Topic: '72 Norton Chopper Project

[cgancos]

I recently inherited this interesting bike from my grandfather. The bike was bought brand new and immediately built as a show bike in 1972. It was giving a springer front, a soft hard-tail (or hard soft-tail), and all the other features a chopper of this era would have. My grandfather received the bike as part of a trade on a boat his was selling in 1973. As he keeps everything, he still has every single receipt the original owner had for the entire build along with the service manual, title, and a few pictures of it back in the day. My grandpa had laid the bike down, had it repaired and then it sat in his barn for a good 30 years. The internals of the motor are surprisingly clean. However, everything on the outside was looking pretty rough. The paint is chipped and faded. Most everything that was once chrome is now full of surface rust. The wiring is stiff and corroded.

I think this will be a fun project to work on as well as quite a learning experience. My original thought was to get an uncut frame and put it back to stock, but my dad has already fallen in love with the bike as-is. For now, what I plan on doing is restoring the bike back to it's chopper self, ride it around for a while and then give it to my dad.



















Gallery http://www.flickr.com/photos/cgancos/sets/72157623697337725/

[scottly]

That's not a soft hard-tail, it's called a "plunger", if I recall correctly. My '53 BSA had the same type of setup. Cool project!!!!

[The_Crippler]

Gonna take a lot of TLC to bring her back from the dead - but that's the name of the game around here.

[seaweb11]

Looks like a lot of work. But hey, it's mostly cosmetic right

Have fun. I would so fix that up again if it were mine

[chickenman_26]

My original thought was to get an uncut frame and put it back to stock,

For less than what it would cost you to do that, you could buy a complete, restored or original '72 Commando in really nice condition, ready to ride. What you have there doesn't even qualify as a parts donor. The engine/transmission is almost the only original part you have to work with. And unless it looks a lot better on the inside than on the outside, the cost of restoring just the engine will astound you. Many special service tools and Whitworth wrenches required. Prices for the frame and other missing parts are worth a king's ransom.

but my dad has already fallen in love with the bike as-is.

My advice - let him have it. Right now, and as is. Let him throw his money in the toilet. Spend yours on something you'll get pleasure from. These choppers were total crap, and it won't take long for him to find that out. I think your Grandpa found out pretty quick.

Stu

[scottly]

I say GO FOR IT You will learn so much!! Don't worry about cosmetics, see if you can bring it back from the dead, make it run, belch fire and smoke!! I guarantee you will get tremendous satisfaction from the experience. I know I did..... 

[scottly]

cgancos, you might want to check out the "Ancient Builds" thread on sohc/4 bikes. If you do take this project on, this is the type of stuff you will look back on in 35 years and smile...

[Ecosse]

yeah it'll cost a lot, and i say bring it back to its over the top 70's glory, but if you're into these things for the investment you're in the wrong hobby.

this is a family thing. that holds a lot of water imo.

take your time, expect to throw a bunch of cash at it, and plan on frustrations. but keep in mind the big picture.

or, you buy a honda 'fury' mc-chopper. 

[bill440cars]

  Yeah, it's a Family thing. Take your time (as has been said) and do it justice. Thing is, there will be something that will have memories from Grandpa, Dad and, later YOU. That's Cool! I'm not much on choppers, but that's MY take on it too! I promise you that IF I had an old bike of my Granddad's or my Dad's, (which would be an OLD Indian) I would do the BEST I could at bring her back to the glory she deserves (AND Indian Parts don't come cheap either!)

[Tim.]

I wouldn't restore it - just get it up and running and safe (brakes, suspension, bearings, tires...) and ride it as-is.  I think it's awesome just the way it is.

[75cb550 (kyle)]

diddo... thats an heirloom.. and its not good if it doesnt roll

good luck

[chop78]

Are you still working on the Norton Project. I have one like it that i'm working on and would like to share info

[ekpent]

 He was last active here Sept 17, 2011 so don't hold your breath, looks like he has left the building 

[chop78]

Yeah looks that way. Thanks...I'm not very good at computers.But I'm tryin..I was looking for some rear plunger springs for my frame.Its identical to his and some engine mounting plates.

[rocket johnny]

  way cool old school ! !   love it !

[754]

Try someone that sells die springs, they might be able to help...(they wont be chrome).
Paughco has some chrome springs but I think they are much longer, but wont hurt to take a peek.

[chop78]

Thanks bro I'll try it.