It’s Winter … so project time!

Wow, keep up the excellent work Dan! I'm a big fan of FB Marketplace for hunting out bargains, found my 1960 Domi 99 project on there. Polychromatic Blue and Silver Fox sound like a gorgeous colour combination. If only Nortons had done a lightweight 125 version of the Jubilee then I'd happily ride one on L plates... just redone my CBT at 30!

Cheers

Ran

As we are now having global Boiling, should we not be out riding our bikes?

Some nice pics there and I suppose no more standing in freezing workshops, just waiting for Spring, when the work really begins....Charge your batteries when you can...

Happy Christmas.

Hi Dan,

Good to hear your reality.

I have a fiber glass roof on mine. I only use the dehumidifier about twice per winter.

I would love a log burner but booster Boris said he would make them illegal  !!!

I never voted to be colder, poorer and hungry, if push comes to shove.

Anyway, I hope your resorations etc, go well.

My Commando is just too heavy for me now and a lightweight seems just the job and still a Norton.......Navigator would be my choice.......

Yes you jogged my memory, I had read Bert Hopwood's book some time ago, I must dig it out again and have another read. I really do like the design of the 250 single-cylinder prototype that was made in the Fifties... such a shame it didn't materialize!

Can't wait to see more photos as it progresses!

Cheers, Ranulph

Hi Dan,

Looking good and well done cracking on with your winter projects.   With you just over the border in Devon we really must meet up for lunch to compare projects once the good weather is with us!

Having survived a manically busy Advent and Christmas when the bikes sat dormant in the garage I am trying to get down to starting my long overdue Navigator rebuild now that the tanks and mudgaurds have arrived back from the spray shop.  I am really pleased with the finish which is as close as we could get to Polychromatic blue.   You probably know these details but just in case you need the reference I used Lotus Pacific Blue Metallic.   I am told the ICI paint code p4217750, the Lotus paint code is A68 and part number A089B6196V.  The picture attached doesn't really do it justice - it really is a gorgeous colour and incredibly close to the original!    I can recommend AutoRefurb in Crewkerne who did a cracking job at a very reasonable price.

My Winter Project quandry is do I focus purely on the Navigator which is almost ready to start the re-assembly after all the mechanical and cosmetic work has been done but still a huge amount of work.    Or do I stop prevaricating and whip the heads off the Electra to cure the frustratingly persistent oil leaks from the front of the both head gaskets which are just too much to ignore?

If I do I just know I will end up lifting the barrels to check and replace the cam followers and guides to hopefully mute the Lightweight rattles now new ones are available.........and of course then check the bores and rings........and whilst the heads are off I might as well replace the valve guides and perhaps the valves to cure the slight tendency to smoke.......and then replace the brake shoes to sharpen up the brakes.......and replace the centre stand spring......and......   You recognise the symptoms?   I've included a couple of pictures of the Electra after yesterdays run.  It really has exceeded my expectations - another step up from my beloved Navigator!   

So good luck with the Winter Projects and look forward to seeing the Navigator and Jubilee results as they unfold!   Take care out there - the roads don't get any safer.

Cheers   Nick