'74 Norton Commando build (restomod)

Jae · 10:11 AM

Picked up another project last weekend.

As with my ongoing Triumph build, there will be an ongoing build album here: https://imgur.com/a/0QA2lSC

Pics I received from the seller:

The story I got is that the guy I'm buying it from was likely the 2nd owner, and bike's been sitting for about 10 years. He said he bought it somewhere around 1980 (issue date on the title is May '82) and rode it until he started having an issue with the brakes. Said he started tearing into it to find pitting (either in the master cylinder or caliper piston, couldn't tell which from what he was saying) and ended up losing interest after not being able to find parts at the time.

Jae · 11-13-2019, 10:22 AM

I brought it home on Saturday and started making a list...

Someone put a really weird paint job on it at one point...

...and the list. This doesn't even start getting into cosmetics, this is just what it likely needs to get it running and operating somewhat safely. Not on the list at the time of the picture is cush drive bushings.

Some of the imperfections on the bike that will need to be addressed:

Gouging on the primary cover from the bent brake pedal and foot peg

I think all the isolastic bushings need to be replaced. The outer parts are all dry rotted and falling apart

Both petcocks have the lever broken off

Chrome plating on the front rotor is shot

The headlight ears and handlebars are tweaked. The headlight mounting ears are sheet metal that was welded to the fork legs before chroming, so not sure if it's something that I can even repair without needing a re-chrome

Pretty significant crease in the back of the front fender. Might be able to get this sorted out well enough if I can get ahold of an english wheel.

Little better shot of the paint damage on the tank

But at least the bike is "numbers matching"

Jae · 11-13-2019, 10:24 AM

Only thing I've really done, as far as starting to tear into the bike, is to swap out the handlebars with a set of clubmans I've had sitting around. For comfort, I think I'm going to like them in this orientation. You can also see where I started removing some of the loose paint to see what the metal looks like underneath.

cbrfxr67 · 11-13-2019, 11:00 AM

awesome! These are my favorite threads

TomballD · 11-13-2019, 12:23 PM

I'm guessing no, but does it run ?

Jae · 11-13-2019, 01:47 PM

not at the moment. "running when parked" (aren't they all?) due to a brake issue, but he did at least drain the gas tank and carbs, and the slides and ticklers all move freely, so I'm really hoping that's a good indication that the carbs aren't gummed up.

TomballD · 11-14-2019, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jae

not at the moment. "running when parked" (aren't they all?) due to a brake issue, but he did at least drain the gas tank and carbs, and the slides and ticklers all move freely, so I'm really hoping that's a good indication that the carbs aren't gummed up.

Thats some serious wishful thinking

Jae · 11-14-2019, 02:17 PM

we'll see. next step is going to be pulling them and checking the bowls and such. probably a trip thru the ultrasonic cleaner just to be safe.

I still need to order petcocks and fuel line before I'm anywhere near ready to run it, but I can probably at least see if it will fire off starting fluid.

guess I should probably check the points before I try and kick it over as well. always something new to learn...

Jae · 11-18-2019, 11:35 AM

as for those carbs...

they aren't easy to get off.

hopeful after the first one came out clean

overall, about the cleanest set of carbs I've ever pulled off a bike

cbrfxr67 · 11-19-2019, 11:28 AM

i thought like tomballD said,... yea right, but those look great! Awesome that they aren't full of crud. Winning

TomballD · 11-19-2019, 11:55 AM

For real, never seen a carb that clean after sitting!

Now on to the point gap adjustment and fire it up!

Jae · 12-10-2019, 10:44 AM

finally getting parts in to get the carbs back together... the plastic float bowl plugs disintegrated when I tried to remove them, so I got some brass plugs to replace them. I also don't know that there was anything wrong with the floats, but figured I'd go ahead and put in some new floats/needles that are supposed to be ethanol safe.

Ran both carbs through the ultrasonic cleaner, then pulled each screw and jet to blow everything out with compressed air, and install new o-rings before reassembly.

This build is going slow, both because ordered parts take so long to get here, but with gift-giving season upon us, I've got limited money to throw at parts. Hopefully the gas line that was on it will hold up long enough to see if I can get it running.

