 frame has two (one on each side). The 750 frame also appears to bend up at the back behind where the seat goes whereas the 850 is straight.
These appear to be minor differences, but I figure you guys know best. I would hate to get 75% through and then find out that a minor design difference in the two frames prevents my project from going forward.
So here are my questions:
1) Do I continue to proceed as originally planned and start with a freshly powdercoated frame (albeit an 850) and transfer all parts over to it?
2) If I do this what about the ID plate? Should I drill it and move it over to the new bike?
3) Do I have the old "chopped" frame fixed and base the project on that? Is it worth the time and trouble? Will it ever be safe?
4) Do I go with option 1 and located another Norton (or similar) engine and make a chopper out of the old frame? (Hey - when life give you lemons...)
5) Do I sell the 850 frame and get a 750 frame?
6) Do I try and find an 850 engine?
Sorry this post is so long but I know I am talking to guys (and gals) who not only love these bikes but have a practical knowledge about them so that I can get real world advice.
ANY help would be appreciated, and feel free to email me privately for more info or whatever.
Thanks a bunch!!!
I will try to keep this as short as possible since and I really need the group's help deciding what to do, but I am sure that this post will end up long so sorry in advance...
I have a Norton project bike that I've owned for about 5 years and never touched. Having finally gotten the space to work on it I'm finally getting into it. It was a basket case when I bought it and is listed as a 1970 on the title. The frame has a plate on it labeled "132919 Jun 1969" and this matches the registration. The engine is numbered "20M 3S / 132919" so I know it's the correct engine but not sure about the other numbers.
Biggest problem is that someone "chopped" this frame...
It's been "raked" at the fork and doesn't exactly look like an expert job. I can send someone digital photos if they wanted. I bought it in this condition without a proper seat or tank, but it did have the side covers and appears to have proper front and rear rims. It also had a pretty cool steel chopper tank and a "solo" seat, of course both of these have nothing to do with Norton.
I had obviously indended to put the bike back to "proper" condition but never planned on it being a show bike of any kind. Consequently over the years I've picked up a few of the larger parts, such as a fiberglass fastback? tank and a bare frame since I figured it would be easier than trying to repair the current frame.
Now that I have begun sandblasting the (new) frame to have it powdercoated I've noticed a few other things. One is the markings are stamped into this one and they read:
"(symbol like a W) 850 (symbol) F 103 930 (symbol)"
which would lead me to believe that it is from an 850. There are also a few minor differences in the frame, mainly it seems like the front fork on the 750 has one small block (a stop?) welded in the center while the 850 frame has two (one on each side). The 750 frame also appears to bend up at the back behind where the seat goes whereas the 850 is straight.
These appear to be minor differences, but I figure you guys know best. I would hate to get 75% through and then find out that a minor design difference in the two frames prevents my project from going forward.
So here are my questions:
1) Do I continue to proceed as originally planned and start with a freshly powdercoated frame (albeit an 850) and transfer all parts over to it?
2) If I do this what about the ID plate? Should I drill it and move it over to the new bike?
3) Do I have the old "chopped" frame fixed and base the project on that? Is it worth the time and trouble? Will it ever be safe?
4) Do I go with option 1 and located another Norton (or similar) engine and make a chopper out of the old frame? (Hey - when life give you lemons...)
5) Do I sell the 850 frame and get a 750 frame?
6) Do I try and find an 850 engine?
Sorry this post is so long but I know I am talking to guys (and gals) who not only love these bikes but have a practical knowledge about them so that I can get real world advice.
ANY help would be appreciated, and feel free to email me privately for more info or whatever.
Thanks a bunch!!!