US machine shop for head rebuild

Chasing down some compression issues I have discovered my valves are worn. I’m looking to get them reground or replaced as necessary, including checking/addressing the guides as needed + installing timeserts for the three studs due to some thread damage. I have a few questions I was hoping I could get some advice on:

If the guides are worn, is there general consensus on whether it’s best practice to get them sleeved vs replaced?

Other than what I mentioned above, is there any other work to the head I should consider or avoid for this go through?

And this is more of a long shot, but would anyone know of machine shops around Texas that they’d trust their Norton to? Or barring that, any general recommendations for someone stateside who can expertly do the work? I’m a bit reluctant to take it to someone lacking in specific experience with Commandos. I’ve seen a Norton specific head rebuild service offered on eBay (classic bike Experience in VT) but I don’t have any leads beyond that.

Thanks guys,
Anthony

Big D Cycle in Dallas

Hey Anthony, I have a rebuilt 750 head with new valves, guides, etc here in Austin. I’d want to get what I paid 750+ship. If interested, you can pm me your email and I will send pics.

Anthony, Where abouts in Texas do yo live?

Anvill said:

If the guides are worn, is there general consensus on whether it’s best practice to get them sleeved vs replaced?


Thanks guys,
Anthony

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Worn guides should be drifted out and replaced. Should the guide be leaking oil at the outer diameter, the guide bore should be reamed, or bored, and an oversize guide installed.

I second Big D Cycle in Dallas for competant machine shop work in Texas. The best is Jim Comstock in Pueblo CO if you can wait out his backlog.

Slick

I tried Preservation Cycle in Carrollton, but they didn't return my call. I contacted Classic Bike Experience via eBay and asked a couple of questions, but they didn't respond. I hope you have better luck!

htown16 said:

Anthony, Where abouts in Texas do yo live?

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I’m in the Austin area so Dallas is a bit of a trek, but but for the peace of mind I’d be willing to consider it, especially with several recommendations here.

texasSlick said:

Worn guides should be drifted out and replaced. Should the guide be leaking oil at the outer diameter, the guide bore should be reamed, or bored, and an oversize guide installed.

I second Big D Cycle in Dallas for competant machine shop work in Texas. The best is Jim Comstock in Pueblo CO if you can wait out his backlog.

Slick

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Thanks for the advice. I asked because Classic Bike Experience said they prefer to sleeve vs replace. Generally speaking I’d prefer to replace with new unless there’s a good reason not to. With any luck neither will be necessary

Anvill said:

Thanks for the advice. I asked because Classic Bike Experience said they prefer to sleeve vs replace. Generally speaking I’d prefer to replace with new unless there’s a good reason not to. With any luck neither will be necessary

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if it is a 750 DO NOT sleeve the guides as they are to thin and break. it is OK on 850 as the the guides are a larger OD.

also another option is leo goff at memphis motor works.

Well shoot, Big D said they’re too booked up to take on new work. Any chance anyone knows any other qualified folks? Texas is a big place but not a lot of Nortons here it seems.

Leo Goff, Memphis Motor Werks

guides should be machined out not drifted. When you drift a guide there is a high probability that the the bore in the head will enlarge.

Drifting a guide can work, but it is a dice roll at best.

Best

Thanks guys I’ll try Memphis Motor Werks.

Anthony