Merry Christmas!

I wish all of you the happiest of Christmases,

Safe riding in 2020! 

Until next time......

Joseph Lucas and the Temple of the lost spark

As mentioned in my previous post,  my mixed-bag '58 suffers from something of an identity crisis.
A 350cc with a 500cc barrel and piston and a half-finished magneto conversion.

After much dithering and back and forth, I ultimately decided to return the bike to stock ignition.

This decision was made due to not having the correct timing covers (mine are AJS branded) and not having the correct magneto.  I do have a Fairbanks Morse FM that gives off spark, however it will need some work to adapt.  Further to this, the FM lacks an advance and retard control.


Finding the correct magneto in decent shape is also a challenge.  They usually range anywhere from $100-300 (and up) and buying one is a something of a gamble.  These units are fifty to seventy years old at this point and inevitably worn out.  A rebuild means several hundred more;  Money well spent for certain, but certainly money I don't have to spare at the moment.   Points and condensers are cheap and plentiful.  I have several NOS Lucas sets sitting in my parts bin ready for use.

I managed to find the correct inlet cam and timing covers on Ebay;  The wiring harness came from feked.com.

As an aside, this will be my last order with Feked;  The company and products are fine, however shipping is horrendous and I am always hit with exorbitant customs fees.  


The missing piece is the Auto Advance unit and plate, known as unit  CA1A in the Lucas catalog.

I figured that being a Lucas unit, it would be easily attainable and very likely used on many different makes/models.  I was incorrect!

If you do a google search or eBay search, almost nothing will come up.  Even the individual components yield no result.   I was able to find out that the CA1A was used on three separate bikes;  The BSA C12, Royal Enfield Clipper and the Matchless/AJS single(s).

I spent countless hours scouring articles and forums, looking for answers or substitute units that could be utilized.   Nothing.

Fortunately for me,  I found a photo reference on Hitchcock's website.  They are the leading provider of all things RE in the world.  I received a prompt reply stating that there are no substitute units that can be used, however they would search for a used set for me.

Considering that the coil ignition singles were on the market for eight years, it's a little surprising there aren't more of these about.   I can only hope that means that many of these bikes live on and are seldom broken up for parts.  That would be a ray of sunshine reaching through a cloud of unobtanium.

Until next time.......

Matchless G3 assessment and a rather large surprise!

After playing with the new matchless single for a month, an update and initial assessment is quite overdue!

Let's start with the good.

Unlike almost everything else I have ever bought this bike is 95% complete.  This is a huge help as I want it back together within a few months rather than a few years.  The engine has excellent compression and turns over freely.  This, combined with the other pieces I have accumulated will make this a much less expensive project.

Now the Bad.

When I say 'bad' it really should be taken with a grain of salt.  If I didn't have the aforementioned parts at hand these line items would certainly be a pain.

-The rear wheel.  I am not sure what has been done to the rear wheel,  it turns freely (decent bearings) however the spindle cannot be removed due to rusted on components.  In addition, the wheel is coated in some sort of silver paint (complete with grit) that paint stripper won't remove.  I'll get tough with it later.  For now, I have a spare wheel ready to go.

-Front forks.  The lowers have hairline horizontal fractures.  Looks like someone landed quite hard!
Enter spare set of forks.

-Front Wheel.  Has a bent rim but very good for spares.

-The Frame.  The swing arm was junk, with an agricultural repair.  The bushings were incorrect, forcing me to carefully cut through said bushing to remove it.  I picked up the swing arm from the other '58 frame we acquired and switched it out.

The left side of the frame also had some extensive damage.  I was able to do a primitive but clean enough repair.

The first step was to bend the piece straight with heat and leverage.

The 'open wound' was beyond straightening.  I cut off the excess fold and
found some material to replace it.  I also sandwiched some steel in between to
 strengthen up the piece.  

After the first weld and grind.

Shot from the side.

Shot from the top.

I then cleaned up the frame and brush pained with Chassis black paint, which I had used previously on the VW.  I should have bought semi gloss, but so it goes. 

The painted frame as it sits now. 

I did some massaging to the hind quarter of the frame which was also a bit bent.  I had a set of girlings from the GMH (Great Matchless Haul) of 2016 which were the right size.  The incorrect items were put in the spares pile.  

In my excitement, I went and ordered an exhaust pipe from Walridge.  To my shock, the pipe was far too small.  The little G3 was hiding a big secret.  It had been converted to a 500! 

As far as surprises go, this was a pleasant one.  Fortunately the too small pipe found a home on the AJS and I ordered another.   The other arrived and was about 1/32" too small.  The P/O had done some sort of modification that removed too much surface from the exhaust port.  What to do?  I thought of getting/making and adapter or filling some surface with JB Weld.  Fortunately, I took the head and pipe to a local muffler shop.  Initially reluctant as he thought the pipe would crack, the manager agreed to flare out the end to fit.  After a few attempts it was near a perfect fit.  I could see some stress marks and decided not to push my luck further.  With a good exhaust sealant, all should be fine.   Best of all, I was not charged for the work. 

