Month: December 2016

Rear fender and tool box

29.12.2016

First off today was to fit an original rear stand in place of the repop version that came with the frame; easy fit, no problems.

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The original rear fender went straight on without any effort and I will address the paint at a later date. It’s an old repaint but doesn’t match the rest of the bike. I’m using new stays from Jethro Smith and he also sent me the correct 1/4″ 24 tpi die to thread the ends.

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The oil tank/tool box also went on without problems. It is secured by way of a repop top mount and a bolt through the back of the box and through the fender. There is also a bottom mount that fits under the frame but the one I have doesn’t work: I’ll make one. All in all an easy day, it will make up for the stressful ones which WILL follow.

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12 twin build starts

I now have enough parts to start the build of the chain drive twin. I also have a 1912 8D project and several more parts which could be used on both the 8E (chain) and 8D (belt). I will probably build one bike as a dirty scruffy original and the other as a restored, painted and plated bike but still to be ridden. It will depend on what parts I can find. There is also a 1914 two speed sitting on the shelf and other assorted projects on the go.

The first issue was with the frame; I couldn’t get the seat post out, it was fixed solid. I had to the cut the back of the seat tube and then weld a rod and slide hammer the post out. Then re-weld the tube and re-fit another (original) seat post. You can’t see the repair when the toolbox is installed.

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Next was the silencer. I built up the re-pop version on the bike as a guide to check the fit. Then I had to make the original one fit (usually it’s the other way around). First I had to machine the baffle so it would fit into the rear outlet and then on assembly discovered it was too long. So 12 mm off the baffle and then re-round the outer cover to fit both end pieces.

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The next job is to tweek the flange on the front header pipe and then fit some olives inside both unions. Then fit the cut out and the exhaust should be done.

1914 Two Speed Twin

This is the next project. It might have to sit on the shelf (literally) for a while but you have to buy these things when they turn up, not wait until you need one (need?).

This was always my ‘holy grail’ model. I came close to a couple but could never close a deal. With two gears and a neutral, foot-boards and a proper rear brake it might make a good regular rider. They are a bulkier bike than the pre ’13s and lack some of the charm of the earlier models but they are a lot easier to ride.