johnny Lagdon
VIP MEMBER
I bought a new AN frame a few years ago. Was painted but not very "glamorously". Dull, fairly thinly applied and not very tough. Didn't worry me at the time, but perhaps should have repainted before installing...
Message I received from AN about frame shipping:
Hi,
These are not made by the original Company, they are made in
Staffordshire England, NOT Italy.
They are new, made under licence to Norton. They are Epoxy powder coated.
The last time we shipped a frame abroad was about 5 years ago and it cost
about £600 shipping then. I dread to think how much it is now since they have
to be despatched by courier and we only have one that deals with these.
Regards
Jan
Well, hook up with one of them to get a price from JRC and have shipped direct from them to you, so you dont pay 2x shipping?Yes, JRC engineering. They said they only do wholesale and referred me to two others who are basically one person shops with no inventory.
Yes, JRC engineering. They said they only do wholesale and referred me to two others who are basically one person shops with no inventory.
Yes, JRC engineering. They said they only do wholesale and referred me to two others who are basically one person shops with no inventory.
Is this Reynolds tubes?Message I received from AN about frame shipping:
Hi,
These are not made by the original Company, they are made in
Staffordshire England, NOT Italy.
They are new, made under licence to Norton. They are Epoxy powder coated.
The last time we shipped a frame abroad was about 5 years ago and it cost
about £600 shipping then. I dread to think how much it is now since they have
to be despatched by courier and we only have one that deals with these.
Regards
Jan
No.Is this Reynolds tubes?
I've decided to have my original numbers matching frame repaired. I've found three sources for repair, just need to decide who I think will do the best.Old Britts had a couple listed for 1500 USD when they started clearing inventory. I believe they are both gone. But even at 600 GBP for shipping and using 1.25 for conversion it is under 1800 USD. Which sounds like a lot until you consider that they are ready to start bolting things on.
If the old frame is repaired it still needs to be prepped and painted or powder coated. This is no small task and it isn't free. I'm not sure which direction I would go but of course I would also consider that Andover-Norton sells all the repair pieces individually. So if the idea of straightening the frame is not appealing, it could also be cut apart with new bits welded in. I've not priced out the entire list but one could buy every piece required and hire a good frame shop to weld it up. I'm sure there are people here capable of welding it themselves. I don't credit myself with that kind of skill. I do have friends who weld aircraft frames. So it's something to consider I guess.
https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-drawing/505/1971-on-commando-frame-repair-items
Additionally, I would wonder if A-N stocks these or whether they are welded up to order. If the latter, it might be possible to have custom modifications made to the order, such as a cross tube at the front of the frame for additional stiffness.
I've decided to have my original numbers matching frame repaired. I've found three sources for repair, just need to decide who I think will do the best.
Did you take Dr. John just the frame? Or did you take him the frame with motor/trans./rear wheel attached? He told me to bring it in with motor and rear wheel still attached, and then strip it down later for restoration. He did seem familiar with Nortons. He told me $500.00. Wasco wants me to Fedex the frame, engine cradle and swing arm. Both sound good, not sure which way to go. I would have to spend 1-2 nights in Anaheim if I go to Dr. John.Doctor John's in Anaheim straightened a couple of my spare frames. They were very familiar with Commandos (they are of an age) and charged me $400 each. Both had slightly tweaked rear loops and front down tube, which I think came from highway pegs incidents. Very happy with their service
Don't forget that the frame no is also stamped on the head stock tube.
ELLIS