New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix up.

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twinfan

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As the title says, I just finally signed on here (been lurking for a few months now) but anyway. I came into 2 basket case Commandos and need some direction as to what makes the most sense. One is a 69 750 and the other is a 74? 850. I like the look of the drum front brake, and I know the frames are slightly different. These are basket cases, so I am not against making a "hybrid" with my favorite/best parts. And for what it's worth I think the 74 is an interstate with a metal (albeit rusty) tank and the 69 is a roadster with glass tank and side covers. Any big do's or don'ts are greatly appreciated, and I will post pics as soon as I can.
Thanks in advance, Josh Lukasik
 
Re: New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix

The '74 will go easier resto-wise but the '69 will be cooler so do them both up (do the '74 first while you chase-parts for the '69).
If you have been lurking then you know that the fiberglass tank will be a pain to run but I HAD to have the drum front-brake too so I went with a '71.

Unclviny
 
Re: New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix

Either one you choose, someone will snap the other one up in a New York second. I have always considered the '74 850 to be the most desirable Norton to own as a daily rider. It has all the best mechanical updates and still came with right-side shift.
 
Re: New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix

A big do is - get the factory manual and parts book (if you don't already have them). Makes life a whole lot easier when wrenching the bikes apart and figuring out what parts to order.

Micj
 
Re: New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix

I agree with unclviny, do them both, the second one could work out reasonably cheaply if you aren't in a hurry and are prepared to watch and wait for the appropriate parts to come up at the right price.
 
Re: New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix

dave M said:
I agree with unclviny, do them both, the second one could work out reasonably cheaply if you aren't in a hurry and are prepared to watch and wait for the appropriate parts to come up at the right price.
Click to expand...

you guys must think the poor guy is made of $ and has lots of free time - i think after the first he well may realize how much time and $ just one bike requires :shock:

you could part out one of them out, keep some spares, and sell the bits on ebay to help fund the rejuvenation.... our i'm sure paul will give you $350 for the extra :mrgreen:
 
Re: New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix

DANG! I sure wish I had $350 to play with...

Probably best for a budgeted builder to do one bike using all the best stuff, or stuff they consider best to thier taste, and sell the remainder to offset the cost.

If money is no object, there is no question: BUILD BOTH. Maybe one restoration and one custom?
 
Re: New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix

Here's the 74 with the 69 tank, seat and side covers, I have since taken off the highway guard and found the frame is bent where it was bolted on, the 69 is just a frame hanging in my garage at this point. [/img
New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix up.
 
Re: New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix

I would make the 850 your running bike, salvaging as many parts as possible from the 69.
You got a start on the project with what I see in your picture.
Ok, I will probably catch hell from some people here for having the audacity to talk about spending other people's money, but here goes.
Look to me like you are going to need around $3000 to get it running and the new parts you will need, and that is assuming that no engine work is needed.
That assumes no new valves, guides, springs, bored or honed, new pistons and rings, new main bearings, new cam, new timing chain, and all the labor
from a professional to do that kind of work.

You have the makings of a beautiful restoration, congratulations on an upcoming long and expensive journey if the goal is to end up with a good
looking, and good running Commando.
Best wishes with your new project!
 
Re: New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix

Doing the 69 would be a greater challenge with maybe twice the expence. Doing the 74(?) (you should post the first 3 or 4 numbers off the engines) will be a good challenge with the best chance of success. The 74 850 is very popular, great runner, ton of part available and is debated as the best of all Commando's. Doing both, of course , will be the greatest challenge.
Not knowing what resources you have or your knowledge level, it is difficult to give solid advice. Please tell us more of who you are, what you know, and what you have. Don't worry about being too wordy. Hobot is the contender for the crown.:p And as Swooshdave would say, "More Picts".
 
Re: New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix

There's no way I would recommission that engine without new main & rod bearings, all new valves & guides (with resurfaced & lapped head), new pistons & rings with at least a cylinder honing, and new primary & camchain.

While the engine is open, I would carefully inspect the cam & followers for clean wear, no flat spots, and no gouges. Also check the crank rod journals for excessive wear.

That just my Pennysworth.
 
Re: New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix

The cheapest route will be to sell both and buy a fully sorted runner.

I am a sucker for basket cases. I can't resist them, but I would always have been better off dollar wise passing them on to someone else. You will get upside down on a basket case in a hurry. It's like buying on the time payment plan with a high interest rate. But I still can't resist them. It's like seeing a lost dog on a rainy day. You just got to help it out!
 
Re: New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix

Wellcome twinfan I agree with grandpaul Do it right Do it once Dont forget to put a new layshaft bearing in the gearbox Do you know how many miles are on the 74 ? Was it ever dumped ? Is frame bent ? Phil
 
Re: New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix

I added a signature sou you can see some of where I am comming from as far as expierience, and here is a pic of my current ride and first project. The Jap answer to the Commando, my 75 xs650 [/img]
New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix up.
 
Re: New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix

I was following first page then left the thread, and skipping past inbetween
just jump in with what hit me putting myself in same delightful dilemma.

Fix the one easiest-fastest to get going not to miss out on the Commando
life anymore with the few weekend left here on the surface.

Then get back and tell us which you like the most someday with Two
Nice Commandos bragging rights.

Me would dive straight into the rough and ready handy dandy
spunky paired down quicker ligher responsive '69'r, but that's just me.

hobot
 
Re: New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix

What a problem? Depends on what you want. The 69 will be harder to find parts, but be lighter and nimbler if you reproduce the original tyres. The 74 will be easy to find parts and be heavier and easier on long trips.

If you need info on the 69, like parts and info, let me know, I may be able to help.

Dave
69S
 
Re: New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix

Nice paint on the XS!
 
Re: New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix

I don't think it's all that much HARDER to find parts for a '69, it's perhaps just a bit more EXPENSIVE!
 
Re: New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix

If you mix the front end to get a drum brake on the 74 frame, do not put the 69 triple trees on. Somewhere archived in this forum is a discussion about the difference in trail and the possible disasterous results. So 74 triple tess on the 69 if you need to, but 69 moved to the 74, NOT.

You could part out the bikes, but don't. If you need the money that badly, sell your body parts instead. Seriously, people talk about making money off basket cases by parting them out. That works as long as your labor is free. To get decent money out of them the parts still need to be carefully removed from the bike, cleaned, inspected and then you have to find a buyer for them. By the time you do all of that, the hardest part of the rebuild is done and the pleasure of seeing it go back together is never seen. Just my two cents worth.

I would not try to do a restoration on both at the same time...oops now that is four cents...

Russ
 
Re: New to the board, got two Commando's which should I fix

I concur with Russ. There is no money to be made parting out Commandos. They are a plenty and parts are still available new. I have done it on a sad condition Pre unit BSA and a 60% P11 basket case to cover other build expenses though. What ever you don't need after your build should move on to help someone else and offset your expenses. Just my 2c.
 
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