Happy Days.......Well I can finally amend my signature file as I have finally managed to get the final components including the crankcases, crank and con rods (that are the final bits of my entire Nigerian suitcase Commando ) back to Britain.
It has taken a bit longer to get it all over due to work in other regions, and the unexpected issues with trying to get the cylinder head off, but that has all been part of the experience and story.
I was absolutely elated when on checking the weight of the bottom end and bag, the whole lot just sneaked in under the BA allowed weight of 23kg. Its amazing how with Commando ownership sometimes it is the little things that make your day.
On checkin, the guys doing the fingertip suitcase search in Lagos airport got ever so excited over the contents, and involved the drug agents, customs, and BA personnel. Anyway they all seemed to feel that having used engine parts was not allowed as baggage but no one could actually confirm why. So after animated discussions and checking of various customs manuals, I was boarded, suitcases and all and I cant believe it is entirely now back home.
The cost to me to fly the whole machine over to Britain has been 32UK Pounds for excess baggage ( which is 32 Pounds over my budget to get it back). But hey I am sure that is going to be a drop in the ocean compared to what I have costed the full build to be.
In terms of the pleasure, entertainment, frustration bordering on pure unadulterated hatred, highs and lows, my suitcase Norton has been a priceless experience so far.
I am normally very laid back but have surprised myself that I could love and hate it in such equal measure.....Is this also a factor of Commando ownership? If so not one of you guys told me about that. Sometimes the frustrations this bike has thrown at me I just would never have been able to make up, and unbelievably have left me stressed for days. How many Commando restorers have Post Traumatic Stress due to a Commando restoration?.... or is no one admitting??
I have received the re-polished items from S and T electroplate in Bristol, and I am totally disappointed with the quality of work. Allowing for the fact that the original job was months late and poorly done, one would have thought that having sent the items back to the MD that he would have ensured the work was carried out properly. However this is not the case.
The foot brake lever they have replaced has chrome missing off it and the polishing they have attempted to do is totally unacceptable.
The Z plates are only partially polished despite me insisting on all areas of the plates being polished and the plates still have Nigerian dirt on them despite their polishing. This is getting an elephant in the room for me and I will have to get the work redone somewhere else, or maybe do it myself.
I am now sorting all components for spraying and have the following questions:
Can anyone identify the colour code Norton Red? My bike is a post office red colour with black decals. Also has anyone identified the colour silver used for the yokes (fork trees I think is US speak).
I am back to work away in 2 weeks time, and hoping to have all components resprayed and ready to commence assembly with my Lad when I return home in February 2012. After my snow issues here at home last year for my Christmas R and R I will be in no hurry to repeat the experiencethis Christmas, so will stay in warmer climes.
