Marks Norton Commando Rebuild

Brownymark · Jan 1, 2016

Been lurking in the background learning a lot from a very knowledgeable and friendly group for some time now. Finally decided to take the plunge and try and upload some images of my project which I repatriated to the UK a few months ago from a very helpful PO in Texas.

Roadrash · Jan 1, 2016

Re: New member

That should shine up nicely. Great find. You'll have to change out those American height handle bars to bring it back properly. If you got that from Texas it's lucky it hadn't been chopped, mostly Harley riders there.

grandpaul · Jan 1, 2016

Re: New member

Welcome, Mark.

What a great way to start the new year!

Whereabouts in Texas did the bike come from? (I'm in south Texas)

Brownymark · Jan 1, 2016

Re: New member

Hello Roadrash & grandpaul.
Bike was from Coldspring.
I quite like the highbars, I'm hoping when I get the bike going they will help my ageing back

lcrken · Jan 1, 2016

Re: New member

Great project bike. Also looks likely for a daily rider as is, if it runs well.

+1 for the higher bars for old guys with back issues. Much as I like them, I can no longer ride bikes with low bars or clip-ons more than a few miles at a time.

Ken

Brownymark · Jan 1, 2016

Re: New member

It has not run for more than 10 years, already stripped down and what I have found upto now has been unbelievably good. Some damage to engine casing and fins (already repaired) and a broken ring. Usual - according to this forum - suspect 1971 side stand bracket which I have already replaced. Currently petrol tank is in the process of electrolytic cleaning.

grandpaul · Jan 1, 2016

Re: New member

It would be nice to see pictures of the project as it goes along...

(keep it up)

concours · Jan 1, 2016

Re: New member

Welcome, Great looking complete project bike. Enjoy! :mrgreen:

Brownymark · Jan 1, 2016

Re: New member

Cheers guys , will post more pictures - a long way to go yet but enjoying immensely learning from and trying to apply your expertise!

texasSlick · Jan 1, 2016

Re: New member

Brownymark said:
Hello Roadrash & grandpaul.
Bike was from Coldspring.
I quite like the highbars, I'm hoping when I get the bike going they will help my ageing back

There is only one county between the one Coldsping is in, and mine .... it would be a nice ride.

Looks like a nice find. Your shop seems enviably spacious.

I have taken some flack for my high bars, but my back welcomes them.

Welcome to the Forum.

Slick

Craig · Jan 1, 2016

Re: New member

Welcome .... good luck with your nice bike .... what is that line about X's in Texas ... :?:
Craig

MS850 · Jan 1, 2016

Re: New member

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wow 6500 miles, is that original? or is the 106500, :roll:

cjandme · Jan 1, 2016

Re: New member

Welcome Brownymark, I'm originally from Houston, Texas but sadly I am not there now. This is a great forum with lots of experienced folks who will be glad to help with info and or a laugh or two along the way. I look forward to following along with your build thread. Cj

elefantrider · Jan 2, 2016

Re: New member

Welcome. Nice find. '71 is the best year, IMO. Texas has high humidity but much of the oxidation does polish out. I just bought a '71 from Texas also, has similar oxidation but cleaned up well. Looks like it might have been restored once before?

DevonNorton · Jan 2, 2016

Re: New member

Welcome Brownymark
A good looking start for your project. Hope the refurb goes according to plan.
I started my '72 Commando refurb just under a year ago and its been a frustrating and enjoyable experience in almost equal measure! :roll:
Lots of good and advice and quick responses on this forum as I'm sure you've observed.
IMHO it's also worth joining the UK Norton Owners Club - if you haven't already. Good for spares and local groups.
Plenty of good UK suppliers as well.
All the best on your journey(s)
Andy

ILLF8ED · Jan 2, 2016

Re: New member

Brownymark said:
Hello Roadrash & grandpaul.
Bike was from Coldspring.
I quite like the highbars, I'm hoping when I get the bike going they will help my ageing back

Good choice on the handlebars. The only weak part I can warn for the '71 is the way the side stand is attached. If it has not broken already, be careful of the weight you put on it. Nice color (see my avatar). When you get frustrated with the Commando get away and have a cup of tea (or a beer). Come back latter

Brownymark · Jan 3, 2016

Re: New member

Hello everyone and thank you very much for your welcome messages and support. I have joined the Norton Owners club and found them to be a great source for some of the special tools I have needed up to now, they also have good pricing and a great response time.

Regarding some of the comments on the bike, the side stand mount was indeed suspect:
Before:

After:

some before and afters of the casing and fin damage also:

Tank cleaning going well:

Made a longer anode

Some parts cleaned up ready for rebuild:

New bearings alongside old:

More to follow

elefantrider · Jan 3, 2016

Re: New member

Looking good. What media did you use to blast the aluminum clean?

Texture of the frame coating looks nice also. Powder or paint?

Brownymark · Jan 3, 2016

Re: New member

Aqua blasted aluminium, powder coated frame and other black/silver parts, very pleased with finish I went for more of a matt black as I thought that better matched the remaining original paint.

ashman · Jan 3, 2016

Re: New member

Looking great and welcome, I am not a big fan of powdercoating but everyone has their own ideas, its a nice project and keep up the good work.

Ashley