Restoring my 73' 850 Commando

I just finished a ground up on a 74' that I found underneath a collapsed hayloft in a barn in Nevada. It sat for 44 years. Tearing it down to ground zero was a necessity of confidence and safety, there is no other choice. It took 14 months to complete and I'm damn glad I chose this path. Way too many unknowns/variables in play to consider any form of safe riding and a whole lot of them showed up during the process.
Now I know it is right because I did the work.

Get a digital camera with a good sized memory card and take photos of everything you do, before and after. You won't believe what a valuable reference your photo record will become.

Set up a spread sheet, there is a good one in here, and whatever bucks you budget for a restored Commando...listen to Grandpaul...hes right...double it. Then never ever tell your wife the sheet exists, much less reveal the password.

Restoring my 73' 850 Commando
 
I recommend Phil also. One of the last men standing in California that know Commandos and a parts supplier. Ken Armman also in San Jose 408 626-0061.
 
jbruney said:
I agree with FE on nix the cost tracking.
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I once did a spreadsheet and when i saw the number instantly deleted it, and then had a few scotches to erase that memory as well. Worth every cent but better not to know.
I hadn't ridden my 850 in nearly a year since getting the 961 but did about 400 miles last weekend, before NZ closed, and i am in love all over again. What a joy to ride. Hoping you find the same Chris.
 
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illf8ed said:
I recommend Phil also. One of the last men standing in California that know Commandos and a parts supplier. Ken Armman also in San Jose 408 626-0061.
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Thank you for the endorsement of Phil and Ken. I've recently spoken with both, and both have been helpful. I've changed out my front & rear isolastics, upgraded my swing arm with split collars, rebuilt my carbs, swapped out balanced for unbalanced pipes... all with their help - and Mike Tyler's iso videos. I'll be calling them again once I button it up and get ready for the first kick.
 
when I constructed my 72/73 850 I started from rusty 72 $200 frame I did not keep a single receipt for parts I 'estimate' I spent $6,000 to $6,500 on parts and paint including $2000 for 73 850 engine that was a 'roll of the dice' but runs perfectly with no odd sounds and no oil burn to speak of....
 
Chris Larkin said:
I forgot to mention in in San Diego, CA USA - I'd be stoked if y'all have any recommendations for people or shops to reach out to for service. I'm acquainted with a few folks who seem to know Norton's - but the more contacts the better. Thank you.
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Hey Chris, I'm in San Diego as well and am early in my project. BTW, Isaac at Triumph SD is a great resource but the shop lost their British Bike mechanic a short while back. You may know this but it makes local shop based repairs more difficult. Cheers! Scott
 
SJordan said:
Hey Chris, I'm in San Diego as well and am early in my project. BTW, Isaac at Triumph SD is a great resource but the shop lost their British Bike mechanic a short while back. You may know this but it makes local shop based repairs more difficult. Cheers! Scott
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Hey Scott, Nice to know there's another in the area. I'm in La Mesa... how about you? What bike do you have? I've spoken with Isaac... he's a good dude, but told me the same thing. I have found a qualified mechanic, he's in Oceanside. Plus, I have a network of folks around the country (on speed dial), who've been helpful. Let's talk sometime, my email is chrislarkin@cox.net
 
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