Finally finished!!! Well, almost... (Pic Heavy)

[monkeybuttpowder]

Now if British Only & I can figure out the sidestand issue I'll be all set.

What issue are you having? Inquiring minds want to know... I know that people seem to take the prop stands off because they are more of a hassle than anything else.

[Stripes]

What issue are you having? Inquiring minds want to know... I know that people seem to take the prop stands off because they are more of a hassle than anything else.

The current frame on my Norton doesn't have the sidestand tab on the side of the frame. My frame has a lug on the bottom of it that the sidestand fits on much like that of a Triumph Thruxton. Apparently the early '71's & older had the lug & the mid '71 models they changed to the tab on the side of the frame. They don't seem to be any stands available for the '70 & earlier frames so I need to try to figure out how to make the $186.00 one I already bought for a '71 frame work. Now the stand I have fits over the lug but w/ way to much slop. There is a metal bushing that slides in the mounting hole, but it just barely won't fit over the lug. Also the lug has a small theaded hole that a bolt & washer would go in to apparently keep the stand in place. If I had the tab on the side, the bushing goes in the hole, & then a bolt through the hole & tab & a nut on the other side that keeps it in place. I need to figure out how to open the bushing up a little so that it will slip over the lug. Then I can fit the stand over that & then figure out the size of the bolt. I've browsed the web trying to find a pre-1971 stand but have thus far been unsuccessful. If I can't get it to work British Only said I can return the parts that I've purchased or I can trade them for a bezel kit & glass for the tachometer & a new seat assembly or seat cover. I've attached some photos of what I'm talking about to hopefully better explain it. If anyone here has any ideas or suggestions, I'm all ears. Thanks in advance. Cheers

[monkeybuttpowder]

Good luck figuring that sidestand issue out. I wish I had some insight on it but I'm fresh out of ideas. Maybe that's why the shop you took it to decided against doing it. If & when you decide to have it repainted give me a shout, I know of a good painter located in downtown Jackson.

[Papa Lazarou]

There used to be an aftermarket side stand for the Commando-it just bolts around the frame with a clamp. I know that they were still being sold in the UK in the 1990s. I'll see if I can find one.

Not the one I was looking for-this is a replacement part. But it's a start.

http://www.burtonbikebits.net/Stands.htm

More:
http://www.oldbritts.com/13_065490.html

[Stripes]

There used to be an aftermarket side stand for the Commando-it just bolts around the frame with a clamp. I know that they were still being sold in the UK in the 1990s. I'll see if I can find one.

Not the one I was looking for-this is a replacement part. But it's a start.

http://www.burtonbikebits.net/Stands.htm

More:
http://www.oldbritts.com/13_065490.html

Thanks Papa! The sidestand in the 2nd link is the stand I currently have. If I can figure out how to open the bushing then it may just work. If not, I'll research more of the stands in your 1st link. Thanks again for your input. Cheers

[Papa Lazarou]

This is the type I was thinking of-and it's in the US.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Triumph-Norton-BSA-side-stand-kick-stand-chopper-1-1-8-clamp-on-frame-universal-/360509034763?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item53f003510b

[Stripes]

Hmmm... I will look into that later today. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to call them & ask some technical questions. Thanks again!

[Papa Lazarou]

Hmmm... I will look into that later today. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to call them & ask some technical questions. Thanks again!

They used to be made in the Uk. Still trying to find them. Mind you, they were too narrow for the Featherbed framed Dommies. Might be worth checking the diameter of this one.

How to fabricate a new lug and weld it on: http://www.oldbritts.com/38_200002.html

Of course, you are a member of the NOC? http://www.nortonownersclub.org/

[Stripes]

How to fabricate a new lug and weld it on: http://www.oldbritts.com/38_200002.html

That is one option that British Only & I looked at. The parts I have are made for that lug. That is the way I definitely want to go but unfortunately I have no machining, fabricating or welding skills nor do I know of anyone personally w/ said set of skills. I could take it to a shop here in town but I'm tired of spending all my cash in the safe on this bugger. I may break down & do it anyways!

