How to repair

The po of my bike was trying to fit a Harly front end on it. I have sourced most of the correct Norton parts but have discovered that he remove about the lower 1/2" of the vertical tab on the headstock that keeps the forks from turning too far. The ears on the forks now don't catch and it swings too far. Any ideas on how to repair this will be appreciated. I don't have any welding equiptment myself but there are several shops nearby. Is there a prefered method? Will excess heat affect the brazed lugs?

You have to weld on the headstock with the steering bearings removed.

Probably the best thing is to take the bike and a bike lift to the welders, remove the forks, tap out the bearings, weld it up, then re-assemble after it cools and you touch up with Rust-O-Leum glossy black.

Take the frame and front end over to a welding shop. Most folks would see this as pretty easy. I have fixed ones in the past by welding a nut on each side so that I could use a bolt as an adjustment but this is a bit more complex. The featherbeds used a bolt on stop and this is also an option.

Thanks for the replies. The frame is being stripped for sandblasting. Haven't decided yet whether its going to be paint or powdercoat. Will take it in to get it welded before its blasted.

Hi htown16,

The best welding process to use, for minimal distortion would be the Tig (GTAW) welding process.

Brewer.

Htown,

You said "brazed lugs"...is this not a Commando? The most recent brazed lug Norton frame was a 1958 Norton single or maybe up to 1960 Nomad.

Regards,

David

I would leave the steering head bearings in and replace after welding. The welding will distort the bearing housings, the bearings will help keep them round.

I'd also leave the head bearings in. After welding have him put a bead on each race and they will fall right out with an easy tap when cool.