Magneto Stuff

In the previous post you mentioned making a retard mechanism in to your Joe Hunt to simplify starting. I think this is a pretty common mod, in fact if I'm no mistaken this comes standard on a Fairbanks/Morris mags.

I did some searching on the Jockey Journal a while back and most references to doing this seemed to point back to a guy named Buck at Goblin Millworx that services magnetos and routinely performs this mod (see picture above). Unfortunately it sounds like Buck was also fighting some really serious health problems a few years ago. The Goblin Millworx domain registration has lapsed which makes me wonder if the eventual outcome of this was not good. He was still in the game (though apparently not very computer savvy) in February 2008. It might be worth trying the number listed for him 843-200-1563 10:00 am to 8 pm EST.

I think this is a very worthwhile subject to post on JJ. You could explain what you are wanting to do to a Joe Hunt specifically. You could also mention that while searching you saw references to Buck but that you weren't sure if he was still around and/or still in business. I have to wonder if someone isn't selling this mod as a kit.

Did you never hear back from Trent on this subject? I suspect if you start the proposed thread you will.

On the road again...

Got the engine sprocket and chain on tonight, and rode it a little. I still have some little things to do, like adjust the rear chain, and I think I will try to repaint the outer primary cover, but the clutch seems to be working a lot better. It's kinda clattery when it's disengaged, but having just had it apart, I am confident that the sound is just the steel disks rattling around a bit. Not worried about that...

The new external seat spring works like a charm! Also forgot to say that I spoke to an older guy at Monroe who told me I should put a stop and a spring on the magneto, and adjust it just tight enough that I can manually retard it to start, and as soon as it starts, the vibration will pull it back into time.

I "parkerized" the footboards last night, and hope to get the rubber mats riveted on tonight.

Swap meet bikes...

Afraid I didn't do too good a job of taking pictures at the Monroe swap meet. Did chat with the guy riding this 1957 Panhead. It was pretty cool.

The other interesting bike was this Sportster. Seems like the genuine article. Note the patina of oil residue everywhere aft of the engine... Note also the "Illegally Parked" sticker. Nice touch.

An older biker guy was telling a story about the back tire. Said it dates from the 1960's or 1970's, and is really scarey cornering on a wet road, because the contact patch with the square corners is only about as wide as your finger.

Monroe Swap Meet

Rumor has it a loyal reader wants a swap meet report. It was not real large but pretty cool, and I found a few things. Got a reprint manual that, while not as clear as an original, at least has photos I can decipher. Also got a "skull Face" dash cover for about 1/3 of what V-Twin charges. Also got footboard mats to go with my V-Twin repop footboards. The last find was the best. I finally found a spring to go around the outside of the pogo. Keeps me from bottoming.

About 95% Harley stuff, and of that, maybe 10% vintage (i.e. pre-EVO). No Triumph stuff.

Clutch Play

Finally I have some progress to report!! Stripped and repainted the inner primary, and started to install the new clutch parts with the OEM chain primary. First pic shows a homemade tool for holding the clutch hub stationary while torquing the center nut. Prevents breakage of the clutch retaining studs. Ask me how I know...

The 5/16" rod running down the center of the transmission mainshaft is what actuates the clutch.

Funny how often Grandpa's old "Trimol" wrench is the only one that does the job. I used this wrench to grab a 1 7/8" socket to tighten transmission mainshaft nut after replacing the oil slinger.

I think it's kinda cool that the same wrench used to repair SP&S locomotives 100 years ago soldiers on. It has four generations of Root mechanic karma going for it, and it never fails me...

Here is the clutch hub all assembled with new bearings, bearing retainer, 2 studs replaced, and of course the new clutch shell with the chain sprocket. The clutch sprocket is 37 tooth, and the engine sprocket will be 22 tooth. The transmission sprocket is a 24 tooth. I still need to count the rear sprocket, and then I can figure out speed vs. RPM in the various gears. Yeah, I know, nerdy engineer!

Here is a picture of the clutch all assembled. It has plenty of clearance behind from the inner primary, and it seems to work pretty well. I mounted one of my new footboards temporarily because the footboard limits the travel on the rocker clutch pedal. All seems to be well. The little hole behind the engine shaft is a calibrated leak that oils the primary chain. I will insert a short section of steel tubing with a flare on the end once I get the front sprocket.

I have to mount the front sprocket and the chain, adjust the primary and final drive chain tension, and check the chain oiler to make sure it's set

right. Then mount the outer primary, and terrorize the neighborhood once again.

Tomorrow is the ABATE swap meet in Monroe, WA. The front sprocket should arrive Monday. Hope to be riding soon...

Frustration...

Spent all day trying to diagnose the clutch dragging problem, as well as a nasty sound the clutch makes when it's disengaged.

Most of the day was spent on the kicker cover. Fuzzy from Classic Thunder said that newer kicker covers don't have adequate clearance for the older heavy duty throwout bearing. I used a Dremel to grind down the spots that seemed to be too high.

