500 Camel mk1 - short story of a recovery

Camel, Sahara, Kanguro, Coguaro
Angelo63
Posts: 31
Joined: 20 Dec 2018 14:18
Location: Torino (Italy)

500 Camel mk1 - short story of a recovery

Post by Angelo63 »

I am passionate about Morini in general, but for Camel mk1 I have a special passion. Now I can say that I have two of red mk1 Camels. This is the story of the second one.
I found the second one forgotten in a garage. I had had a few reports of its existence from various people, but it seemed an improbable thing.
Fortunately, I met the first owner who told me he had one like mine (my first Camel). He confirmed that he knew that it was near my home in Turin, pointing to exactly where.
And so I went to see it, I contracted with the owner (a former dealer who had it 25 years ago and never used) and I finally got it.
Here's what it looked like:

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And here's how it is now at 85% of the work:
- eliminated the obscene stickers (still missing on the tank)
- sandblasted and repainted frame that was horribly painted white by a spray
- changed forks
- changed engine (its was blocked, but I'm recovering it)
- changed fenders (front was not correct, behind it was ruined but I found new one)
- changed headlight and rebuilt dashboard (carbon fiber) on the model of the other Camel
- overhauled electrical system (it was still good)
- cleaned wheels and rims
- used tacho found as replacement (was missing).
- tankerite tank treatment
- Carburetor cleaning
- To change shock absorbers by Marzocchi Ag4 and a new chain.

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Now, I can proudly say that I know any detail of this model. I'll be happy to help to find spare parts or give help on any matter to other Camel mk1 owners.
fofs216
Posts: 22
Joined: 09 Oct 2018 07:57
Location: Colchester UK

Re: 500 Camel mk1 - short story of a recovery

Post by fofs216 »

Lovely!!!
Haboola72
Posts: 95
Joined: 05 Jan 2013 15:03
Location: Tarragona, Spain

Re: 500 Camel mk1 - short story of a recovery

Post by Haboola72 »

Angelo,
Love the bike, a great job.
Did you find a pair of magnesium Marzocchis? They must be very rare.
The instrument binnacle is a triumph. What kind of moulding compound did you use?
Sheikh
Posts: 36
Joined: 01 Jul 2016 14:49
Location: Peterborough
Location: Peterborough

Re: 500 Camel mk1 - short story of a recovery

Post by Sheikh »

Excellent bike, and I agree with Mr. Haboola, the binnacle is very good. Is there any chance that I can get one for my Camel?
Derek Wright
Posts: 44
Joined: 19 Oct 2007 20:59
Location: Leicestershire

Re: 500 Camel mk1 - short story of a recovery

Post by Derek Wright »

Hi Angelo,
Bike looks great, love the Mk1 Camels.
I am also impressed with your manufacture of the instrument binnacle /cowl as I am missing this part for my Mk1., I have the rubber headlamp and would love to get hold of a cowl.
Seems there are at least 3 people interested in this item, do you fancy making some further replicas ?
Saluti,
Derek
Angelo63
Posts: 31
Joined: 20 Dec 2018 14:18
Location: Torino (Italy)

Re: 500 Camel mk1 - short story of a recovery

Post by Angelo63 »

Thanks for your kind appreciations. The Camel has now its correct Marzocchi damper that must be painted red but I'll do in the next weeks.

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Still missing the chain, chain sliding shoe, fuel pipes and carburetor tuning, tank serigraphy.

About the instrument binnacle, honestly I am not so smart to do this nice work by myself.
I have found a person that was able to replicate it from the original one. I agree that the result is great.

See it compared to the original.

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I have the mold and I can ask to do more pieces using the carbon fiber.
Let me know how many pieces you need to get the best price.
Derek Wright
Posts: 44
Joined: 19 Oct 2007 20:59
Location: Leicestershire

Re: 500 Camel mk1 - short story of a recovery

Post by Derek Wright »

Hi Angelo,
Thanks for the information regarding the instrument binnacle, not sure how many people would want one here in the UK. However, I would be interested in your old one should you wish to sell it.
The condition does not look to bad, so, if you want to sell it, please send me a PM with a price and postage cost and we can proceed from there.
Regards,
Derek
Angelo63
Posts: 31
Joined: 20 Dec 2018 14:18
Location: Torino (Italy)

Re: 500 Camel mk1 - short story of a recovery

Post by Angelo63 »

Sorry Derek, but the original binnacle is mounted on my other Camel. I do not sell it.
I can replicate one more for you if you want.
Derek Wright
Posts: 44
Joined: 19 Oct 2007 20:59
Location: Leicestershire

Re: 500 Camel mk1 - short story of a recovery

Post by Derek Wright »

Hi Angelo,
Thanks for your quick response, yes, I would be most pleased if you could make me a binnacle, please send me details of cost and postage and I will pay in advance.
Perhaps if you advise cost on the forum and wait a little while, other owners may also like to have one and make contact.
Saluti,
Derek
User avatar
Daddy Dom
Posts: 512
Joined: 16 Nov 2006 19:48
Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Re: 500 Camel mk1 - short story of a recovery

Post by Daddy Dom »

I have to say, I quite like all that Paris-Dakar Sahara desert stuff.
If not original, it sure is evocative.
DD
MRC 3082½
Angelo63
Posts: 31
Joined: 20 Dec 2018 14:18
Location: Torino (Italy)

Re: 500 Camel mk1 - short story of a recovery

Post by Angelo63 »

I am not a seller of binnacles, but I am very happy to help to get this scarce part.
The builder wants 175 euro for each one.
Derek Wright
Posts: 44
Joined: 19 Oct 2007 20:59
Location: Leicestershire

Re: 500 Camel mk1 - short story of a recovery

Post by Derek Wright »

Ooo, I'm afraid that price puts a replica binnacle out of my range, will have to do with the modified Kanguro X unit currently fitted.
It's a lovely piece of work and I suppose the material, carbon fibre will add to the cost.
Afraid I have to many projects and have to share out the pennies.
Many thanks for your help and look forward to seeing more of your Camel related posts in the future.
I've also replied to your PM.
Derek
Angelo63
Posts: 31
Joined: 20 Dec 2018 14:18
Location: Torino (Italy)

Re: 500 Camel mk1 - short story of a recovery

Post by Angelo63 »

Asking to the maker, the binnacle can remade alternatively in fiberglass, black painted, at 120. But please, do not think this is a market.
I am very happy to help the British friends to find a scarse piece (only way is to replicate it) and I do not have any gain for this.
Angelo63
Posts: 31
Joined: 20 Dec 2018 14:18
Location: Torino (Italy)

Re: 500 Camel mk1 - short story of a recovery

Post by Angelo63 »

Update.
The bike is now complete, a part the decal on the tank and the horn that isl not the original Fiamm (impossible to find!).

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The chain guard has been replicated in the same way as the binnacle. See it here.

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:D
rossguzzi
Posts: 433
Joined: 23 Jan 2019 14:21
Location: Perth W/Australia

Re: 500 Camel mk1 - short story of a recovery

Post by rossguzzi »

Very nice work !

Can you tell me where to buy a front and rear sprocket ? Also the Morini handlebar cushion ? Where did you get that ?

Cheers.
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