Rod · 12-10-2019, 11:35 AM

Jay,
First of all, what a nice find, and I'm really jealous

Now, I've been wanted to buy one of those ultrasonic cleaner myself but could you please let me know what size and brand you recommend?
Thanks in advance,
Rod

Jae · 12-10-2019, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rod

Jay,
First of all, what a nice find, and I'm really jealous

Now, I've been wanted to buy one of those ultrasonic cleaner myself but could you please let me know what size and brand you recommend?
Thanks in advance,
Rod

Hard to say... I've only used one, and it's one of those 2.5L units from HF.
https://www.harborfreight.com/25-lit...ner-63256.html

It works well enough for small stuff, but even these carb bodies had to be run through in two passes as it's not quite big enough to fully submerge the body. (my fluid level is also getting a little low) I think I'd probably go closer to 5L capacity if possible when this one dies and I need a replacement.

Jae · 12-10-2019, 02:39 PM

I'd probably go for something like this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HRDLTRW

cbrfxr67 · 12-11-2019, 08:21 AM

nice update,.... really enjoy reading your progress

loosenoose · 12-11-2019, 01:33 PM

awesome project! i love all the old turds that make it to this section of the forum

i cant wait to see how this turns out. those carbs looked like a dream inside, but a nightmare to get off.

11-13-2019, 10:08 AM	#1
Jae Kilted Basterd Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cypress Feedback Rating: (9) Posts: 5,361 Experience: 10+ years Bike(s): '06 Triumph Sprint ST '74 Norton Commando several Hyosung mutts '08 GSX-R 600	'74 Norton Commando build (restomod) Picked up another project last weekend. As with my ongoing Triumph build, there will be an ongoing build album here: https://imgur.com/a/0QA2lSC Pics I received from the seller: The story I got is that the guy I'm buying it from was likely the 2nd owner, and bike's been sitting for about 10 years. He said he bought it somewhere around 1980 (issue date on the title is May '82) and rode it until he started having an issue with the brakes. Said he started tearing into it to find pitting (either in the master cylinder or caliper piston, couldn't tell which from what he was saying) and ended up losing interest after not being able to find parts at the time.
	__________________ Keeping the "F-U" in "fun" Last edited by Jae; 11-13-2019 at 10:11 AM.

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11-13-2019, 10:22 AM	#2
Jae Kilted Basterd Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cypress Feedback Rating: (9) Posts: 5,361 Experience: 10+ years Bike(s): '06 Triumph Sprint ST '74 Norton Commando several Hyosung mutts '08 GSX-R 600	I brought it home on Saturday and started making a list... Someone put a really weird paint job on it at one point... ...and the list. This doesn't even start getting into cosmetics, this is just what it likely needs to get it running and operating somewhat safely. Not on the list at the time of the picture is cush drive bushings. Some of the imperfections on the bike that will need to be addressed: Gouging on the primary cover from the bent brake pedal and foot peg I think all the isolastic bushings need to be replaced. The outer parts are all dry rotted and falling apart Both petcocks have the lever broken off Chrome plating on the front rotor is shot The headlight ears and handlebars are tweaked. The headlight mounting ears are sheet metal that was welded to the fork legs before chroming, so not sure if it's something that I can even repair without needing a re-chrome Pretty significant crease in the back of the front fender. Might be able to get this sorted out well enough if I can get ahold of an english wheel. Little better shot of the paint damage on the tank But at least the bike is "numbers matching"
	__________________ Keeping the "F-U" in "fun"

11-13-2019, 10:24 AM	#3
Jae Kilted Basterd Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cypress Feedback Rating: (9) Posts: 5,361 Experience: 10+ years Bike(s): '06 Triumph Sprint ST '74 Norton Commando several Hyosung mutts '08 GSX-R 600	Only thing I've really done, as far as starting to tear into the bike, is to swap out the handlebars with a set of clubmans I've had sitting around. For comfort, I think I'm going to like them in this orientation. You can also see where I started removing some of the loose paint to see what the metal looks like underneath.
	__________________ Keeping the "F-U" in "fun"

11-13-2019, 12:23 PM	#5
TomballD Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Tomball Feedback Rating: (5) Posts: 9,678 Experience: 10+ years Bike(s): DR350 XR50 TDub-200 XR100-Tarded 1981 XR80	I'm guessing no, but does it run ?
	__________________ Danny

11-13-2019, 11:00 AM	#4
cbrfxr67 needs more projects Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Houston Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 212 Experience: 10+ years Bike(s): grom clone -daily r1 project gs500(r) :P	awesome! These are my favorite threads