Didn't really help. I decided there is a clearance problem on the clutch side. Tore the clutch all apart, and was trying to get the hub nut loose, and I broke two of the clutch studs. Not the end of the world, but a setback. I think I figured out that the sound I am hearing is the rear belt pulley rubbing on the inner primary when the clutch is disengaged. Starting to wonder if the BDL belt drive is worth the hassle. It's probably not installed right.
I think at this point I may have to get it to Fuzzy, and let him help me diagnose it. I will get his advice on whether to try to work out the belt issues, or switch back to the OEM chain primary.

Long, frustrating day. I had hoped to be riding it consistently by now.

To Bob or De-Bob? That is the question..

Got an eBay purchase in the mail yesterday. This is the rear fender part traditionally discarded, thereby creating a "bob-job" or "bobber". My rear fender has had an inch or so cut off in addition to removal of the fender tail, so it may be too much work to "de-bob" it, but at what I paid for this tail, and the condition it is in, it was too good to pass up.

Seat parts and toolbox should arrive tomorrow.

"Calling all bikes..."

Found and borrowed this kinda cool photo from eBay. It shows a 1938 Harley U Flathead in New York Police Department livery. Its shows a lot of 1938 details: painted skullface dash, with indicator lights in place of guage(s), no quick shut-off for the fuel.

The knob just behind the dash is for turbo-boost... Okay, just kidding; it is volume for the radio, and the speaker is the bullet-shaped thing on the handlebar pointed backwards.

38U Ride Report

Finally got notification of insurance coverage for "Hollister" today, so I celebrated by taking him to the gas station for his first fill-up. My initial impressions are (in no particular order): I'm getting used to the magneto, and starting to learn more about what it wants to start. The clutch is still dragging, but not so bad I can't ride it a bit. It is geared really high. this is not bad, because it still feels plenty powerful, but THIRD gear on the 38U feels like it's geared higher than top (3rd) gear on my 45". It isn't really possible to shift into 4th on a residential road with a speed limit of 40 mph, because you end up lugging the motor. I think I might consider shifting into 4th at about 50 mph. I figured Jeff was exaggerating about cruising at 70 mph. Now I'm wondering if that might be right. It shifts smoother than the 45" at speed. Rides and handles very well, much different feel than the 45, very solid. Rain cut the ride short (rain seems to figure prominently in my history with this bike so far...). I really think I am going to grow to like this machine... Sorry, no pix to accompany this post.

Sunny in Seattle...

John.Q.Public asked for some more "whole bike" pictures, and today was a rare sunny day so I took some. You should be able to see the original linkages for brake and clutch, in place of the chains, and also the original style rocker clutch. The linkage works pretty well, but the clutch is still dragging.

Next big project, other than clutch work, is to get an original oil tank back on it. Not difficult mechanically, but the parts will cost a fair chunk.

I'm getting more used to starting it, so it's not taking quite so many kicks. Anyway, that's "whazzup!"

The Plan

So anyone who has watched more than one episode of American Chopper knows the importance of having a solid design concept before you start cutting metal... Otherwise you end up welding something really stupid, like a garden trowel, to your masterpiece.

I am pleased to announce that after extensive consultation with a reclusive but gifted old school wrench and bike builder known in the biker world only as "V", we have settled on a plan for this build. You saw it here first, folks.

Homage to the Gods of Speed...

Springer Jeff has begun construction of his Bonneville bike. Check it out on Wingnuts blog. As a major financial backer, I think it's relevant to the 38U audience.

He is making serious modifications to a VL frame, which was the frame of choice back in the day. The VL frame is a single loop frame like the 45", and hence a fair bit lighter. I think he also plans to use a VL "I-beam springer front end.

Looks like there's at least one old timer poised to say "told ya so". I have heard enough stories about springers going unstable at high speed (HarleyWidow's Uncle Wally for one), that I would certainly be reluctant to ignore the naysayers... Good luck, Jeff. Be careful. Fractured femurs suck!

A 38U rocker clutch spring arrived in the mail today. Took two men and a horse to stretch it enough to get it in place, but the clutch linkage seems to work okay.

It lives!!!

Hollister is back among the living. Tanks are back on, and it actually started after only 10 or so kicks. No oil leaks! I did something to the generator; it's not lighting up anything. Decided not to try to diagnose that in the dark. The new taillight is pretty bright, when the generator is functional. I can't wait to get Hollister out on the open road...

So next we attack the clutch problem. For a detailed explanation of why no fresh pix tonight, you're gonna have to visit Geekbobber!

Does Nate's seat make my butt look big?

Nate's loaner panhead seat is now atop 38U. I need to find some NOS fat guy springs for the pogo, because the repops aren't strong enough, but it's still pretty cool to have a seat!

Seat Tabs - Finito!

Found a weldor today, and got my seat tabs welded. Not every guy has a $4000 TIG welder as large as a deep freeze in his garage, but I found one that does.

I am very happy with the result. The seat is now mounted, and tanks go back on tomorrow after work. Sweet!