Vernier Type Isolastic System

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thunderbolt

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I am new to Commandos and have my first model - a 1974 MkII or MkIIA, I'm not sure. The VIN number is 315001 as is the engine and gearbox numbers.

I am doing a full restoration and want to fit the vernier isolastic system to my bike when I get to that stage. I am interested in the Mick Hemming's setup but have been told he has ceased trading.

Where can I obtain the Hemmings setup - does anyone else sell on his behalf?

Can I have suggestions as to the best isolastic system to replace my shim setup with please with contact details if that is possible.

I live in Australia so freight will be a consideration as well.

Opinions on the setups that Andover and Norvil sell would be appreciated as well please.

Thanks

Don

P.S. I want to do both back and front and the top mount as well if that is a good idea. And I do not want to have to modify the front engine mount in any way to make the rubbers fit.
 
Andover sells the MkIII setup, of course. Any Andover reseller should have them.
 
grandpaul said:
Andover sells the MkIII setup, of course. Any Andover reseller should have them.
Click to expand...

But exactly what parts do I need to order. Remember I am new to Commandos - explain slowly please. There are rubber bits, long bolts, washers, threaded sections, etc. What do I need?

Thanks

Don
 
If you are replacing the original bit-by-bit set up, you can re-use the through bolt & nuts, and the 2 sets of (different sized) iso tube end caps.
 
Note there are two different types of 'front' vernier kit.

One type uses the Mk3 parts which require the front Iso. tube to be shortened (or replaced with the Mk3 front mount) and there is a 'pre-Mk3 conversion kit' that fits the pre-Mk3 front Iso. without the need to shorten the tube.
 
Mick Hemmings is not in business any more? With his setup all you get is 2 adjusters which replace 2 parts, one on the front and one on the rear iso setup. It fits any Commando. As far as the head to frame there are options there. Lots of people seem to like the Dave Taylor setup. I made my own. As far as getting in touch with him you have to call or fax. http://www.norton.norvil.net/mickh.htm
 
I put the Dave Taylor head steady on with spring , at the start of this ride season , wish I had done that years ago .... really has smoothed the bike out over entire rev range .... while on center stand you can rev it now without bike going sideways .... many years ago I installed Norvil's Verier Iso replacement kit with no mods ( to front ) much better than what I had .... since then have heard there are others with softer rubbers .... for now I am happy with the few vibes I get on the road ...
Craig
 
DogT said:
Mick Hemmings is not in business any more?
Click to expand...

Yes, the shop has closed (but I don't think Mick has ceased trading completely).


http://www.nortonmotors.de/ANIL/News.htm

Vernier Type Isolastic System

06-7337

New from Andover Norton is a Vernier adjustable front Isolastic engine mount kit for all Pre-Mk3 Commandos, which is any Commando before 1975 which used shim Isolastic adjustment.

The new kit has modified width abutment and adjuster end parts to suit the unequal length front engine mount tube on pre-1975 Commandos, and gives the ease of adjustment which is only normally found on the Mk3.
This kit makes the setting and adjusting of the Isolastic clearances a much faster job.

To complete the Vernier upgrade, the rear Isolastic mount can be upgraded on all Commandos using the Mk3 Vernier Kit- part no. 06 .7117

The Standard Mk3 front Vernier kit is part no. 06.7116
Click to expand...
 
If freight cost is a consideration, the Hemmings adjusters would be my first choice, they work very well on my Commando.
I was not aware that Mick Hemmings closed his business, it was always a pleasure to deal with Mick.
 
Mick Hemmings is still in business.
He moved a while ago and took the opportunity to lighten the load and streamline his business by selling a lot of his mainstream stock items back to Andover Norton.
He continues to make and sell his more speciality items.
His vernier isolastic kit is an example of something that you can still buy from him. I bought two sets from him a few months ago. The package was small and postage (to Canada) wasn't that big of a hit.
If you have done your research, you probably know that stock "soft" iso rubbers with Hemmings verniers is a nicer setup than the later stock verniers.

I think this link contains current contact info for Mick. They don't do email.
http://www.mickhemmings.com/


Stephen Hill
Victoria, BC
 
L.A.B. said:
DogT said:
Mick Hemmings is not in business any more?
Click to expand...

