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Hi, I hope someone can help me. I have come across a CJ350 Norton. It is in rather bad condition. i.e every thing is rusted, the tank is about done, frame needs repainting, it has its front end, engine, g,box. wheels are present but new ones required. no lights or saddle. all chrome is gone. The engine etcare unknown as to internal condition. This is a major restoration. the housing around the tappet/valve is broken but could be welded.
Can parts be got for these bikes, ie tank, levers, lights, possibly mud guards. Would this be a worth while restoration or too costly to start.
Any help or thoughts welcome. I dont want to restore something that is worth less than it took to restore. I have been asked £3k for the remains.
Thanks Robert
Hi Robert, this is a rare machine,you have not put what year it is this will obviously have an effect on it's value. I think you will find that many parts are common with other models. Saddle & lights etc are reproduced. Mudguards/ tanks can be made from scratch if required and there are several specialists for camshaft engines who can rebuild the engine.
I think that in many cases the cost of restoration can exceed the end value of the machine, this obviously depends on how much of it you send to specialists to do for you and if you put a value to your own time, if you want to treat it as a bussiness excercise I would not advise it. I have noticed how the value of unrestored project bikes has risen disproportionately to the cost of restoration, this is I think because many people enjoy the challenge and unrestored bikes are getting ever harder to source, also it is a good way of self financing.
Regards, Will