WEEK 7 - CAN I SAVE THEM! HARD TO FIND SMITHS SPEEDOMETER AND REV-COUNTER PT1- 1968 Norton Commando
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
- #norton #1968nortoncommando SMITHS magnetic instrument restoration
Series 2: Is all about restoring this 'special' Norton Commando from 1968. The ealiest known surviving production line Commando.!
WEEK 7 - Part 1. This week we look at the 3 month time period it took to find spare parts to repair these original Smiths magnetic clocks. In part 2 we will attempt to restore the graphics and fit new glass and bezel.
Every week a new video will be uploaded covering my week by week restoration of this iconic part of the Norton history, the original Norton Commando 750 1968, so PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL AND HIT THE NOTIFICATION 'BELL' ICON, TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN A NEW VIDEO IS PUBLISHED.
I look forward to sharing this worthwhile project with all Norton enthusiasts around the world.
Some history of this Norton Commando:
It was discovered in the USA rusting away until it was shipped to auction. Disguised as a cafe racer this Commando found its way to a local dealer but little did anyone know that this was one of the very first production Commandos in existence. The earliest recorded production Commando was 126125. This Norton Commando serial is 126188 putting it into the very earliest period of the commando. In fact I welcome anyone to produce a frame engine and gearbox Commando with an earlier serial number. I would be most intrigued to see how many still survive from that period.
From the auction in the USA it was shipped across 4 states to eventually being shipped to France where it was put up again for auction on eBay. I was very lucky to spot it whilst on holiday in Mallorca. It was a perfect project for the type of aesthetic restoration work I undertake. The dealer very kindly drove through the night and through the covid restrictions to my workshop in England.
Unlike the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 restoration in Series 1 (which you should definitely watch), we will follow the progress week by week as opposed to a master class in restoration for each part of a vintage bike restore.
Yes if you are thinking about restoring an English / British made vintage motorbike then you just lucked out! This series brings back a most beautiful classic English super bike back to new factory condition.
I do not over polish or finish any restored bikes. I also do not believe in rusting patena examples. I reverse engineer the restoration to what the designer had envisioned and no more. That is how they were..Restore with great care and do what is right for the bike!
As a instrument repairer of 30 + years, I enjoyed watching how you pulled apart your Smiths SSM gauges, these are probably the worst gauges Smiths ever built, but you can make them usable, I tip there is a dot/mark on the face below the "o" zero on the dial, this is where the pointer/needle should be seated, then lift over the point stop, the slotted brass screw underneath can then be screwed in or out to achieve calibration.
Ahh Jason I wondered how the hell they calibrated. That was one of my worries! Ok will try to figure out exactly what you are saying here. You suggesting the needle needs to be resting a bit before the stop?
Many thanks for chipping in! 👍
Very well done and a credit to your workmanship. 👍
Thank you Alan 🙏
I know im shouting to the choir here but these videos are fantastic. My 1950 Royal #!*! Enfield project Ive given up on ..well after watching these well Jesus I have no excuses....👏👏👏
There you go!
You're a better man than I am. I've replaced parts that were in much better shape than those. : ) It's nice to see how everything goes together....gives you a whole new appreciation for the engineers that made these gauges back in the 60's.
I’m glad you got something from the video Dave123 🙏
I watch with interest your progress .
Very interesting, thanks for posting. I've got a 69' model that I plan to put back on the road, it's not in bad shape, but I sure hope I do not have to open the clocks! Thanks again.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks🙏
Very interesting, I now have an idea why my Commando mk3 rev counter is erratic in its operation!
Really glad I could help!
I have one of these and a previous owner has botched the peening of the frame over the odometer spindle. Still trying to figure out how I'll fix that...
you work on watches also? this is a new hobby of mine. have much to learn . my first will be an old pocket watch
Yes I’ve been doing it a while. It’s great. Good luck. Patience!
Well done Rob! These are Smiths Magnetic instruments .Chronometrics sre far more complicated. Would have been a clockmaker‘s work
Oh thanks for keeping me honest! I’ll change the description. 👍
I must, firstly, commend your bravery and patience! 😀I recently bought an accident-damaged 1972 MGB Roadster and after getting the engine started with the help of my brother, I discovered that the Smith's speedometer works but the trip meter and odometer remain stationary. Do you have any tips on how to fix those two features on the speedometer please?
Thank you Marc. Firstly I can emphasize enough that if you follow the many online videos and articles, I see little reason why you cannot figure this one out. If the speedo works then it might be a plastic gear which comes off the main shaft which might only be stuck. The hardest part is removing the bezel without breaking the glass! I give you courage to have a go! Good luck
Thanks for the prompt reply. I'll give it a go. Are you a fellow South African?
@@Cyclizt no. I gave that up in 93 but I can’t change the accent. Don’t get me started 😂
@@MyRestoration1 Wishing you the best!
Excellent video on clock restoration. I used to work at Gent Ltd and worked on clocks etc. for a few years. Lovely to see someone treating them with the respect they deserve. Did I understand from the video you used to work on watch repair/restoration?
Hi Steve, They really are just clocks without a mainspring.
Yes I am have been into horology for a number of years. Maybe you can advise me on an old Japy frares silk suspension movement I need to restore. Are you the person I can talk to!
Thanks for your kind comments btw 🙏
@@MyRestoration1 Not sure I can help with that I'm afraid! Most of the stuff I worked on was much more "industrial".
@@stevewright399 no problem. That’s on my bucket list..👍
How does one go about making or finding the correct return/torsion spring if possible?
It’s a good question. Look further down the comments and, if I understand you correctly, he explains very clearly how to calibrate the needle by changing the tension. I need to review what he said too!
Thank you, let me clarify, my old suzuki speedometer was exposed to the elements. The fine copper return spring (torsion spring) for the needle crumbled away. Are these replaceable and if so where can you get one (besides another speedo)? Can one be made? Thanks again!
Ok. I have no idea Sergio. I would guess your option is to look for a damaged one and pirate the part. Should you have other bits go on you then you have some spare parts!
What are your thoughts about using an ultrasonic bath..?
Not sure. Never tried it. I’m not keen to immerse clocks into any liquid. Thanks for chiming in!
These badly weathered clocks dials from 1969 look identical to the “green ball” dials that came with the 1974 Commandos. Those things run around 250 bucks each now. Perhaps more in the UK. If you used to work on Breitlings and Pateks then Smiths might seem familiar.
The green balls had stripes through them. These 68’s were solid green. I could be wrong!
@@MyRestoration1 I think you’re right.
I like your videos but the ringing sound when you show your logo is really annoying.
Thank you for your comment. I fear you might well be right. I’ll consider a different approach. Cheers
I don’t k ow what’s better , the bike content or the music , you have precisely the same taste as me , I’ve sent you a DM on instagram mate 13:49
Thank you. I get some flake from viewers but music is more important than anything else other than my family so glad to have your company. 😉
A little known fact about Buddy Rich is he hated Dusty Springfield , I think she slapped him on stage , so he used to send her a bag of gravel to smooth her voice out every year on her birthday , he wasn’t a nice fella himself
That’s funny..Dusty was a great singer. I just wish radio station would wake up and play her other songs and not just ‘that one song about a son of a..’ shut up already!
BR was old school tough muso who expected the same level of effort from his band. James Brown was worse..
There are sound recordings on UA-cam called “ the tour bus recordings” of buddy Rich kicking off with his band mates
@@MyRestoration1yeah , if James brown heard a wrong note from his band he would point at them - that meant he was sacked , used to go berserk with Hendrix