Mark 1 restoration 1st post

Hi Everyone,

I have been lurking around this forum for ages, getting myself prepared to restore a 1970 Commando I got in 2004. I know it's a long time to wait!
I wasn't planning on getting any projects at the time, but my father and I were taken with the complete (but rough) one owner bike and all the NOS stuff that came with it. I thought the Purple paint was some 70's Easy Rider thing until I learned it was actually stock (thanks to you folks and your posts) Anyway, I am finally on the strip down and having huge issues removing the head. Finally got all 10 bolts out but it won't really move. I have studied the workshop manual and parts book, etc. This is different beast from the Triumph Twins I am more accustomed to. Any help is appreciated....I did go through the forum first but I am just missing something somewhere in the process.

8)

Thanks for having me!

Welcome to the forum!

Three nuts in the front, 2 on each side, one in the back from underneath (between the cylinders), and one on each side from underneath the cylinders in the front.

If they are all out/off, it's time to "persuade" it a bit with a hide or rubber mallet. Not too hard...

Jon Hardcastle said:

Finally got all 10 bolts out but it won't really move.

Click to expand...

If you are sure all the fasteners have been removed, place a wooden block against the inside upper edge of one exhaust port (as shown by the arrow) and strike the block sharply in an upwards direction with a hammer or mallet occasionally alternating between the left and right exhaust ports, although it may only take a few blows.



As it's a 750, once the cylinder joint has broken, I suggest you re-fit some of the head fasteners and use the same procedure to break the base gasket joint at the crankcase-thus avoiding the next headache which would be how to break the cylinder barrels free from the crankcase.

Thank you gentlemen for your help! I will see if that does the trick. GrandPaul, I recogognize you from the TriumphRat board, good to see you here.

L.A.B. That diagram is extremely helpful,

Cheers

Jon

Welcome aboard Jon,
You already know this is a fantastic place to be.
They're a different beast allright !
AC.

DONT Whack it on the FINS. At All .

Spaying CRC everywhere a few days or weeks ahead of spanners doesnt do any harm at all.
And saves blood .

MAKE SURE the rear under bolt is out . Please .Squirting that sh.t in all the bolt holes leats it seep into oxidised areas , looseining them .Even at the Head Gasket
(between Fins ) be patiant. They can take a bit to kick loose after being used to being there for a few decades .Walk AWAY OCCASIONALLY. Itll Come off .

The Subtle application of brute force , subtle being the operative . Jacks and pulley blocks have been resorted to at times . :lol:

DONT LEEVER BETWEEN THE FINS .

Screwing the Ex Nuts in firmly to secure a rope , and hanging the bike up by the head overnight or two . 8) Not to high though , though youd hear when it came free
if at hight .A bit of heeat applied ( Heat Cycle , hot cold hot etc . isnt entirely unusual either . Have a bucket or two of water handy in case it gets out of hand though)

Ugh, been through this more than once, so if plain beating around your head don't do it on a single session or two... find out why my Commando tool kit includes a good torch and back up fire extinguisher. Several hundred degree's oil smoking hot may be needed to ease your head. A heavy wood drift on hard spots and 3 lb sledge works a treat at times too. Btw just freeing from the barrel won't be the end the tough tasks to put the Al head in hands.