One piece rocker spindle plate fitment

[Anvill]

Hi guys,

I ran into a fitment problem and was wondering if anyone else has too. I recently bought a set of rocker spindle covers from Commando Specialties, and they don't appear to be machined to properly fit. They have allowed for a return but they also swear that they've sold hundreds and I am the very first person to report a problem. Which just strikes me as curious as I have a stock machine running stock parts. I've attached photos showing the various sizes, it looks to me like they sized the rectangle width as the max dim but didn't consider the diagonal since its going in a round hole. Or are these covers meant to be installed with heat? I'm a little baffled. There are a couple other places I can purchases similar parts but if my machine is out of tolerance I certainly don't want to buy from someone else and run into the same issue.

Thanks,
Anthony

 

[L.A.B.]

Then all you really need to do is file/grind the corners of the tabs down until they fit.

 

[Anvill]

Yes, I hate to risk the gasket surface since it’d need to be filed flush, but it’s certainly an option.

 

[L.A.B.]

Yes, I hate to risk the gasket surface since it’d need to be filed flush, but it’s certainly an option.

The tabs only need to be of sufficient length to prevent the rocker spindles from rotating and careful filing preferably with a smooth/safe edge file (below) although not absolutely necessary if care is taken should correct that and another of those occasional fettling jobs we have to do from time to time in order to make new parts fit.

 

[baz]

As Lab says it's an easy job
Of course the real answer is to send them straight back
We put up with a lot of components that don't fit and in this respect we are our own worst enemy
Hopefully when you informed the seller they will rectify the problem
I'm betting if every part that didn't fit got sent back we would all benefit

 

[Brithit]

I installed a set on a '72. I think my issue was that one rocker shaft wasn't as flush as it should be. Could be just a machining error. It's been going leak free with the two piece plates for years. I also noticed the two tapped holes on that shaft were a little too close together. I chalk all of it up to the way things were back in the day. Took just a trace of material off of the plate holes to make it fit better with a Dremel and small stone. I didn't enlarge the whole, just barely made them a little oval. Very little. Finished off the job by adding a second gasket. Basically glued a thick and thin rocker plate gasket together with Three Bond, installed on a spare head, and let cure. Then I installed the new thick gasket with Hylomar on both sides. Totally leak free. I knew all four of my stainless plates were identical, but the one "hole" needed help. Man, just the tiniest leak on a rocker plate will oil things up in a hurry.

I realize this is a different problem than the first post describes, but maybe someone else has run across this.

 

[Anvill]

The tabs only need to be of sufficient length to prevent the rocker spindles from rotating and careful filing preferably with a smooth/safe edge file (below) although not absolutely necessary if care is taken should correct that and another of those occasional fettling jobs we have to do from time to time in order to make new parts fit.

Hah your message is received. To embrace the true Norton lifestyle I think I need to make myself a shirt that says “fettle to the metal”

It may be more bother to return than to just modify them. But it’s a bit disappointing for the price that they don’t fit better, especially as I can think of no practical reason to make the extrusion at such a tight tolerance to the spindle hole to begin with.

Anthony

 

[Tornado]

I believe I got my one piece rocker covers from EuroJumbalya and had no fitment issues. Also got some silicone reusable gaskets for these covers, as well as for the rocker covers.

 

[seattle##gs]

Though one piece plates are a better idea I've always used the stock two-piece. The locating tabs often times are too short or barely able to secure the spindle when the gasket is added so I usually take a small punch and push them out a little further.
Also, if the rectangle is such a close fit into the spindle... .025 ... then it's probably restricting the oil flow to the rockers.

 

[KiwiShane]

These fit nicely

https://nycnorton.com/product/rocker-spindle-plates/

 

[edgefinder]

Anvill,

You could do CS a favor, point out the tab fits a round hole and the drawing needs an update. Then I would fettle the metal.

 

[YING]

I am sure if you send Rachel at Commando Specialties your pictures,they will rectify the problem. I have always had good experiences dealing with them.
Mike

 

[eo1bart]

Then all you really need to do is file/grind the corners of the tabs down until they fit.

Yep, That's what I did. Not a big deal

 

[baz]

Yep, That's what I did. Not a big deal

I agree
It's not a big deal it's just a shame we have to do it

 

[Ron Hulton]

I went to this set up this year when i realized that the plate designed to hold the spindle from turning may be of no use if the spindle has not been fully seated . This is a kit from RGM PN # 067579M . Everything you need is in the kit .

 

[Anvill]

Anvill,

You could do CS a favor, point out the tab fits a round hole and the drawing needs an update. Then I would fettle the metal.

I did try that, they steadfastly deny any error exists, even after I pointed out the slot is too big to fit the gaskets they themselves supplied with the kit . Tough when folks refuse to listen. But anyhow yes I believe that will be my plan.

 

[Anvill]

Again that said, they were happy to take a return should I choose to do so. Can’t fault them that, but I do hope the next batch gets a tweak.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Again that said, they were happy to take a return should I choose to do so. Can’t fault them that, but I do hope the next batch gets a tweak.

Send ‘em back and buy from Kenny instead. His look nicer. And why not support those who take the time and effort to do it right ?

 

[concours]

I did try that, they steadfastly deny any error exists, even after I pointed out the slot is too big to fit the gaskets they themselves supplied with the kit . Tough when folks refuse to listen. But anyhow yes I believe that will be my plan.

I am familiar with this phenomenon.
(NOT with CS in my case.)

 

[marshg246]

I did try that, they steadfastly deny any error exists, even after I pointed out the slot is too big to fit the gaskets they themselves supplied with the kit . Tough when folks refuse to listen. But anyhow yes I believe that will be my plan.

Well, you win anyway. I'm looking for a set and won't look there.

The polished 2-piece stainless ones I was buying have a similar problem but at least they were cheap. The other two big names have them inscribed - not interested in paying high prices to advertise for others!

I have two one-piece polished aluminum ones I got in a batch of parts that have no problems but I have not been able to figure out who makes them.