72 Commando basket case

The bike has been in pieces for 45 years. 19k on the odometer that still works. What does the head need? Valves and seats?

Your name sounds familiar...

Hard to tell with so little information, no history, and no photos.

19K miles with a fastidious owner who performed regular maintenance "by the book", and never abused the bike is one extreme. It might not need more than rings, seals, and the odd bearing or bushing, plus replace rubber parts and tires, maybe replate some fasteners, and thoroughly flush the forks, engine and transmission. WHO KNOWS?

19K miles on a replacement speedometer and a previous owner that NEVER maintained the bike and thrashed it to within an inch of blowing it up every time he rode it is the other extreme. May need a full overhaul with all new bearings, bushings, crank journals turned down, all new fork stanchions and bushings, swingarm spindle tube pinned, new engine sprockets, all new clutch, new wiring harness... again, WHO KNOWS???

How about some photos, and as much more info as you can provide?

Thanx and welcome to the forum.

The fact that the bike is in pieces means you can easily take the head, cylinders, and crank to a machinist who regularly does motorcycle work (preferrably classic bikes), and they can tell you EXACTLY what it will need.

What is your level of mechanical ability?

What kind of tools, equipment, and facilities do you have, or have access to?

I know the previous owner. Maintenance was not a priority. He took apart the bike and then went into the Marines and stayed on the west coast when discharged. I just started to look for a machine shop but did not have much luck for British bikes. Lots of Harley's and rockets places.
I grew up in a garage starting with cleaning Dad's tools. Had muscle cars, Jap bikes and Harleys. The Brits have their own method to go fast.
The crank is good. Inside the engine is clean but the cylinders show signs of corrosion.
I can't find a reference to the steel used for the valves and seats. Unleaded fuel with ethanol is always a topic with old engines..
Thanks for your help.

I see you are in New England - British machinery pretty popular up that way - shouldn't be too hard to find some help close by. In the meantime you have lots of very experienced and knowledgeable folks on this site willing to help . Good luck and as grandpaul suggested , how about some pics ? It's all eye candy to us - even in boxes and crates - RT

I'd POSSIBLY trust the HD machinist before the crotchrocket guy. It's almost a certainty they've been around longer, and are more in tune with air-cooled stuff...

EITHER WAY, print out the engine spec sheets and carry them with you to the shop. (and don't let them bore the cylinders till you have the new pistons to hand over.) "Just in case"