WEEK 9 - SAVING RESTORATION - 1968 Norton Commando

[@melodicsenior]

I loved this Norton series as I grew up on Norton Commandos! Looking forward to commencement of this series, cheers and thanks.

[@MyRestoration1]

Started!

[@prigs750]

Am really enjoying the series. I also had a very early 68 Commando back in 1969. Mine was red with black seat. The biggest problem I had was keeping clutch cables in it. Loved to break them. I put a similar set of clubman bars on mine. It was my only means of transport and was very reliable and very fast.

[@bikeroadking]

Do you remember that chap who owned a Kawasaki 900 Ninja who fed us before we went for training? I think he inspired us to where we are today R. Your channel Rocks and get that LEKKER feeling when it's all completed to perfection. Good Hey 🙂

[@alanstockley391]

Just doing my own 850mk3, keep up the good work. 👍

[@MyRestoration1]

Thanks Alan, enjoy it!

[@dugwthree]

that's nice a friend had the correct measuring tools for the pistons. Also recommend to make sure the rings are not overly loose in the grooves.

[@MyRestoration1]

Thanks Indy, yes both are important. I’m nearly back on this bike after I complete the Guzzi

[@daveco1270]

Those rims cleaned up better than I thought they would. Impressive. This bike is going to be amazing when you're done. I like that you were watching Rick Beato as you worked. : )

[@MyRestoration1]

I’m very stoked about the rims. I think the patina will keep the restoration real. Let’s see when the tank etc goes on! 🙏

[@wrrr10g53]

I enjoy these vids very much, thank you! Are you sure the break lining is/was free of asbestos? I mean witnissing you vacuum cleaning the hub made my toes curl... It would therefore be good to know the 'vintage' of these old 2-leading shoe breaks!

[@patrickmathews1646]

I was missing the Norton updates.

[@MyRestoration1]

Ahh sorry Patrick! The VFR’s x 2 have been bigger jobs to finish then I realised. I want the Norton to blast my undivided attention as a restoration project. Not far now! 🙏

[@patrickmathews1646]

@@MyRestoration1 No worries! My first love has always been with Brit bikes.

[@ulrich.hoffmann]

Also use normal spokes . I had my wheels laced with stainless steel spokes and several spokes broke at the rear wheel because the early Commandos do not have cush drive rubbers a the later ones. I had my old spokes cleaned and zinc plated

[@craigkeller]

Stainless spokes will fracture if they’re not tightened properly. To loose and they will flex, work harden, then fracture.

[@BilgemasterBill]

Yikes! Those Amal Concentrics even have the VERY earliest model white plastic fuel cutoff needle, which were utterly craptastic and leak-prone. Even if you do resurrect those carbs, you would do well indeed to replace them with the brass viton-tipped upgrade needle for just a couple of quid. Replacing the floats with the new solid foam type ones probably wouldn't be the worst idea either, especially with the ethanol now found in fuels, even in the UK.

[@MyRestoration1]

Noted! 🙏

[@wrrr10g53]

Double that, also from personal experience!

[@The9meister]

Hello, do you have a ultrasonic cleaner, very good at cleaning parts, heat, degreaser, and vibration.

[@MyRestoration1]

Yes I do but don’t use it as often as I could. 👍

[@ulrich.hoffmann]

Take a close look at the pistons! They are known for cracking at the top. The crown is only fixed at the sides where the piston pin goes through .

[@MyRestoration1]

Will check thanks Ulrich my guardian 👍👍

[@johnanderson4903]

Yes. Those pistons are famous for the skirt coming off. Don't use them. Although two years latter this comment may be a bit late.

[@oompah_your_dupa]

What were you spraying on the rim before hitting it with the wire wheel? I have a Honda with rims that look similar but I know there’s decent chrome under the heavy surface rust.

[@MyRestoration1]

Gt85 lubricant 👍

[@geneahart5607]

Any progress on the Norton after this video?

[@MyRestoration1]

Guzzi client just driving out now!

[@MyRestoration1]

That means the Norton start again

[@briancritchley5295]

It amazes me how shabby it was. It must have been used as a bush basher until it died then left to rot...

[@MyRestoration1]

Crazy..if they only checked it’s provenance!

[@pdm2201]

Amazing to see all that dirt in the brake drum.

[@angecrocker2614]

😎 p̶r̶o̶m̶o̶s̶m̶

[@robpedder344]

I do hope you realise that brakes and clutch material from that era were generally made with asbestos

[@MyRestoration1]

It makes sense. I wasn’t aware so thank you 🙏

[@andrerodriguez7603]

A great product that I use on rusty chrome with great results is called “Quick-Glo”. You can see the guy who makes it on Jay Leno’s garage, Get Rid of Your Rust!

[@MyRestoration1]

Thanks Andre I’ll check it out 👍