New 1965 Norton Atlas Project

Norcoastal · Mar 12, 2025

I just picked up a new project. It’s a rusted roller but besides the drive train it’s all there.

It’s a complete basket case, but I’m having a blast. First step is disassembly.

Question, can someone help me with removing the swing arm bushings?

Triton Thrasher · Mar 13, 2025

Why are you removing them?

Norcoastal · Mar 13, 2025

It being a 60 year old rust bucket that’s been in the elements for decades, I just assume that the bushings are bad and while it’s completely apart, now would be the time to replace them.

Norcoastal · Mar 13, 2025

I think I’m going to put the swing arm in the vise and use a hydraulic jack as a press and take them out.

That’s correct right?

Richard Tool · Mar 13, 2025

Norcoastal said:
I think I’m going to put the swing arm in the vise and use a hydraulic jack as a press and take them out.

That’s correct right?

I needed an arbor press to remove mine

Norcoastal · Mar 13, 2025

I’m sorta using the same principle but sketchier

Norcoastal · Mar 15, 2025

I don’t think I can get them out myself. It’s going to take a press. I wonder where I can use a press?

Richard Tool · Mar 15, 2025

You might try threaded rod - you will need to have a tube or plate on one end with an opening slightly greater than the I.D. Off the swingarm and another on the other end slightly less than the I. D.
Sockets may work . A press is the best though . A local machine shop or even auto repair business should be able to help you .

Norcoastal · Mar 16, 2025

Yes I agree. You agree that they need replacing correct?

Richard Tool · Mar 16, 2025

Norcoastal said:
Yes I agree. You agree that they need replacing correct?

Yes - There are supposed to be two silent block bushes- one at each outboard end - and a spacer tube between. My swing arm had three bushes and no tube . Thank goodness my buddy has a huge press with pneumatic impact function. I used it to drift out the bushes and also to straighten the swing arm which was bent - seat pan as well.

norton bob · Mar 17, 2025

They do not wear enough to ever need replacing . Replacements are often wrongly sized . Dont do it.

Richard Tool · Mar 17, 2025

norton bob said:
They do not wear enough to ever need replacing . Replacements are often wrongly sized . Dont do it.

In my case it was not wear I was concerned with but the physical condition of the rubber . Agreed that they are difficult to remove but in my case I am glad I did it because the rubber was a bit crumbly.
Regarding ill fitting replacement, I have not installed mine yet but I bought from Andover with confidence. Are there known problems with their replacements ?

Norcoastal · Monday at 3:24 PM

Things are going well. I took the mess that I got completely apart. This is how I got it.

It was outside for decades.

I’ve spent a few weeks removing the rust with a bench grinder and wire wheel and I’m beginning to put it back together to make sure everything fits properly before I paint the frame.

I found and old oil tank that was never used and today my gas tank came from across the pond. Once I get the front forks complete I can fit everything together properly

New 1965 Norton Atlas Project

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