Eagle-eyed readers may have noticed something else unusual about the engine.  1958 models were originally equipped with a combination of  coil and points ignition and alternator to charge the battery.  The P/O modified the engine to run off of a Magneto while retaining the alternator.  Not the worst idea in the world as one can still run the engine with a flat battery.  

I can either convert to stock with side covers I found on Ebay or use an old Fairbanks Morse magneto to provide spark.  We shall see.  

Coming soon; Wheels, tank, seat and mudguards.

Until Next time! 

I've done it again....

Swap meets have become a weakness of mine over the last few years.   I get untold pleasure from rooting through bins and boxes and exchanging conservative amounts of money for rusty treasure.

I started the first day of my week off visiting the last CVMG meet of the season.

I was doing fairly well, securing a very good 3.25 x19 Dunlop K70, some handlebars, wrenches and a big box of AMC suspension parts (jampots and a set of Candlesticks).  Then the beaten up white pickup truck pulled up.

I immediately recognized the familiar shapes in the back,  a pair of singles (Matchless and AJS respectively) and a pile of parts.

The bikes were both rolling,  The AJS being an early model ('49 Model 16) and the Matchless a later one (1958 G3LS), identifiable by the larger, more square toolbox and oil tank. 


The cheerful owner mentioned the price for everything and the inner conflict began.  We chatted for a few moments and I politely excused myself before I could get drawn into the dark vortex of another project (or two).

I bumped into the owner twice more, who each time tempted me with a lower price;  I reluctantly accepted his card, repeating the mantra 'I will not call him, I will not call him, I will not call him...'

I spent the rest of the day and next in a sleepy, charming Ontario town not thinking about AMC heavyweight singles. 

Fortunately for me I had plenty to keep me busy, namely sanding down and repainting an otherwise lovely Honda Civic suffering from extensive clear coat issues.

As I sanded in the sun, listening to the 'Once upon a Time in Hollywood' Soundtrack (fantastic film by the way) my thoughts kept returning to the two forlorn singles.  Maybe I do have a problem, I thought to myself.

*I should mention that the G9 has not been forgotten,  I am waiting on some hardware and working out some rear wheel spacing issues.  Henceforth she will be referred to by her Christened name 'Mary Jane'.

By Wednesday my curiosity got the best of me and I called the owner of the bikes.  I was certain that someone had snapped them up;  This would put to bed the question of  'What if?' forever.

Surprisingly, they were still available.  "Damn it." said I over the phone line.

"What's the problem?" he asked.

"Now I must help re-home them." was my response.

I knew my good (dare I say old) friend Chris had been toying with getting another bike project.
After 25 years of on and off persuading, he had finally come around to the idea of English Iron.

He and I had worked on some projects simultaneously over the years and did some flipping of bikes in the late 90's and early 2000's.  At one point we both had vintage Minis.  His was completed beautifully and sold off,  mine was sold off unfinished.

After a brief phone conversation and some google image searches,  He was in!

A few days later, we were off to the country to the seller's home/garage which resembled something from American Pickers.

Cash was exchanged, the bikes and parts loaded up.   It was apparent that Chris had his sights set on the '49.

Not needing two bikes, what would become of the '58?

Yes, she is sitting in my garage.  Thankfully I had just cleaned up and cleared some floor space!

A full assessment will be forthcoming.

Stay Tuned!

It's starting to look like a bike......Finally!

It's been a while since I have updated the blog, however I have been very busy behind the scenes!

The biggest development happened this past weekend when I assembled the front end and frame of the Matchless project.  For the first time, it looks like a proper motorcycle.  As each piece gets bolted on, I find myself filled with satisfaction and pride.  I was especially pleased with the way the steering damper came together with existing parts and a cut down spring from the hardware store.  It works very well (on the bench at least) and I look forward to testing it on the road, along with everything else of course.

Without further ado (as Paul and Craig would say) here is how she currently sits.

The seat pan is a recent acquisition, picked up for $20.00 plus shipping from Ebay.  I had built my own as I couldn't find a pre-'55 pan or a used seat anywhere.  I am happy that I did the fabrication, it was a great exercise and the end product fit the frame perfectly.  That being said, it is heavier and as an original is at hand, I will use it.  The later headlight was also bought for very little but required new captive nuts to be welded inside and some paint.

When I assembled the frame, I realized very quickly that I was dealing with a hardware deficit!  Fortunately for me,  Mr. Partridge has most of the required bits and a package is en route.

