New frames

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Thanks for all your replies, I appreciate and will use all the advice I have been given. I took a straight edge to the top tube and found that it is going off to the right about 1/4" when viewed from the seat. That makes sense as it would be easy to imagine knowing how the impact from the speeding car hit me.
 
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JamesP,

Don't want to see you misled by a bunch of positive recommendations without providing a counterpoint. I went looking for information like appears at this link here --> https://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185274 <-- .

I've never done business with Wasco, and many people say he is top-rate, but I'd look for some current positive references before sending him a frame -- if I was you.


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Thank you. I checked your link and will call him tomorrow.
 
I'm in central California. I see JRC Engineering in Perris, Ca. Yes insurance would pay for the frame if it comes down to that.

Bill Getty (JRC) is a distributor. If he can procure a new frame you will need to have a dealer order it for you. Bill may have a used frame as part of his personal stash, but I doubt it. About two years ago he sold 90% of his used stuff (two or three 40' containers worth).

Bill may also know of a frame straightening place.
 
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JamesP,

Don't want to see you misled by a bunch of positive recommendations without providing a counterpoint. I went looking for information like appears at this link here --> https://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185274 <-- .

I've never done business with Wasco, and many people say he is top-rate, but I'd look for some current positive references before sending him a frame -- if I was you.


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That thread was not very helpful. Seemed like everyone else could get ahold of Wasco except the one guy with the Indian frame. :rolleyes:

If you expect a turn around in a week look somewhere else. But good luck finding people who know their way around a Norton frame.

His shop is plum full of customer’s bikes and the bulk of his business is Harleys, one because there are so many of them and two, people do silly things to Harley frames. :eek:
 
There is an awful lot to be said about the peace of mind to be had from a new frame.

Sure frames can be repaired, just about any frame can be repaired if you’re desperate enough, a whole industry has grown around doing this, largely because for many old bikes new frames are not available.

A new frame from AN is A LOT cheaper than a good Manx rep or Seeley et al. I know you’re not looking for one of them, but it puts it into perspective.

If the pic on the AN website is correct, they appear to come painted.

If so, you can deduct the cost of repairs, blasting and painting from the cost of that new frame.

Then factor in that the $US buys you a lot of £GBP currently, and you would not pay 20% VAT.

All in all, what I’m saying is I would certainly not rule out a new frame if I were in your position.
 
That thread was not very helpful. Seemed like everyone else could get ahold of Wasco except the one guy with the Indian frame. :rolleyes:

If you expect a turn around in a week look somewhere else. But good luck finding people who know their way around a Norton frame.

His shop is plum full of customer’s bikes and the bulk of his business is Harleys, one because there are so many of them and two, people do silly things to Harley frames. :eek:


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Swooshdave,

Considerably more helpful than your comment in this thread asking why he would buy a frame from Norvil. As with your comment, sometimes you have to know to read between the lines.


According to your post it sounds like you've been there once, that there was possibly a large backlog of work, and a friend of yours shipped him a frame. Please remember to let us all know how and when Mike Ty gets his frame back.


Many of the positive posts on this board are about WASCO when the business was located in Seattle, and may reference services performed decades ago.


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JamesP,

I suggest you contact the NWNO group for additional feedback. Some of the membership resides in the Tacoma WA area, where WASCO is now located, and may be able to provide additional information.

Here's their website: https://northwestnortonowners.wildapricot.org/events






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Swooshdave,

Considerably more helpful than your comment in this thread asking why he would buy a frame from Norvil. As with your comment, sometimes you have to know to read between the lines.


According to your post it sounds like you've been there once, that there was possibly a large backlog of work, and a friend of yours shipped him a frame. Please remember to let us all know how and when Mike Ty gets his frame back.


Many of the positive posts on this board are about WASCO when the business was located in Seattle, and may reference services performed decades ago.


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JamesP,

I suggest you contact the NWNO group for additional feedback. Some of the membership resides in the Tacoma WA area, where WASCO is now located, and may be able to provide additional information.

Here's their website: https://northwestnortonowners.wildapricot.org/events






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Thank you.
 
JamesP,

You may have already realized, but swooshdave’s comment “Why would you buy from Norvil?” refers to the fact that many Norton owners refuse to deal with them based on negative past experiences.

Cheers,

cliffa.
 
JamesP,

You may have already realized, but swooshdave’s comment “Why would you buy from Norvil?” refers to the fact that many Norton owners refuse to deal with them based on negative past experiences.

Cheers,

cliffa.
ok, thanks. I hadn't realized that, but was wondering why. So far, I have had good communication with Andover. They even advised me to try to have my original frame repaired rather than buy a new one. I found that surprising, to say the least.
 
ok, thanks. I hadn't realized that, but was wondering why. So far, I have had good communication with Andover. They even advised me to try to have my original frame repaired rather than buy a new one. I found that surprising, to say the least.

As Norton aficionados they know that the original parts are always preferred and can increase the value of the bike. As soon as you start replacing major components the value can drop.
 
ok, thanks. I hadn't realized that, but was wondering why. So far, I have had good communication with Andover. They even advised me to try to have my original frame repaired rather than buy a new one. I found that surprising, to say the least.

Don’t take everything on this site for gospel. Some forum members are blowing smoke like a ‘56’ Rambler.
 
The frame is not made from anything exotic, its a common or garden mild steel and all welded with no brazed lugs. As long as you find someone used to dealing with a Commando and knows how to get it back into shape then stick with the original frame. AN do individual frame parts for the totally past it bits.
 
The frame is not made from anything exotic, its a common or garden mild steel and all welded with no brazed lugs. As long as you find someone used to dealing with a Commando and knows how to get it back into shape then stick with the original frame. AN do individual frame parts for the totally past it bits.
I spoke with Richard at Wasco today. He was positive about fixing it. I had also talked to Dr. John in Anaheim before who sounded good. Dr. John wanted frame with motor in it for straightening. Wasco just wants bare frame sent.
 
As Norton aficionados they know that the original parts are always preferred and can increase the value of the bike. As soon as you start replacing major components the value can drop.
I have to say I have never once done anything to my Norton to increase its value
The thought has never crossed my mind
 
Not true. By keeping it running you have increased its value. :D
Well that is sort of true
There are people out there especially on eBay that regularly break up perfectly good classic bikes
They are worth more in parts than complete it seems
 
I spoke with Richard at Wasco today. He was positive about fixing it. I had also talked to Dr. John in Anaheim before who sounded good. Dr. John wanted frame with motor in it for straightening. Wasco just wants bare frame sent.

That’s interesting. Considering that the engine and cradle are holding the swinging arm and wheel in place and are therefore crucial to alignment I’d have more confidence in the guy who said he wants the engine in. Presumably he’ll actually check that wheel alignment is all good.

With a bare frame, all that can be checked is the bare frame is correct to spec, any issues with isolastics, cradle, swing arm, etc can’t be checked.
 
That’s interesting. Considering that the engine and cradle are holding the swinging arm and wheel in place and are therefore crucial to alignment I’d have more confidence in the guy who said he wants the engine in. Presumably he’ll actually check that wheel alignment is all good.

With a bare frame, all that can be checked is the bare frame is correct to spec, any issues with isolastics, cradle, swing arm, etc can’t be checked.
I was thinking the same thing
The frame on its own can only really be checked from the headstock to the rear iso mount
Obviously the frame can be checked to the drawings for rake and engine mount dimensions etc
But with so many variables on a commando frame the minimum you would want to do is check the gearbox cradle and swing arm
When I checked my frame I did it with the crankcases /cradle/ swing arm fitted
 
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