My first hot rod Norton

mean gene said:
On ward with assembly! This exhaust pipe came out of the frame but with the wrap won't go back in without removing bottom shock bolt and jacking the frame up 2 inches. Design flaw!!!!!!

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Perhaps remove the wrap and get them properly coated with a ceramic thermal barrier coating?

I’ve had it done before, coated internally and externally, just looks like paint but surprisingly effective.
 
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Ok continuing to assemble . Got oil system hooked up and for those with questions , it holds 3 quarts to the bottom of the dip stick! That is with a prefilled oil filter. Will calibrate the dip stick after getting it running and hot. Need to take some time off, More riding less work!

My first hot rod NortonMy first hot rod Norton
Don't you just love the wires hanging everywhere, I need to be in the mood to wire, that's why I need to do some riding!
 
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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Money wasted always irritates me. Time wasted irritates me even more..
That's how it is with customs.
Looking good so far, carry on..
 
That is a buzz kill for anybody building a special. I've done worse.

If the tank still fits underneath over the frame and carburetion and can be mounted and doesn't leak, you got yourself a Green hunchback monster, and a weird pub story. :)
 
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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Bummer Gene - wish I had one to offer .
 
Thanks Schwany I feel much better! I'll send you the tank and you can have the one and only Green hunchback. I might buy a Indian tank as long as the mounting bolts line up.?!>!?>?!?!
 
mean gene said:
Thanks Schwany I feel much better! I'll send you the tank and you can have the one and only Green hunchback. I might buy a Indian tank as long as the mounting bolts line up.?!>!?>?!?!
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I would be pissed at myself and run out of cuss words very quickly under the same circumstances.

Generous offer on the tank, but I'd have to buy a Commando to mount the tank on, which will never happen. I'd have to go back to work to afford to maintain it. 🤣
 
It can be worse. My friend did this to the original but recently professionally restored tank on his half million dollar Vincent A twin.
Ten thousand dollars later it was as good as old! No exaggeration on the cost, the really talented painters and metal finishers know how to charge, especially when working on an A twin.

Glen
 
gortnipper said:
I think the standard consensus was only a few pounds, not 10!

Too little too late I know. Bummer.
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Yes. Most definitely. 10 lbs will kill any tank ever made sorry. Just one or two pounds.

I only test bare tanks by filling them completely with liquid. Water will do it but you need to flush immediately to prevent flash rusting.
 
Sorry to read that.

How did you arrive at 10 PSI for a test pressure?

I've used 2PSI for years, after beginning with nill & working up.
 
Just a little up date. Waiting for Indian gas tank and an Ebay set of wiring plugs/ connectors that match my 636 Kawasaki switches. Got all the control wiring figured out as far as what color Kawasaki wire does what. Got electronic ignition, tach and oil light wired in. Don't think I'll miss the oil light coming on! Weather has been tooooo nice to work in basement. Busy riding, fishing, honey do list and going to the local bar for one in the afternoon.


My first hot rod Norton
 
Wiring always takes me a very long time. It is an enjoyable job though, and one that can be done to a much higher standard than the factory wiring was done at.

Glen
 
worntorn said:
Wiring always takes me a very long time. It is an enjoyable job though, and one that can be done to a much higher standard than the factory wiring was done at.

Glen
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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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