The engine is on the bench to the left, just on the other side of the headlight.  That should be assembled sometime this month and placed into the rolling frame.

This brings me to a quick note about the wheels.  When I got the bike it came with a full width '55 only rear hub laced to an 18" rim that turned out to be bent.  The front was of the single sided, early variety that I really like the look of.   I sourced an early rear hub and had both early wheels rebuilt with fresh spokes and rims by a local shop.  I attempted to get it done myself, but to no avail.  I am happy that I at least dove in and gave it my best.   Seeing that a professional found these to be a challenge I don't feel too badly!

I have mounted Duro tires to the front and rear as my budget (now tantamount to pocket change) couldn't accommodate the price of new Avon Speedmasters.  Hopefully I can upgrade them in a couple of years.  I have to say, Duro does make a nice looking tire that looks the part on a vintage bike.  I am sure that they are reusing old molds, though I am not sure who from.  I am told that Shinko reuses Yokohama Molds from the early 70's.

In other news, the 1973 Triumph has been sold and is out of the garage.  I bought the bike as a project in 2007, shortly after my sister passed away.  I never 'bonded' with the bike and I would work on it periodically over the years and spent quite a bit of money on the way.  A loss for me but a gain for the new owner who is retired and has lots of time on his hands.  I am very happy it found a new home where it will be appreciated.  As much as I love Triumphs, the OIF bikes just don't do it for me.

Last but not least,  I decided to treat Katie to a fresh chain and sprockets.  I could have held out, as the stock sprockets still looked good, but the chain had seen better days.  I had been taught that it was false economy to not change sprockets with new chain, so I bought a kit from Volar.

I was disappointed that the master link was of the rivet variety, not a clip as I am accustomed to.  My attempt to put on said rivet master link was a failure and my chain gently rolled off the bike two miles from home!   I  ordered two (one for back up) links with the clip, size 525 in order to remedy the issue.  To my surprise, I discovered that Volar pins are thinner than the standard size by .005 mm.  I called the company and placed an order for the correct parts which I expect to have tomorrow.  The young lady I spoke to was very friendly and helpful and shipped for free (to my US address) very quickly.  Hopefully I will be able to ride by Friday.


Until next time.....

The best instructional video for tire changing I have ever seen...

Courtesy of Lowbrow customs.  I followed this method to install three tires in an afternoon,  no issues!

Until Next time!

Mystery dealership?

I found this wonderful decal on the rear mudguard of a new acquisition.  Frankly it may be the best part of the bike, but more on that later.

Motorcycles Galore 2721 Yonge Street Toronto.  Does anyone remember this shop?

Unsurprisingly, the property now has condominiums on it.   I believe it would have been in operation circa 1970 or so.


Until next time........

Matchless Mock ups!

This post is long overdue.

Back when I acquired the Matchless parts lot (Feb of 2016)  I had a steep learning curve to figure out just what I had and what could be done with it.   Part of a G12, part of a G9/Model 20 and lots of miscellanea that I am still sorting through.

Since then I have picked up a plethora of new and used parts to fill in the gaps.

Did I also mention the seized 1949 AJS model 18 bottom end that I picked up at Christmas?

I saw the sad little 500cc single motor under a table at the Paris Rally last summer.  Unfortunately I had to leave and didn't get to talk to Mike Partridge about it.  I never forgot the engine and always wondered what happened to it.  Turns out it has been collecting dust since and he was more than happy to part with it.  I also acquired a lovely sleeved barrel and an iron head.  I had no idea what I was going to do with it of course, but I always admired and wanted a British single.  Even if it was just part of one.   Sometimes I just get that feeling when I see something I like.

I am getting a little ahead of myself.


Here is a sneak peek of the Matchless G9, that will be wrapped in the '55 AJS frame.  The motor, which is in very good shape is on the bench being rebuilt.  New sludge trap screws, Conrod and main bearings have been used in the bottom end.  The top end has been treated to a full rebuild.  New valves, vale guides and springs.   It was my first top end rebuild and I found it to be very rewarding!

My top tip is to have an extendable magnetic wand at hand to help place the collets when the springs are under load.  This also helps you retrieve a collet if you drop one.

The seat frame is homebuilt, based on the plans from Christian's Archive.  I used my spare tank for most of the mock ups (in case it fell).   I really like the look with these bars ($5.00 swap meet find) and this tail light (I have a post coming with the genesis of that home made special).  I will be using the 18" QD rear wheel seen on the truing stand.  That wheel came with the parts lot,  but the rim was badly bent.  I sourced a NOS Hap Jones WM2 18 on Ebay for $20.00 and laced it up.  The chrome mudguard is intended for a Royal Enfield Bullet and fits in perfectly.

