Woohoo!!! -Got a Commando to restore

Anglophile · Apr 11, 2010

Damn, that didn't take long. I found a '71 Commando driving distance from my home. I can't wait to start sandblasting, painting, polishing, etc, etc, etc. I got a workshop manual to but I'm still gonna have a million questions for you all....Thanks in advance!

Norton-Villier · Apr 11, 2010

Isnt that a good feeling? I still remember that feeling when I got my first NORTON back in 1975 and I still have it. Have fun with it. Phil

DogT · Apr 11, 2010

WooHoo,
There are a few of us around here in the Mid-Atlantic. Good luck with it. Keep us posted.

Dave
69S

Danno · Apr 11, 2010

Another poor, neglected old nail gets a new life and a loving home. Warms the cockles of my heart!

grandpaul · Apr 11, 2010

Very nice "donor" bike, mostly there. Extra points if that's a steel tank (rare)...

swooshdave · Apr 11, 2010

Anglophile said:
Damn, that didn't take long. I found a '71 Commando driving distance from my home. I can't wait to start sandblasting, painting, polishing, etc, etc, etc. I got a workshop manual to but I'm still gonna have a million questions for you all....Thanks in advance!

Luckily folks here have a million answers. :mrgreen:

Hortons Norton · Apr 11, 2010

Looks like a nice one to start with, Welcome to the Norton family.

MarshalNorton · Apr 11, 2010

Looks like a 70-71 w/ later interstate tank.
Easy project.
Someone robbed the carbs and top head steady it looks like in the pic.
They are easy enough to come by.
Let the journey begin.
The yare a work in progress but very rewarding.
I started mine piece meal in 2004 and got serious in 2008.
She shows well rides nice and gets more attention than a trophy wife
Marshal

Anglophile · Apr 11, 2010

Thanks all

It is a steel tank but I'll probably go with the roadster tank down the road...we'll see.

There are other parts not in the pic. Nice pair of Amals, etc. It only seems to be missing the exhaust pipes. I even have the original Dunstall mufflers (I guess chroming them would be cost prohibitive compared to new Peashooters? (hmm, this maybe my first question!)

Thanks again,

Jeandr · Apr 11, 2010

Anglophile said:
Thanks all It is a steel tank but I'll probably go with the roadster tank down the road...we'll see.

There are other parts not in the pic. Nice pair of Amals, etc. It only seems to be missing the exhaust pipes. I even have the original Dunstall mufflers (I guess chroming them would be cost prohibitive compared to new Peashooters? (hmm, this maybe my first question!)

Thanks again,

Nice find, check Commando Specialties http://www.commandospecialties.com/ for exhaust pipes, they have them on e-bay too, but sometimes the prices go higher than the store.

Jean

swooshdave · Apr 11, 2010

Anglophile said:
Thanks all It is a steel tank but I'll probably go with the roadster tank down the road...we'll see.

There are other parts not in the pic. Nice pair of Amals, etc. It only seems to be missing the exhaust pipes. I even have the original Dunstall mufflers (I guess chroming them would be cost prohibitive compared to new Peashooters? (hmm, this maybe my first question!)

Thanks again,

Chrome shops won't touch old mufflers. New peashooters are relatively cheap and sound good.

BrianK · Apr 11, 2010

Nice score. Welcome!

Fullauto · Apr 11, 2010

Ditch the bars! The rest looks good.

rx7171 · Apr 11, 2010

Nice find.
You may have already noticed this board is great at nursing you through the tough parts, and there will be some.
But everything is doable on these bikes if you are willing to take the time and not get upset with the delays that come along with the quest.

Bob

possm · Apr 12, 2010

Good project bike andy plenty of help available here, from the pictures bike is a 1971 model haadlight brackets and centre stand identify tis to me but s/n are the only way to confirm good luck.
Al

Anglophile · Jun 22, 2010

Ahhh, progress:

pelican · Jun 22, 2010

lol :lol:

Coco · Jun 22, 2010

Fullauto said:
Ditch the bars! The rest looks good.

I concur.

Hobot · Jun 22, 2010

I wouldn't be so fast to toss those nice bars, if vanity is not the primary
goal but easy riding is.
Best bars I've had on my long suffering first Combat-Ms Peel,
were T140 bars.
I'm long lanky so could sit up puppy at desk comfy or
tuck head between risers hands at ear-eye level as low as any racer.
The wide and angled grips are what the dirt bike supermotards
enjoy for best control in corners.
Also allows standing full up right at any speed to cool off
or look over stuff or just show off.
This is handy feature on ravine climb outs - standing on pegs
with head light at chest level - grips about shoulder level
leverage.

It does have the IS tank to spend long time rolling and to knee
grip and out turn them wimpy Roadster no pilot support cafe bikes.

hobot

Anglophile · Jun 22, 2010

Yeah, I'm lovin' the steel Interstate tank. Hobot, you can have the old bars! I'm going with the UK style. I know not as comfortable but I'm willing to sacrifice a little for a bit more modern look:

Woohoo!!! -Got a Commando to restore

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