"Build Thread" for my 1974 850

[mean gene]

Isn't amazing what comes out of the front forks!! It stinks to say the least!

 

[grandpaul]

Isn't amazing what comes out of the front forks!! It stinks to say the least!

Doesn't stink quite as much as what usually comes out of the transmission!

 

[gatsby]

The steel slippers should already be attached to the shoes (check with a magnet or scrape off the paint) so the original slippers aren't used.

And so they are! Thanks again LAB!

 

[gatsby]

I fitted a new dummy short axel to mine a few weeks back , don't worry about that fit , it just sits in there and the bearing behind it I think which has a circlip , then brake backing plate spacer and the short brace to brake arm , axel screws in the back , apply brakes before final axel tightening . Check drawing anyway . Cheers .

I did try to drive home the bearing, but the dummy axle it stopping it from seating. So much so that there is about 1/4” above the circlip groove. I may have something wrong.

 

[L.A.B.]

I did try to drive home the bearing, but the dummy axle it stopping it from seating. So much so that there is about 1/4” above the circlip groove. I may have something wrong.

It looks like the dummy axle isn't far enough into the drum. Compare with the 4th picture, here:

Norton Companion

Of and for Norton Motorcycles

www.doov.com

 

[gatsby]

It looks like the dummy axle isn't far enough into the drum. Compare with the 4th picture, here:

Norton Companion

Of and for Norton Motorcycles

www.doov.com

I will have to give it another go

 

[gatsby]

In the meantime, I was able to get the swing arm mounted. Bushings have been submerged in oil for 7 years….well impregnated! I used some grease to keep the O- Rings in place.
New dust caps, rubber O-rings, and stainless steel rod and end caps from Eurotrash.

I masked too much area, so I will need to touch up with paint.

 

[gatsby]

Mystery solved on dummy axle. The new pretty stainless rear axle replacement kit purchased from the Bonneville shop incorporates a dummy axle that it too large. I have 2 stainless axles from the Bonneville Shop, and both measure too big. Original is now all cleaned up, and ready to go!

 

[gatsby]

I did some experimenting today with the original Lucas wiring for the switch gear and my vapor blaster. I have a few really soiled sets, so I decided to try a "sacrificial Lamb". This wire set had been wrapped in electrical tape by the previous owner. This resulted in an extremely soiled PVC cable sleeve. The bead in the vapor blasted cleaned up the connectors quite nicely, and removed most crud off the PVC sleeve. Immediately after the clean, I dried the wires with pressurized air. I played it safe with the copper strips, but I think I can do a better cleaning when I finish the job.

 

[Lineslinger]

I did some experimenting today with the original Lucas wiring for the switch gear and my vapor blaster. I have a few really soiled sets, so I decided to try a "sacrificial Lamb". This wire set had been wrapped in electrical tape by the previous owner. This resulted in an extremely soiled PVC cable sleeve. The bead in the vapor blasted cleaned up the connectors quite nicely, and removed most crud off the PVC sleeve. Immediately after the clean, I dried the wires with pressurized air. I played it safe with the copper strips, but I think I can do a better cleaning when I finish the job.

View attachment 100872View attachment 100873View attachment 100874

That was done with vapor blasting? Looks brand new.

 

[Lineslinger]

I was worried that VB would eat the plastic, thus the tooth brush and cleaning solution.
Did you use or add a unique or different medium to your blasting solution?

 

[gatsby]

I was worried that VB would eat the plastic, thus the tooth brush and cleaning solution.
Did you use or add a unique or different medium to your blasting solution?View attachment 100878View attachment 100879

Very nice! Just goes to show that there are many ways to skin a cat. Nothing special in my slurry. Just 25 lbs of bead and water. I’ll take a snap of my bead type when I get to work tomorrow.

 

[gatsby]

These pictures were sent to me from the shop I mailed my parts to for sanding, buff, and polish. I have done this job myself in the past, but I have never been 100% satified with the results I could achieve with my wheel (plus its messy and very time consumiong). This shop is called The Polishing Depot, and they are located in Toronto. Their communication has been wonderful so far, and they send me lots of picture updates as the make progress. im a very happy camper!

 

[mean gene]

Looking good!

 

[gatsby]

Looking good!

Thanks!! Once I get these pieces back, I will be able to make some real progress. Now if my spoke wrench can just arrive, I can get stated on the rear wheel!

 

[Saber]

Looks great! Pricey? If you dont mind me asking.

 

[gatsby]

Looks great! Pricey? If you dont mind me asking.

Short answer…yes. Time is time.

 

[gatsby]

Some progress today with the rear brake. Bearing replaced, and new pads installed. I can cross these items off my list.

The machine shop I dropped off my hub for refinishing did not touch it. I took it back home and dove into myself with my dermal. I started with 80 grit, on one side, and am working my way up to 3000. I will then hit it with my buffing wheel. This is a long process…especially with only one battery for my dermal!

 

[gatsby]

Here are some more polishing picture updates..

 

[850cmndo]

Blng!