With the G9 more or less sorted, I wanted to figure out what to do with the rest.   I brought the G12 stuff from the rafters and assembled it loosely.  I looked over the components and realized that re-building the 650cc engine up would be quite expensive.

The solution?

I decided to pair the '49 motor with the 1960 frame and fittings.  I have to say, it looks very correct, very right.

I foresee something like this, but in AJS trim and colours;  Making it a 'Southerner' apparently.

That is a project that will have to wait a while, but I do love it when a plan comes together.

Until next Time!

Free Bike! 1970 Yankee Boss 50

This was gifted to me by a dear friend and lovely co-worker from my old job.  She wanted this one owner bike to go to a good home, so I was happy to oblige.  All original and it takes up very little space!

This was made by a small company in Italy named B&M Bologna and sold in the US as a Yankee.

My plans are just to clean it up and ride around the neighborhood.

Life is full of surprises....

Mini Bike Magazine - Sept. 1970








Until Next Time.....

Silhouette printer paper review (make your own decals and stickers)

As I near my 100th post, I find myself busier than ever with hands on work.  I had hoped to document more of the Matchless build but find it difficult to stop and capture everything on film.  I have chosen to do an extensive write up once rolling and include the photos and notes that I have taken.

In the meantime I wanted to quickly review a product I picked up last year but only started playing with.

I am not a always a fan of decals/stickers on vehicles, but sometimes they work well.  That vintage 'STP' on an old desert sled oil tank can add the right level of character.

Ebay has lots of old stickers and water slide pieces, however these can be a gamble.   I have been lucky a few times (the one on my Matchless tank worked out well) and unlucky on other occasions where the decal disintegrated.

That was when I thought about making my own and decided to do some research.  What I ended up investing in was something called Silhouette Paper acquired from Hobby Lobby ($9.99 for 8 sheets).

This is a clear vinyl sticker paper that can be used with any home laser printer.  I gathered a few random vintage images and put them all on the same screen in MS Paint (I like things kept simple!)

As you can see, I foolishly wasted a good portion of the first sheet.  Next time I will load every inch to get the best bang for the buck!   I would also recommend running a test page on regular paper to make sure everything looks right.

I am impressed by the quality of the end result;  The paper holds colour well and there was no bleeding at all.  The fact that it prints onto a clear sheet is a huge benefit.  My 'Made in England' decal was the only disappointment, I did a test fit on the frame and it could barely be seen.  On a brighter background it works well but the edges can clearly be seen.

Where this product really shines is with more 'solid' images such as this BA sticker.

For the money, this is a great product.  Perfect to produce a good number of stickers for a toolbox, project bike, etc. 

Until Next Time......

Nardi steering wheel restoration

I picked this up about ten years ago for my father's 1989 Miata.  It was never in mint shape (made in 1981) but it was certainly good enough to use. 

The poor old Miata has had a rough life.  I think my father is the 8th owner or something near it.  Nonetheless, it has always run well and delivered boat loads of fun.  Especially after the turbocharger, upgraded wheels and suspension was done. 


A couple years ago, I noticed some horrible rot in the floor and my dad, rather than scrap her, had the work done.  When the car came back, the clutch stopped working.  So it sat still most of last year.   I had been meaning to fix things up for a while, but was sidelined by all my other projects.  This year the little roadster will have a great summer.  Starting with a freshened steering wheel. 

Not good!

It looked a lot worse in my hands than in the photo.  The old varnish had virtually peeled away, leaving exposed wood underneath.  

Step one was to scrape off as much as possible, then apply some paint remover.  I had expected the remaining material to come off quite easily but I was mistaken.  Back to scraping!

Looking better already!

Step two was to sand down with 220 grit sandpaper, being mindful not to remove too much material or create flat spots.  I also filled some minor cracks with wood filler.

I fished around the solvent cupboard and found a can of  Cherry wood Minwax.  I decided to give it a go.  

Coat one.

I added the first coat and was immediately taken with the dark tone.  I let it cure for a couple days before the next treatment.  The stain didn't seep into the wood filler but I had a plan for that.

I found a furniture repair pen in my drawer, the type used for fixing minor scratches.  On to the next round.

I picked up some Marine grade varnish (small can) from Canadian Tire for $8.00.   I did two coats with 24 hours of curing in between.  

  I am very pleased with the way this one turned out; it looks good and fresh, without looking too new.  The last job is to apply some autosol to the spokes.

Until Next time.....

Build the Plywagen!

Let's take a little trip back in time; To a bygone era when men had tools and knew how to use them. To a time when, for just the price of lumber and a magazine a man could build his own roadster. 

These free plans show the ingenuity, spirit and fun one could have in that era unhindered.  It's the closest you may ever get to having a set of time machine blueprints....

Enjoy!





Taken from Mechanix Illustrated, November 1964

Until Next Time....