My first hot rod Norton

Yep! Killed 5 pigs and a coyote! Didn't see any big whitetail.. Oh yea, killed some brain cells lol
 
Here is todays project. Looked at machining a billet alternator bracket, no way! Went in the back room and found a inner primary with the flange broke off from a drive chain break, and cut it up! Blasted engine cases with walnut media, wash and blew clean installed main bearings. Also painted cases with self etching primer.
Can anyone suggest a reasonable price set of rear shocks. My requirements are that I can get a spring rating for 160 pound rider. Thanks

DSC05178.JPGDSC05179.JPG
 
Last edited:
Todays project. Assemble bottom end , did a final clearance ck on piston to head .045. Also primary valve / rocker arm geometry. As you can see on pics . I have a positive piston to cylinder height, to correct this I used a copper base gasket and a thick copper head gasket. Looking for 10.5:1 compression. Wasn't impressed with the Pliobond but after reading the forum reports on it I will use it on head gasket as well. Tomorrow I will retorque base bolts, just in case there was some compression of gasket and then assemble head!


My first hot rod Norton
 
I can sympathize. Pliobond is not fun to work with.

I'm interested in what you think about the MAP Cycle long rods and pistons once the motor fires up. Should be snappy. Although I guess you won't really know that much until you have weather you like to ride in. Winter is not my favorite time of year to ride where I'm living now. I've never been to PA, but it apparently gets really cold there.

The MAP pistons look to be the same height above the deck as the JSM Wiseco High CR pistons did on my older 750. Valve reliefs are cut different though.
 
Lot of work before riding time! Plus purchases, chain, rear tire, electronic tach, seat, paint, plus what else! Already over my wife's budget! LOL
 
Last two days projects- Put top end together, take it apart, put it together. Getting the valve geometry correct!?!?!? One member told me not to over think the operation, think of the engine akin to a lawn mower engine. LOL Finished one side of exhaust, I think it will be loud, could put short muffler on the straight area before shock. I'll see what the neighbors say! The rear tire it at a 3 inches of travel and I still have room so I think I'm safe. To protect me and bike from heat I will wrap it with ceramic wrap.(also hide the welds) Lot of stuff started and need to finish them up. Waiting for seat from AirTech 4-6 weeks on delivery. Need it to ck fit of exhaust and gas tank with seat.
Best wishes for the Holiday to everyone!


My first hot rod NortonMy first hot rod Norton
 
Some time soon I think I'll run out of parts to make LOL. So today I modified the belt guard and installed alternator. Also made rocker shaft covers, not as elegant as NYCN but a lot cheaper! Maybe some rainy day I'll make angle cuts on them.


My first hot rod NortonMy first hot rod NortonMy first hot rod NortonMy first hot rod Norton
 
Will there be any more to that primary cover setup? Will your ventilated stock primary fit on there?

Looking good.
 
None of the stock primary will work. Went from trying to keep it looking like a Norton, to naked racer! Weight being the first priority. Was going to make, and still might, the engine /gearbox cradle. I'm worried about flex with the aluminum. Till I use thick enough aluminum I don't know the weight saving is worth it. Looks like it's going to be a lot lower, original tires are 25.5 tall new 17 inch wheels and tires are 22.5. Gearing and suspension might be a bit tricky.
 
Mick Hemmings believed that an alloy cradle flexed too much.

When looking at the cradle, and imagining the forces acting on that swinging arm pivot point when cornering etc. I concluded he might just be right.
 
New rear tire came today So while rubber off wheel I decided to strip black paint. could someone tell me again why we do this to ourselves? What a miserable job. Half today half tomorrow. Got small stainless wire brushes at local weld shop, they scratch paint but don't mark finish underneath. I have a little of the good stuff for the small nooks and crannies


My first hot rod NortonMy first hot rod Norton
 
New rear tire came today So while rubber off wheel I decided to strip black paint. could someone tell me again why we do this to ourselves? What a miserable job. Half today half tomorrow. Got small stainless wire brushes at local weld shop, they scratch paint but don't mark finish underneath. I have a little of the good stuff for the small nooks and crannies


View attachment 102373View attachment 102375
could someone tell me again why we do this to ourselves?


View attachment 102373View attachment 102375
It’s a Zen thing Gene - like beating yourself with a hammer because it feels good when you stop … aahh menn yo rhen gea kyo - ( feel free to correct my spelling.. )
 
It’s a Zen thing Gene - like beating yourself with a hammer because it feels good when you stop … aahh menn yo rhen gea kyo - ( feel free to correct my spelling.. )
Your spelling is so far off that my Japanese wife hasn’t a clue what you’re on about Richard !
 
Yesterdays adventure was strengthen swing arm and final oil tank extension. Machined bungs also magnetic drain plug. Need to do some grinding on swing arm. Then disassemble project power wash inside of frame. Weld on extension and fill bung then power again. Any suggestions how to really clean after welding (acid wash) is appreciated. Sorry for fuzzy pic, something going on with camera!


DSC05258.JPGDSC05266.JPGDSC05269.JPG
 

Attachments

  • My first hot rod Norton
    DSC05259.JPG
    300.2 KB · Views: 119
Last edited:
Final assembly before Powder coat! Need to finish exhaust, weld on a couple tabs for break reservour and oil line. Do some grinding on welds, finish welding in oil tank. 520 sprocket, easy peays! Nothing says "sexy" like a gold link chain! LOL Waiting on seat and a gas tank that I can make fit! The list is getting shorter


My first hot rod NortonMy first hot rod NortonMy first hot rod NortonMy first hot rod NortonMy first hot rod Norton
 
Back
Top