My first hot rod Norton

Fast Eddie said:
I agree. Wiring is one of those jobs I always delay / put off / procrastinate about.

But when I get into it, I enjoy it, and tend to do a decent job.

I think the keys are to…

Think ahead carefully - to avoid changes.

Allow plenty of time - to avoid rushing.

Buy plenty of stock AND the right tools in advance - to avoid cutting corners and / or delays (and it’s so much easier and more enjoyable when you always have the right stuff to hand).
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In addition to all your tips, I like to have a schematic and pictorial diagram that I fully comprehend also. I make my plan of attack, check and recheck, then do it all in one fell swoop. One circuit at a time. Very satisfying when you are done and all works well.
 
Larry S said:
In addition to all your tips, I like to have a schematic and pictorial diagram that I fully comprehend also. I make my plan of attack, check and recheck, then do it all in one fell swoop. One circuit at a time. Very satisfying when you are done and all works well.
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To be honest, that is all a part of the ‘think ahead’ part in my book.
 
mean gene said:
Major set back on project! Finished the modification on gas tank as far as carbs and frame clearance. Thought I'd test it for leaks. Plugged an air line into it went to set paint regulator to 10 pounds, turned to see my gas tank growing! WTF! This was a Pakistani tank and most likely thinner then a factory Norton tank. Kiss $200 away plus 4/6 hours labor! Me being stupid I hope is a lesson to all. Oh well I kinda wanted to see what a RD 400 tank would look like nows the chance. If I change tank from Norton I'll have to redo seat also. Any one have a rusty not to dented Norton Commando tank for sale?

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I accidentally did this to a bsa A10 tank
I thought I'd pressure test it to see if it leaked
I fitted a pressure gauge to one tank outlet and a Schrader valve to the other
I blocked the filler cap and gave it a quick squirt with the airline
It went straight up to 18psi !
The whole tank opened wider but was retained by the fixing tube welded in the centre
The tank was creased in the middle where the seat notch is
I had to take the whole tank apart again and straighten it out/weld back together
There were no Indian replacement tanks available back then !
 
Got my Indian Norton tank, it's perfect for what I'm going to do but, what a poor job. It was 179 plus shipping. The Pakistainia tank that I blew up was by far better quality.. Sorry starting to whiiiine!


My first hot rod NortonMy first hot rod NortonMy first hot rod Norton
 
I watched a Paul Brodie YouTube video where he pressurized an oil tank off of a tiger cub, he used part of a bicycle inner tube and a hand pump to find out where it was leaking. I hadn't thought of it the way he did it, but it seemed to work out very well. I have an original commando roadster tank that the previous owner "blew up out of proportions" by over pressurizing it while trying to pop a dent out. Good luck with the replacement, mean gene, and thx for posting your progress. Cj
 
Wiring complete with exception of tach.. Have to ck with manufacture on their instructions, no wires go to the negative side if the coil?!?!?! Used the head steady boss and bolt to secure a good ground. Look Mom it even has turn signals ( blinkers for those who don't know) Because I'm very particular about oil prime and pressure, I primed the system with a drill. Also I put the pressure switch on the end of the oiling system. Thinking it is the last to get oil it will be slow to go out but should the first to see a pressure drop.. Someone tell me if I'm wrong. Have to weld the bottom of the gas tank together and then fire up time. It's been raining so no riding , time to work in basement.


My first hot rod NortonMy first hot rod NortonMy first hot rod NortonMy first hot rod NortonMy first hot rod Norton
 
mean gene said:
Wiring complete with exception of tach.. Have to ck with manufacture on their instructions, no wires go to the negative side if the coil?!?!?! Used the head steady boss and bolt to secure a good ground. Look Mom it even has turn signals ( blinkers for those who don't know) Because I'm very particular about oil prime and pressure, I primed the system with a drill. Also I put the pressure switch on the end of the oiling system. Thinking it is the last to get oil it will be slow to go out but should the first to see a pressure drop.. Someone tell me if I'm wrong. Have to weld the bottom of the gas tank together and then fire up time. It's been raining so no riding , time to work in basement.


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Are you getting itchy Gene ? Which one has you more fired up - the Hot Rod Norton or the new Chianti drinking V twin ?
 
Guzzi is interesting. Thing wants to fall over at slow speed. I thought my 900SS Ducati was crude, wow a Guzzi is really crude! Fuel pump is an automotive unit lashed to the front down tubes. The fuel filter looks like it belongs on a Mack truck. Tranny is noisey ( straight cut gears). The thing I thought was interesting are the gear ratios. 5 speed box, 3 gear is 1:1 4 and 5 are overdrive ratios! Strange. But I like things that are different, and I got what I was looking for! Can't wait to get my son on it and see his face when it starts rocking left to right! LOL
 
I rode a modern Guzzi a couple of years back. Wanted to get back on the 47 Vincent asap!
As you say , they are a clunky sort of bike. It also had lots of vibration and a big twist to the side on acceleration.

Glen
 
I have to stop on project Norton to get some maintenance on wife's bike! We're going to "Motor Maid" meet in Springfield Mass. July 10th She needs rear tire on her Dyna and I need an oil change on Street Glide. My work is never done. LOL
 
Been following this oil leak for a couple weeks. I have tightened the hose clamps, tightened the oil filter. In my opinion it has to be the filter mount itself, either a crack or one of the tubes. I assume they are pressed into the casting. Checked it several ways not following the hose from engine, definitely from filter area. WTH an oil leak and I haven't started it!

My first hot rod Norton
 
Purchased a cheap Indian gas tank, $179. Don't waste your money! The average guy would not be able to use it. Seams leaked. the tunnel is to narrow, had to widen it for engine steady to fit with clearance. Front bolts were not located correctly, they shifted the tank against the frame on left side. Just my two cents! But now it fits so I can hopefully start this beast. Have a little body work to do first. I'll show a video when running, to busy riding to predict next rainy day for start up.
 
mean gene said:
Purchased a cheap Indian gas tank, $179. Don't waste your money! The average guy would not be able to use it. Seams leaked. the tunnel is to narrow, had to widen it for engine steady to fit with clearance. Front bolts were not located correctly, they shifted the tank against the frame on left side. Just my two cents! But now it fits so I can hopefully start this beast. Have a little body work to do first. I'll show a video when running, to busy riding to predict next rainy day for start up.
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What vendor did you get the tank from? There seems to be a wild variation in quality.
 
Waiting for gas tank sealer to cure, I spied these velocity stacks on flea bay. $25 a pair free shipping! Had to make minor changes and notch the bell to miss the frame. More gold accents, sexy! LOL


My first hot rod NortonMy first hot rod Norton
 

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