Commando parts jumble build thread!

[russhud]

Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!

Some of those engine and clutch parts look Atlas or earlier.
And a couple of HD brake rotors in the mix there too ?

Good Luck. If you get it all into one bike, it could be interesting ?!!

Don't worry, this won't be a hodge podge build. I'll buy or trade for what I need to make it right. I really like to use used parts, I'll try to go mostly trading and swap meeting. Use Ebay when necessary. I certainly won't throw a Harley rotor on the bike lol

 

[russhud]

Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!

OH yeah set aside the Automatic wearing out advance units for me to make a deal on. I want a springer fork on my next build otherwise the long johns there sure appeal. If ya end up with a good bit of non Norton or unsold other brand parts there's some big vendors left that collect piles of these things.

Any idea what the fork setup is for? I can't seem to place it. Obviously an aftermarket setup, but for what kind of bike? Like I said, my 69 Lightning was stock, and I'm only REALLY familiar with Ironhead and Shovelhead Harleys.

 

[russhud]

Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!

If ya don't already have one, the next thing you'll need is a kegerator for that garage. Your gonna need it!

No joke! I'll have to clean the garage before I start. I have a 77 Ironhead Sportster in there that is going through a top end rebuild/frame off, a 1965 BSA Trail Bronc in a box, a running 75 XLCH Sportster, then the oddball Honda Twinstar and Yamaha Vino scooter. Too much stuff, but the Norton is the highest priority right now. After the kegerator lol

 

[Rohan]

Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!

Did you know Stainless Steel is an alloy? In fact, each grade is a DIFFERENT alloy.

Somehow we think that ordering alloy guards from AndoverNorton or Hemmings or RGM or Walridge
will get you a rather different product than if you order stainless guards. ?

On that basis, air is probably considered an alloy these days too then.
Anyone who offers pure air could probably be done for false advertising...

 

[Matt Spencer]

Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!

With all the M-X bars , he will need alloy guards , as he couldnt use PLASTIC on a Norton ! :cry:

Looks like a old A10 Bezza front end , maybe the plunger 1953 odd , with extended staunchions obviously .
Doesnt look like youll loose out on that lot .

Might be witness marks on the flywheel , crank halves , with a bit of luck . So leave off with the wire brush
till you see which is L & R on the flywheel .

Looks like you could build a Four Engined machine , and go one up on T.C. :x :? 8) see yr P.M.

 

[russhud]

Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!

Thanks for the pms Matt! Good info.

 

[Hobot]

Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!

I only know and care to know about '72 Combats so don't know what the long dong forks are for but assume a chopper project cut short. Norton last front drum was the '71 models and at first discs only on black barrel Combats though non Combats with silver barrels also produced so who knows. You may become spoiled after a Commando ride and ease of handling, up to a point. If ya build to please the most Cdo owners and have most resell value either put back stock or study CNW and cafe styling and stay far away from a bagger long ranger or god forbid a foot forward long fork chopper. Let us know which cycles takes more man to kick it off too.

 

[Mark F]

Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!

Front end is definately B.S.A. (Less stanchions). But could be A65 up to '66. Pre damper rod forks. Hub looks like it might have been chromed. Should be black.
Nice haul you found there.

 

[Mark F]

Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!

Forl leg lowers should black paint also. Not chrome.

 

[russhud]

Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!

A few more pictures:

Sorry if it's picture overkill, just want to make sure you guys can see everything.
Noticed that the transmission cradles are a bit different from each other.

 

[DogT]

Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!

The cradle that has the larger opening may have been modified so the trans can be taken out without disturbing the engine. But someone may know for sure.

 

[Bob Z.]

Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!

The cradle with the swingarm attached is for the electric start Mk3 as there are no primary chain adjustment slots on the top side.
The bare cradle has the slots that allow the transmission to pivot for chain tension adjustment.

 

[gory]

Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!

oooh, you poor soul, you got ripped off - not worth half what you paid. Because I'm a good guy, I'll offer twice what you paid for it all, but only because I'm so kind
Good find, great buy. Take your time, figure out what you want at the end of the day and work toward it. You have, apparently, plenty of 'extras' worth good money, they'll pay for the bits you are missing, with a little over for chrome, paint and suchlike if that's your flavour.

 

[Mark F]

Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!

That sure is a mixture of parts you've got there.
Some pre Commando primary covers.
The heads can be identified by the stampings on the top just behind the exhaust valve rocker opening. Rh4 & rh10 are 850 heads. Rh10 is better. 4 prone to cracking.

 

[russhud]

Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!

Ya know Im having a tough time finding the stamping on the heads. I found the "C" on two of them but no RH numbers....

 

[Mark F]

Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!

C stamping on head is a Combat head. 750cc.

 

[grandpaul]

Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!

Trade one head for a good set of Commando forks.

Trade another head for a good steel Roaster tank.

Trade a set of cases, crank, cylinder, head & tranny for a set of laced up aluminum wheels.

Add a half bucket of bolts and you have a complete Commando!

Sell all the rest to finance your cross-crountry Norton adventure ride of a lifetime.

Stop by if you get down to south Texas...

 

[Hobot]

Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!

I grinning on reviewing the process of laying all those items out like sorting through a ship wreck booty. Do note the excess TS cover is usable to cut in half for pinion shaft back up for cam sprocket nut torquing.

 

[russhud]

Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!

Alright! Project is underway. Scored a transmission (thanks bwolfie!), some fork legs, z plates, and working on trading for some more parts. Can this be my build thread, or should I make another? Not sure how organized this board is.

 

[drones76]

Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!

I say keep this as the build thread. Maybe just change New here, to Build Thread. Good Luck. It will have your basket case and all it's pieces up to the finished product in one place. Will be watching this one.