The very las part of the jigsaw was put in place today, when I received the original registration from the DVLA, not a new reg, but the original old registration, the guys at the DVLA used the frame number to track down the original number, and now it is back where it belongs, back on the old Norton, and back on the road.
So a project I started in November 2011 has now come to an end, it has I think been fun.
Norton ES2 Clubman
Well what can I say, my Norton “Garden Gate” Clubman came back home today, the motor is all finished with the later head fitted, now it is just a case of tidying things up a bit over the coming winter…
My Norton ES2 Clubman
My Norton is fast heading for the road, it is moving forward in leaps and bounds, but not without the odd compromise. The main problem right now, and one that I have agonised over is the use of the Inter oil tank. I have had this tank since I started the project, and it has been an integral part of the overall look I have been trying to achieve.
On the bench
The problem is the fact the ES2 frame is different from the International frame, and so no matter how I try I can’t get enough clearance to mount the inter oil tank. So I am going to have to use the standard ES2 tank, which is a shame as it detracts from the overall look.
Another fine Jumble put on by Eric, and the guys from EGP, if you have never been, you really are missing a good day out. This is the Motorcycle Jumble by which all others are judged, and so very often fail.
I will show some of the items for sale in another post, but first I will show you a special that was parked in the car park. You always get some bikes that are worth seeing, but this was a step above the average special, and almost looked like a factory build.
Norton/Harley special, Nice work indeed.
Narley, Norton Harley 45 special
Norton/Harley Special
Harley 750 “WL” series motor, Norton “Dolls Head” gearbox
Norton ES2/Model 18, Garden Gate plunger frame
Special? yes it is.
I wonder if the guy who owns it will see this, and drop me a line with a few build details? What a great build.
Just a quick update … as of yesterday (Saturday) the Norton was pretty much all bolted together, except for the top end that is. The rear end is all complete, rear wheel, brake, speedo drive all in and working, lower engine, gearbox, primary cases and chains all bolted together and changing gear, foot rests and pedals all on and connected,
I have had two problems of my own making, through choices I have made on how I want the finished bike to look, and go! the first headache has been the choice of BSA B50 piston and Norton model 50 alloy head. even with a 3/16th spacer under the barrel, the piston still hits the head. But the barrel is bored out to 84mm, so I either needed to find a piston with a flatter crown, or get the barrel sleeved down to standard again, and use a normal Norton flat top.
After digging around and talking to a few friends, I managed to get a Vincent piston of the right size, it only has a very shallow dome, so cleared the head, but the skirt hit the flywheel, so it has had to be shortened just a little, but it does now all fit. but that is not the end of the issue, now I need to find or make some new barrel studs, because these are now too short!
Norton oil Tank as found
The other problem is that damn oil tank!
Again this all comes down to the “look” that I am after, but now the whole engine gearbox assembly is bolted in the frame, I find that the main oil outlet at the bottom of the tank is obscured by the gearbox adjuster bracket, so I now have to risk ruining the new paint by getting a new outlet tig welded in. my fault again, because you should always do a dry build first before getting the paint done!
Norton oil tank now..
So now I am waiting on some studs, valves, and my magneto, and it may well be fired up.
It will be five years in the making next month!!
So where was I? due to being a little under the weather of late, I have been unable to wave a spanner in any semblance of anger, so things down in the lock-up have all got a little dusty, not helped by the strong winds we have endured recently.
But that being said, a little work has progressed on my Norton Clubman project, as you will see from the pictures below. overall I am really happy with how it is all progressing, sure I see things that I would change if I were doing it again, the front brake scoop is not quite how I would have liked it, but for a first go at this type of thing I am happy.
The fuel tank looks like it is white, but that is just where the sun was reflecting off of the aluminium.
My Norton Clubman
My Norton
Up on wheels
Making Progress
I have two pictures from this week, one is of my new alloy tank, for my Norton Clubman project, the other is a nice old Kawasaki race bike, based around an A1 Samurai frame with A7 Avenger motor…
Clubman Alloy Tank
Old Kwaka Race Bike
I got a call today from the metal basher, asking if I would like to see how the tank is coming on, so I did, and it is…
Norton Tank
First Fitting
Nearly Time for Paint
Well the brake plate is done, all apart from one last rivet which I dropped and can’t find? (in case any of you are counting) And although the finished result is not perfect, I am over all quite pleased with the result. and it should look the part when fitted to the bike…
Front Brake Plate.
At the weekend I came across something I have not seen before, and have heard no mention of it previously in all my Norton searches.
I came across an old Norton 30, 500 International,plunger frame model from the late 40’s, that had been owned by the same old boy since way back when. But this one was different, the rear suspension had been modified, and on further discussion I was led to believe that this was a Norton “Works” modification?
Norton Works Modification?
So anybody heard of or have reference to this modification? and do any of you out there have an idea on where I could find these small rams so that I could do this to my project?
Backstreet Thunder 