1975 Norton Commando Mk3 restoration Part 6, The frame and swing arm

In this video we work on getting the rolling chassis ready, Starting off we set up the rear isolastic mounts, then remove the swing arm to be able to replace the swing arm seals and then reinstall the seals and bushings then we install the swing arm back in to the cradle then we install the welch plugs in the swing arm.

[@raymondvoigt7336]

Wonderful resource for owners and prospectives! Cheers!

[@johnwilcox4078]

Well done guys, '73 Combat from Wisconsin here. The swingarm is a little different on the Mark1's, no welsh plugs or felt, but a few improvements are available from Andover Norton for these early models, such as weld-on gussets to stiffen these early swingarms, and replacement weld-on chainguard fixing bracket, which frequently gets damaged or broken. Also kits are available to correct the slop between the spindle and the bore of the cradle since there are no tapered pins like on the III's. Unless previously addressed, most of the 68 to '73 Commandos have dangerously worn and sloppy swingarms, which is a major cause of the dreaded high speed tank slapper! Anyhow, thanks for taking us through, we are all still learning!

[@jessesvintagegarage765]

Thanks for the added information and your great comment

[@850mrnorton]

Great work, I'm learning lots I can apply to my Norton. Thanks for sharing guys.

[@jessesvintagegarage765]

Thanks for the great comment,

[@stevegriffith4135]

Thank you for taking the time to do these videos and document the work for future use.

[@jessesvintagegarage765]

Thanks for the great comment

[@robertreid589]

Great site. Rebuilding a 72 Combat as we speak. Would love a episode dealing with the electrical wiring. Thanks

[@jessesvintagegarage765]

Its coming up

[@lesliebarnett-tx3jf]

Awesome from NZ

[@stephenbaron5681]

Just wondering if you are using stainless steel fasteners? I am going to pickup a MK3 in about 2 weeks and complete the restoration. Middleton &Sons in England sell a complete polished stainless kit for the MK3 or other Nortons, but it is 430 pounds.

[@jessesvintagegarage765]

No we didn't use all stainless fasteners.
My experience with stainless bolts is you need to use never seize on the threads if both the nut and bolt are stainless being put together or they will almost always gaul and give false torque values for those reasons I only use stainless in places that don't have nuts. Stainless works well for cover screws and any place that threads into different type metal like the triple trees, handlebars, head etc.