Of course, you are a member of the NOC? http://www.nortonownersclub.org/

Of course!  I also belong to the Michigan Norton Owners Group too. I've been to a few meetings but most of the members are grumpy old dudes & act like I'm bothering them when I try to ask logistical &/or technical questions so I gave up trying. I still pay my yearly dues but I quit attending their functions.D-Mac & TheRedOnesAreFaster have been extremely helpful but have zero knowledge on old Brit bikes much like myself. We do a lot of head scratching, guessing & referencing the Norton Manuals! You on the other hand have been a great help!

[Stripes]

D-Mac has volunteered to weld the sidestand lug to my frame so now all I have to do is get the schematics & a chunk of steel to Stienke Fenton, my local fabricating shop, & I'll be in business! Thanks for the link Papa! You saved me some surfing.    The last time I was at BO they had a complete Norton "basket case" so when I go back to get my bezel kit, seat cover & sidestand parts back I think I may inquire about it. If it's the right price, it may just have to be the next project.

[D-Mac]

D-Mac has volunteered to weld the sidestand lug to my frame so now all I have to do is get the schematics & a chunk of steel to Stienke Fenton, my local fabricating shop, & I'll be in business! Thanks for the link Papa! You saved me some surfing.    The last time I was at BO they had a complete Norton "basket case" so when I go back to get my bezel kit, seat cover & sidestand parts back I think I may inquire about it. If it's the right price, it may just have to be the next project.

I just got some plans for the bracket in my email. The weld itself doesn't look hard at all, although the angle will be critical, and I'm not sure what access will be like with the engine in there (the link suggests that the mod is normally done during a complete rebuild - when the engine is out). If access is tight, or you want a really nice-looking weld, you might want to have Stieinke TIG it in place (heat control is better and tight spots can be much easier to reach with TIG). I'd be happy to take a look at it first though. My little MIG setup is certainly capable of good penetration. We'd need to dremel/wire wheel the area you want to weld, so you'll have to paint that area afterwards.

Looks like the bracket is only $23. Lot cheaper than having one made methinks.

[Stripes]

Yeah I'm going to check on purchasing one from Old Brits after the holiday. I'm not opposed to taking everything out of the frame to do the welding. I kind of want to take a look at things anyway. Plus I think it would be fun & a good learning experience. I can't/won't ride it on these current roads anyway. TheRedOnesAreSlower & I noticed a couple of nuts missing from some bolts on the inside of the frame near the rear of the motor. Something that CRY must not of had time to notice in over 12 months. Besides, that may be a good time to send the tank & side covers off to paint & clearcoat...

[monkeybuttpowder]

 

[Stripes]

I'll have to come down and check it out as soon as I can.  My semester is almost over!

So what did you think when you came down & checked it out?  

[Stripes]

I've given up trying to figure out the sidestand... BO said that I could bring it back & exchange it for other bits. I'll be swapping it for a new seat & bezel kit for the tachometer. I've decided to move forward w/ the re-painting, I'm going to talk to the MNOA peeps & see who they recommend for painting since I have no clue, my only struggle is I'm not sure whether or not to paint it the original black color w/ gold decals or the period correct yellow w/ black decals... I'm leaning towards the original '71 yellow w/ the black decals. The Aluminum Silver has got to go. I really liked it at first & it reminded me of my '03 Speed Triple & my '05 Sprint ST & the fenders on my '04 Thruxton but I just don't care for it as much as I thought I would on the Norton. I love the color, there's just something about it on the vintage machine that's bugging the shit out of me... maybe it's just the negative vibes I'm getting from the shitty paint job that CRY gave it. That's aboot it for now... Cheers

[veefer800canuck]

Why not get the same dude that did D-Mac's bike??? They did a great job!

[Stripes]

Why not get the same dude that did D-Mac's bike??? They did a great job!

They did do a fantastic job! For 2 grand they should've!    The people that did his paint job is pretty far from me & not very convenient. Also, I believe they only usually work on cars but made an exception for his wife since she's spent a lot of money there in the past year or two. But I may be wrong & will check w/ him. Great suggestion! Thanks!

[veefer800canuck]

Well, I can wholeheartedly recommend this guy:

http://meticulouspaint.com/

[monkeybuttpowder]

Nice!

[OU812]

Awesome job!

Now why is there a drain pan always under....