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NASAman · Feb 21, 2018

Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to introduce myself. I just picked up a 1974 Norton Roadster. It needs some work so you will be getting questions from me occasionally. I had a '72 Norton years ago and loved it. So my '74 will need both brakes overhauled, is missing the left side cover and the tank is badly rusted. Also it has a single carb, I'm not sure yet what it is but I will need to unstick the slide and get a new cable. The bike has been sitting in a garage since 2015 and needs some TLC. I am in Huntsville, AL if anyone is close by.

Craig · Feb 21, 2018

Welcome and good luck ... you have arrived at the right place ....
Craig

Mr. Rick · Feb 21, 2018

Congratulations, NASAman, on getting the best model !

And welcome to the forum!

frankdamp · Feb 22, 2018

Which NASA? I worked for a couple of different contractors at Langley between 1971 and 74. Came back to Boeing in August '74 and made it to retirement in '98, at age 58. I got fed up of all the travelling - over 400,000 frequent flier miles on 6 different airlines in the final 12 years, most of it to the Middle East.

The Buckeye Rider · Feb 22, 2018

NASAman said:
It needs some work so you will be getting questions from me occasionally.

Bring 'em on. You'll get more answers than you have questions.

JimC · Feb 22, 2018

I guess my advice would be not to underestimate the costs involved. Right off, you need to replace a side cover and gas tank. Conservatively, with finishing costs, you are looking at over $1,000. Probably closer to $2,000 if you can’t find some decent used items. DO NOT go for a glass tank. Quite easy to get rid of ten grand on theses project bikes, not counting the original cost of the bike. That’s doing most things yourself. Go for a few upgrades and you’ll see much more disappear. These project bikes are sometimes referred to as wallet vacuums. I’m not trying to dissuade you, just being realistic.

DogT · Feb 22, 2018

Yeah, I put about $8K in mine and I still have lots of stuff I could renew. Only thing I didn't do myself was the head work.

Rod R · Feb 23, 2018

Greetings NASAman. You'll like it here, there's no greater Commando resource, IMHO.
I'm a retired NASA contractor, MSFC, living quietly on Monte Sano. I'm surprised no one has asked to see pictures, so let me be the first.

(Edit: NASAman, I checked your profile, turns out we have eaten breakfast together quite a bit.)

frankdamp · Feb 23, 2018

Rod:

Since your "Monte Sano" has the two separate words, I assume you're not in the Washington town of Montesano.

Rod R · Feb 23, 2018

frankdamp, yes Sir, you are correct. I'm in the same city as NASAman, Monte Sano is the name of a mountain in the city limits. When I say mountain, don't think Colorado, think Alabama. ; )

Hobot · Feb 23, 2018

The hi end costs estimates excesses are mainly if going out side of Norton numbered parts book for race level and show queen upgrades with most equiste expensive finishing processing - not just to get back to reliable daily spunky useage. This forum is only about 20 yr old so mainly concerns new age expensive exciting stuff not the most global scope of what's generally done on remaining 90% not online here. If following elite's advice, which starts from new flywheel/crankshaft, 10 grand is only 1/3 the way into it.

Craig · Feb 23, 2018

Since your tank is rusty ( steel ) , I would refurbish and use it , find a used side panel .... some paint and you are on your way .... can spend as little or as much as you want , lots of options after all these years
Craig

Hobot · Feb 23, 2018

Use Devil's Lye chemically reacting with water to boil out rusted (not leaking) tank, swooshed around till rust dissolved. If so bad it leaks afterwards, plug forever with JBWeld. Phosphoric acid is only good to stabilize a patina of rust formation - after sanding for new rust preventing paint to stick. Lucked out not ethanol prone coating coming apart. Then can deal with the Commando Lava Lamp Dilemma, cost vs worth.
https://www.accessnorton.com/NortonCommando/lava-lamp-syndrome-ponder.15959/

JimC · Feb 24, 2018

If that tank is rusted so bad it leaks, do not attempt to use it. If leaking from rust the metal has become so thin that carrying the weight of gasoline, 6.3 lbs./gallon, is a dangerous, maybe deadly, proposition.

Deckard · Feb 25, 2018

Commando Specialities sells a repro left side cover if you can't find an OEM. They have an ebay store, my browser complains if I try to go directly to them.
If your tank is quite rusted internally, The Classic Bike Experience in VT has an electrolyte/ anode treatment to deal with the corrosion. I just sent my tank to be cleansed, the PO just sealed it to deal with the rust. Hopefully, I have enough metal left, the refinished exterior blue metalflake paint is quite impressive.

NASAman · Feb 25, 2018

frankdamp said:
Rod:

Since your "Monte Sano" has the two separate words, I assume you're not in the Washington town of Montesano.

NASAman · Feb 25, 2018

Hey Rod, Have not seen you around lately. The pancakes were great Saturday. We miss seeing you.

Hey FrankDamp, We are at MSFC in Huntsville, Alabama. I retired from NASA in 2007 and went to work for Jacobs. I plan to retire from them the end of the year so I can spend my time tinkering with motorcycles.

jug · Feb 25, 2018

G-day & welcome. There are guys hanging out here that have forgotten more about Commando's than most people would learn in a lifetime.
Enjoy your experience.
Jug

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