New frames

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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
 
jamesp said:
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
Click to expand...

Did you check with any of the US dealers to see if they had a frame?
 
Yes, JRC engineering. They said they only do wholesale and referred me to two others who are basically one person shops with no inventory.
 
jamesp said:
Yes, JRC engineering. They said they only do wholesale and referred me to two others who are basically one person shops with no inventory.
Click to expand...
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?
 
Just watch ebay for a while. I've bought ... and SOLD several on there over the years. There is a chance one may be bent; that is the chance you take. All mine bought and sold were good, straight, usable frames though. Cheers, Pat
 
jamesp said:
Yes, JRC engineering. They said they only do wholesale and referred me to two others who are basically one person shops with no inventory.
Click to expand...

I doubt that any shop is going to stock a new frame. I agree with gortnipper; contact one of the two shops and ask them to give you a price quote on a frame from JRC.
 
jamesp said:
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
Click to expand...
Is this Reynolds tubes?
 
Have you looked into shipping it yourself with DHL or somebody similar? I cannot believe it would cost £600 these days as there are so many companies vying for business.

Cheers,

cliffa.
 
If the worse came to the worse ref dimensions of parcel I would have the rear hoop cut off as it will reduce the size and can be welded back on easy enough without affecting any critical dimension. I had a T120R frame shipped for the US to UK airfreight, the rear sub frame is bolt on and made it easy and the price lower.
 
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.
 
rvich said:
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
Don't forget that the frame no is also stamped on the head stock tube.

ELLIS
 
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
 
Yorkie said:
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
Click to expand...
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.
 
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