Norton N15CS Hybrid restoration

...and before anyone comments smartly: the oil stain on the carpet was from way back when I forgot to drain the primary oil from my 880 before opening the primary case.
 
Pipes are modified and fit nicely. The two pipes have different angles from each other, so it was hard to match them up other than the view from above at the front end, and the view from the rear (also corresponding with the rear mounting point. It took two totally different cuts & angles of rotation for it all to work out correctly at the point where the pipes pass the sidecovers.

Norton N15CS Hybrid restoration


Norton N15CS Hybrid restoration


I'll have my painter grind down the welds nearly all the way, then file them finely, then sand to a smooth finish for the chrome. Should be virtually invisible. They'll be completely strong at the weld point, even after grinding smooth, as they are sleeved with an inner pipe that received a full bead across each joint.
 
I am restoring a 1966 Matchless G15CS. This blog has been of great interest to me considering the N15CS is virtually the same motorcycle. Back in November you posted a photo of assorted parts and frame which you had powdercoated. One part which I had never seen before then is the pan which goes under the seat. Is this the toolbox lid? I've attached a copy of it here. I did not know this part even existed since my bike was slightly chopped when I bought it. Can anyone help me to identify the number or name of this part or how to acquire one? Also,I am having trouble detaching the swingarm from the frame. How exactly is that done? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Norton N15CS Hybrid restoration
Norton N15CS Hybrid restoration
 
Welcome, "Rust"

The seat pan is a seat pan; foam above it, all wrapped in a vinyl cover. I'll see if my parts book lists the number.

By the way, I wouldn't mind having a better replacement foam if anyone has one in one piece!

To remove the swingarm, you must drift out the spindle without damaging it. I used a heavy bolt nearly the size of the spindle's diameter, and gave it a few smart whacks with a 5# sledge hammer. Once it broke free, I used an axle with a nut then a washer on the end and drove it the rest of the way out with a smaller hammer.
 
Correct, ludwig, except that this one was well and truly frozen in place.

Pelican, the two pipes have different bends to better follow the different lines on opposite sides, I suppose. i can't think of a reason why they couldn't have been bent to a symmetrical compromise...
 
Pipes are back from chrome prep, they look perfect!

Norton N15CS Hybrid restoration


Close-up of the cleaned up weld joints-

Norton N15CS Hybrid restoration
 
Gday Grandpaul,
not wanting to offend, BUT, if my chrome plater sent me back pipes with a finish like that (on the welds), I'd tell them to brace themselves as I would shove them where the sun dont shine!! :evil:
Just my personal opinion.
Foxy
 
Foxy, I took a set of P11 pipes, cut and re-fit them to clear the N15 sidecovers, then welded them up. I then took the pipes down to my painter to have him carefully crind and sand down the welds so that AFTER they get back from chrome (in about 2 weeks) they'll look seamless again.

...don't panic!
 
O.K. GP, I miss understood the Chrome prep. Look forward to the chrome finish then!
Foxy
 
britbike220 said:
Well, paul can't hold my breath forever.
Click to expand...

I would have been dead and buried years ago if i held my breath every time I outsourced stuff like chrome, mag rebuilds and wheel lacing.

"A man's got to know his limitations" (as 'Dirty Harry' would say). Those are a couple of my limitations, along with painting & powdercoat.
 
grandpaul said:
I would have been dead and buried years ago if i held my breath every time I outsourced stuff.

"A man's got to know his limitations" (as 'Dirty Harry' would say). Those are a couple of my limitations, along with painting & powdercoat.
Click to expand...


Heh, Heh, Heh, ain't that the truth
 
Pipes are back from chrome - perfect finish, you can't see where they were trimmed.

Norton N15CS Hybrid restoration


Carbs also got back from polishing - very shiny!

Norton N15CS Hybrid restoration
 
Ahhh, now the pipes look good! Mmmm cant believe for some one like you GrandPaul you dont own your own buff/polishing wheel! I love to make parts shine and this side of a restoration job is very satisfying (apart from the odd burn).
Foxy
 
I've done some polishing before, and I know that my time is much better spent doing other things.

If I was single with no kids and no desire to save up some money to go racing again, I'd be doing everything I could possibly do in my humble shop.
 
Engine mounts are back, it should all be downhill from here to the finish.

Norton N15CS Hybrid restoration


Norton N15CS Hybrid restoration


Thanx again, Jean!
 
Figured out how to sling the engine and manipulate it to insert the tranny mounts and tranny.

Norton N15CS Hybrid restoration


Primary system installed & shimmed out, alternator rotor installed, primary chain adjusted, clutch installed & adjusted, new gasket with a light smear of sealer, cover installed, all nipped up.

Hint: insert the main footpeg square-shanked bolt FIRST, and don't tighten ANYTHING till ALL the hardware is in place!

Norton N15CS Hybrid restoration


Still have some daylight, so what the heck - progress shots -

Norton N15CS Hybrid restoration


Norton N15CS Hybrid restoration


Correct wiring harness and new seat cover scheduled to be here tomorrow. It's finally starting to look like a bike...
 
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