Hi chaps, a quick progress report on my 1964 Navigator rebuild. 29 days so far from a bare frame to an almost ready to start bike today after fitting the carb, throttle, choke, styling panels and first test fit of the restored seat from Leytons and resprayed tank from Autorefurb in Crewkerne. A big thank you to Andy, Peter and Al for all the advice and encouragement over the last 5 years after I was knocked off by a Land Rover Defender pulling out without looking right in front of me (and not stopping!) which bent the frame and broke my wrist along with plenty of scrapes and bruises not least to my pride!
Total engine and frame rebuild and respray, 12v conversion, Pazon Electronic Ignition, new wiring harness (thanks Al for the loom kit and advice over a crimping tool) and cycle parts repainted and rebuild so fingers crossed for a successful first start and strobe timing over the weekend. Engine and gearbox has new bearings and seals throughout, remarkably the standard big ends and bores showed no sign of wear after 36,000 miles so just a light hone for the new standard Hepolite Pistons and rings because the originals were of unusual design and I couldn't find replacement rings. New cam followers and guides (many thanks Peter for getting these manufactured!) and new valves and guides.
In answer to Andy's last question the closest my spray shop could get to Polychromatic blue was Lotus Pacific Metalic Blue 2 pack lacquer over base. They confirmed the Lotus paint code is A6B / part number A089B6196 or ICI paint code P421/7750. We matched it using an un-faded patch under the tank. I hope that helps encourage others - the real key to getting the rebuild done was retiring earlier this year!
A couple of photos attached - forgive my incredibly untidy bike lift!!! Fingers crossed for a successful first start - I will let you know!
Nick
That looks lovely!
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Thanks Dan, still a lot of…
Thanks Dan, still a lot of fettling to do getting the engine running, strobbed and tuned and then a really good clean and polish before the first gentle shake down run which will have to wait for the end of June because we are off on holiday frustratingly! Hope your Nortons are running well and you are enjoying the spring weather rides! N
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Great progress
Well done Nick. Enjoy your holiday.
Your photo was so good I could get a real anorak view.
Did I see no washers between the supporting pillars and the Pazon pcb?
And no washers under the top and bottom pcb securing screws? (the old gearbox inspection cover screws I guess, being round head rather than pan head)
You will find the fasteners, without washers to spread the load, crush the pcb and make depressions. Or even break the thin pcb sections on slot outers.
Then, when you want to make slight rotational adjustment of the pcb for timing purposes, the fasteners rotate the pcb back to the original indentations when re-tightened.
I believe even when fitted with points, there were washers fitted between fasteners and back plate when the bikes left the factory.
Hopefully, in your washer box.
Soon the sun will come out and I can hang up my anorak.
Great to hear from you Nick.
Peter
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Thanks for the kind words…
Thanks for the kind words Peter, and particularly for you wonderful reamer which solved my new gearbox layshaft bush issue backalong! As for the lack of washers I was horrified to think I had missed them because I spent ages finding some to fit but as you said, a look at my previous picture seemed to confirm your gimlet eye. I rushed out to the garage to rectify my omission only to find that all four washers were snuggly in place so my memory hasn't quite deserted me yet!
As you can see from the attached close up I managed to find some washers big enough to spread the load but not to big to foul the inner lip of the timing cover. It is worth noting I had to use a small file to open out the slots for the screws and pillars to fit and allow sufficient adjustment - my only criticism of the Pazon system that has worked perfectly for 6 years. Apologies for the rather butchered screw heads but finding the right size screws, washers, nuts and bolts is not easy locally. Best I dress them up with file tomorrow when I do the final preparations for the first start!
Time for a cuppa to celebrate! Thanks again - as an aside my Electra started first push of the button this morning after a 2 week break - I am mighty impressed with my new 12v Motobatt MB5Us AGM batteries which not only spin the engine with gusto to provide first time starting hot or cold but seem to retain their charge better than my old lead acid Yuasa YB5L-B batteries used to!
Nick
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A fine looking bike!
Looks like you will be enjoying the bike this summer, hope the weather holds.
I've been impressed by the Navigators "useabilty", light and manageable around town and comfortable for longer journeys.
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Totally agree John, and…
Totally agree John, and surprisingly nimble and nippy. What a shame Norton didn't fit it with decent 12v electrics and have access to electronic ignition and those Lucas indicators all of which transform the bike into a really good, attractive lightweight.
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That looks lovely!