WEEK 7 - CAN I SAVE THEM! HARD TO FIND SMITHS SPEEDOMETER AND REV-COUNTER PT1- 1968 Norton Commando

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2 жыл бұрын

#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!

Пікірлер: 44

@DucatiOz 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@MyRestoration1 2 жыл бұрын

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! 👍

@alanstockley391 2 жыл бұрын

Very well done and a credit to your workmanship. 👍

@MyRestoration1 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Alan 🙏

@daveco1270 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@MyRestoration1 2 жыл бұрын

I’m glad you got something from the video Dave123 🙏

@Andrew-jh5uv 11 ай бұрын

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....👏👏👏

@MyRestoration1 11 ай бұрын

There you go!

@dugwthree Жыл бұрын

I watch with interest your progress .

@RWayne-nu2fi 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@MyRestoration1 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks🙏

@johncoulter9753 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting, I now have an idea why my Commando mk3 rev counter is erratic in its operation!

@MyRestoration1 Жыл бұрын

Really glad I could help!

@ulrich.hoffmann 2 жыл бұрын

Well done Rob! These are Smiths Magnetic instruments .Chronometrics sre far more complicated. Would have been a clockmaker‘s work

@MyRestoration1 2 жыл бұрын

Oh thanks for keeping me honest! I’ll change the description. 👍

@dugwthree Жыл бұрын

you work on watches also? this is a new hobby of mine. have much to learn . my first will be an old pocket watch

@MyRestoration1 Жыл бұрын

Yes I’ve been doing it a while. It’s great. Good luck. Patience!

@frankfisher8423 10 ай бұрын

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...

@stevewright399 2 жыл бұрын

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?

@MyRestoration1 2 жыл бұрын

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 🙏

@stevewright399 2 жыл бұрын

@@MyRestoration1 Not sure I can help with that I'm afraid! Most of the stuff I worked on was much more "industrial".

@MyRestoration1 2 жыл бұрын

@@stevewright399 no problem. That’s on my bucket list..👍

@Cyclizt 5 ай бұрын

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?

@MyRestoration1 5 ай бұрын

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

@Cyclizt 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for the prompt reply. I'll give it a go. Are you a fellow South African?

@MyRestoration1 5 ай бұрын

@@Cyclizt no. I gave that up in 93 but I can’t change the accent. Don’t get me started 😂

@Cyclizt 5 ай бұрын

@@MyRestoration1 Wishing you the best!

@sergioflores7169 3 ай бұрын

How does one go about making or finding the correct return/torsion spring if possible?

@MyRestoration1 3 ай бұрын

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!

@sergioflores7169 3 ай бұрын

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!

@MyRestoration1 3 ай бұрын

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!

@aidannolan6656 Жыл бұрын

What are your thoughts about using an ultrasonic bath..?

@MyRestoration1 Жыл бұрын

Not sure. Never tried it. I’m not keen to immerse clocks into any liquid. Thanks for chiming in!

@pdm2201 9 ай бұрын

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.

@MyRestoration1 9 ай бұрын

The green balls had stripes through them. These 68’s were solid green. I could be wrong!

@pdm2201 9 ай бұрын

@@MyRestoration1 I think you’re right.

@pauljeffery5399 Жыл бұрын

I like your videos but the ringing sound when you show your logo is really annoying.

@MyRestoration1 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your comment. I fear you might well be right. I’ll consider a different approach. Cheers

@johnrobson3332 5 ай бұрын

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

@MyRestoration1 5 ай бұрын

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. 😉

@johnrobson3332 5 ай бұрын

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

@MyRestoration1 5 ай бұрын

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..

@johnrobson3332 5 ай бұрын

There are sound recordings on KZfaq called “ the tour bus recordings” of buddy Rich kicking off with his band mates

@johnrobson3332 5 ай бұрын

@@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