11-13-2019, 01:47 PM	#6
Jae Kilted Basterd Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cypress Feedback Rating: (9) Posts: 5,361 Experience: 10+ years Bike(s): '06 Triumph Sprint ST '74 Norton Commando several Hyosung mutts '08 GSX-R 600	not at the moment. "running when parked" (aren't they all?) due to a brake issue, but he did at least drain the gas tank and carbs, and the slides and ticklers all move freely, so I'm really hoping that's a good indication that the carbs aren't gummed up.
	__________________ Keeping the "F-U" in "fun"

11-14-2019, 02:17 PM	#8
Jae Kilted Basterd Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cypress Feedback Rating: (9) Posts: 5,361 Experience: 10+ years Bike(s): '06 Triumph Sprint ST '74 Norton Commando several Hyosung mutts '08 GSX-R 600	we'll see. next step is going to be pulling them and checking the bowls and such. probably a trip thru the ultrasonic cleaner just to be safe. I still need to order petcocks and fuel line before I'm anywhere near ready to run it, but I can probably at least see if it will fire off starting fluid. guess I should probably check the points before I try and kick it over as well. always something new to learn...
	__________________ Keeping the "F-U" in "fun"

11-18-2019, 11:35 AM	#9
Jae Kilted Basterd Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cypress Feedback Rating: (9) Posts: 5,361 Experience: 10+ years Bike(s): '06 Triumph Sprint ST '74 Norton Commando several Hyosung mutts '08 GSX-R 600	as for those carbs... they aren't easy to get off. hopeful after the first one came out clean overall, about the cleanest set of carbs I've ever pulled off a bike
	__________________ Keeping the "F-U" in "fun"

11-19-2019, 11:28 AM	#10
cbrfxr67 needs more projects Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Houston Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 212 Experience: 10+ years Bike(s): grom clone -daily r1 project gs500(r) :P	i thought like tomballD said,... yea right, but those look great! Awesome that they aren't full of crud. Winning

11-19-2019, 11:55 AM	#11
TomballD Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Tomball Feedback Rating: (5) Posts: 9,678 Experience: 10+ years Bike(s): DR350 XR50 TDub-200 XR100-Tarded 1981 XR80	For real, never seen a carb that clean after sitting! Now on to the point gap adjustment and fire it up!
	__________________ Danny

12-10-2019, 10:44 AM	#12
Jae Kilted Basterd Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cypress Feedback Rating: (9) Posts: 5,361 Experience: 10+ years Bike(s): '06 Triumph Sprint ST '74 Norton Commando several Hyosung mutts '08 GSX-R 600	finally getting parts in to get the carbs back together... the plastic float bowl plugs disintegrated when I tried to remove them, so I got some brass plugs to replace them. I also don't know that there was anything wrong with the floats, but figured I'd go ahead and put in some new floats/needles that are supposed to be ethanol safe. Ran both carbs through the ultrasonic cleaner, then pulled each screw and jet to blow everything out with compressed air, and install new o-rings before reassembly. This build is going slow, both because ordered parts take so long to get here, but with gift-giving season upon us, I've got limited money to throw at parts. Hopefully the gas line that was on it will hold up long enough to see if I can get it running.
	__________________ Keeping the "F-U" in "fun"

12-10-2019, 11:35 AM	#13
Rod Near Miss Racing Team #96 Join Date: May 2013 Location: Houston, TX Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 2,284 Experience: 10+ years Trackdays: 10+ Bike(s): R3 2015 TS185 74 EX250R 2010 "A" race bike EX250R 2008 "B" race bike 150cc Rocketta Scooter "the "	Jay, First of all, what a nice find, and I'm really jealous Now, I've been wanted to buy one of those ultrasonic cleaner myself but could you please let me know what size and brand you recommend? Thanks in advance, Rod
	__________________ CMRA#672

12-10-2019, 02:39 PM	#15
Jae Kilted Basterd Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cypress Feedback Rating: (9) Posts: 5,361 Experience: 10+ years Bike(s): '06 Triumph Sprint ST '74 Norton Commando several Hyosung mutts '08 GSX-R 600	I'd probably go for something like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HRDLTRW
	__________________ Keeping the "F-U" in "fun"

12-11-2019, 08:21 AM	#16
cbrfxr67 needs more projects Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Houston Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 212 Experience: 10+ years Bike(s): grom clone -daily r1 project gs500(r) :P	nice update,.... really enjoy reading your progress

12-11-2019, 01:33 PM	#17
loosenoose veteran novice Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: montgomery Feedback Rating: (2) Posts: 4,648 Experience: 10+ years Bike(s): a lot of sv's and a little 'bout love	awesome project! i love all the old turds that make it to this section of the forum i cant wait to see how this turns out. those carbs looked like a dream inside, but a nightmare to get off.