Yes, the shop has closed (but I don't think Mick has ceased trading completely).


http://www.nortonmotors.de/ANIL/News.htm

Vernier Type Isolastic System

06-7337

New from Andover Norton is a Vernier adjustable front Isolastic engine mount kit for all Pre-Mk3 Commandos, which is any Commando before 1975 which used shim Isolastic adjustment.

The new kit has modified width abutment and adjuster end parts to suit the unequal length front engine mount tube on pre-1975 Commandos, and gives the ease of adjustment which is only normally found on the Mk3.
This kit makes the setting and adjusting of the Isolastic clearances a much faster job.

To complete the Vernier upgrade, the rear Isolastic mount can be upgraded on all Commandos using the Mk3 Vernier Kit- part no. 06 .7117

The Standard Mk3 front Vernier kit is part no. 06.7116
Click to expand...
Click to expand...


i know, this is a little off topic here. but if you allow:

If this part is adjusted for less free play of the vernier isolastic and the nuts of the throug bolts are retorqued, arent the left and right frame tubes pulled together?
If there is not mutch wear, not problem, but if?
 
no750 said:
i know, this is a little off topic here. but if you allow:

If this part is adjusted for less free play of the vernier isolastic and the nuts of the throug bolts are retorqued, arent the left and right frame tubes pulled together?
Click to expand...

Yes, but it doesn't appear to cause any problems as the Mk3 Vernier adjusts the same way.
 
Even easier is to check out Road and Race Norton in Bridgewater, Victoria. They are Andover agents and I got mine within a week through Aust Post. If you phone him he has a lot more than available than just on his website.
 
no750 said:
If this part is adjusted for less free play of the vernier isolastic and the nuts of the throug bolts are retorqued, arent the left and right frame tubes pulled together?
Click to expand...


Like a rear axle, it's all tight, but the parts that are supposed to have movement can still move. The gapped spaces at the PTFEs do not diminish, and the frame doesn't flex perceptibly (nor does a swingarm).
 
grandpaul said:
no750 said:
If this part is adjusted for less free play of the vernier isolastic and the nuts of the throug bolts are retorqued, arent the left and right frame tubes pulled together?
Click to expand...

Like a rear axle, it's all tight, but the parts that are supposed to have movement can still move. The gapped spaces at the PTFEs do not diminish, and the frame doesn't flex perceptibly (nor does a swingarm).
Click to expand...

In fact no750 is right, the moment you adjust the vernier isolastics to close down the gap for required free play you equally pull together the frame tubes the same distance. Grand Pauls comparison of the rear axle set up with the isolastic set up is not correct in this perspective as the rear axle set up will not change where the vernier iso set up does change every time you adjust down the free play due to PTFE washer wear. Although it is minimal it will pull together your frame pipes unlike the pre MK3 shim-type isolastic set up.
 
nortonspeed said:
to close down the gap for required free play you equally pull together the frame tubes the same distance.

Although it is minimal it will pull together your frame pipes unlike the pre MK3 shim-type isolastic set up.
Click to expand...


However, I know I've had to spring the frame tubes apart slightly in order to fit a newly serviced Mk3 front vernier assembly, so the frame tubes can start off slightly wider apart to begin with, although as you say, the amount the tubes eventually pull in is minimal.
 
Thanks Guys for the various replies. I now have an understanding of the kits needed for front and rear engine mountings. Not cheap, but needs to be done.
Thanks again.

Don
 
I'm still using the shim set up original to my '72. The front Iso is pretty easy to adjust. The rear is a pain, but so is converting to vernier set up.
One issue that will remain with the vernier is the Iso cans are normally warped from original welding. That leaves the "gap" uneven around the circumference. It's British so take an average. :)
 
thunderbolt said:
Thanks Guys for the various replies. I now have an understanding of the kits needed for front and rear engine mountings. Not cheap, but needs to be done.
Thanks again.

Don
Click to expand...

If you think those are expensive in comparison to the rest of the restoration costs I suggest you give your bank account a hug now. It may be the last time you see it. :mrgreen:
 
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