Support your local Elder Statesman.....

 Elder Statesman:

noun-

an influential citizen, often a retired high official, whose advice is sought by government leaders.

any influential member of a company, group, etc., whose advice is respected.

About a month ago, I was having a somewhat miserable weekend.  Those of you who work on old bikes and cars will understand immediately.  It was the sort of of day where the best laid plans all unravel; Parts you thought would fit don't fit; that 'I only have one of these left' piece falls from the bench and shatters.  The sort of day that can cause one to lose faith and want to pack it all in. 

The frame had been freshly painted green for this mock up.

I was certainly the author of my own misfortune that day. Lacking a front wheel for the BSA project, I thought I could get away with fitting one from a Triumph Cub.  I found out (naturally) that the wheel spindle was too narrow for the forks.  Then I had a second 'brainwave'.  Take the narrower top and bottom C11 yokes from the big pile and mount the forks and wheel that way.

Perhaps I am being a bit hard on myself as the set up in the photos above looked acceptable.   I spent the day cleaning up the Cub wheel, grinding off rust with a wire wheel and filling pits with metal stick epoxy.  I then sanded everything smoothly, coated with rust paint and went to put on my 'golden boy' Shinko tire.  As a side note, I really like the look of these, I am told they are made from old Yokohama and Pirelli molds. 

Wouldn't you know it, the rim strips I ordered were 21" instead of 19!  Bugger, I thought however it was certainly not 'bugger'  which was said aloud!  I then proceeded to take some fabric tape off the shelf and wrapped it around the rim.  I mounted the tire and tube only to end up with not one, but two punctures.   After some further choice words, the tube was ripped from the tire and thrown in the bin.  I decided to soldier on and attempt to fit the wheel anyway.  I am not sure what prevented me from measuring this mess before I dug in.  Long story short, it was evident that this harebrained scheme would not come to fruition.   I left the garage to ponder my next move, which should have been obvious from the get go.  Call the local BSA man. 

I will admit that I am very hesitant to call up people and ask for parts or guidance.  I have a bad habit of assuming that I'm being a nuisance or that I am infringing on privacy.  The BSA man, who is in his eighties still rides and restores bikes.  When I first visited his garage my jaw nearly hit the floor looking at all of his spectacular builds.   He made a point to tell me that each bike was built from parts and few had matching numbers.  He was quietly proud of his work and rightfully so.  Rivet counters be damned!   He is also a member of my local branch of the vintage group and lives about 15 minutes away.  I called and left him a voicemail which he returned within an hour or so.  He had a correct wheel with decent tire for the paltry sum of $100.00.  

I looked forward to seeing him and much of my anxiety about being something of a bike building failure dissipated when I entered his shop.  I looked around a little and we chatted some.  He had no problem with me looking closely at his lovely '47 B31 and taking mental notes.  I let it slip that I had been having a frustrating time as of late.  Without missing a beat he said 'You've got too much stuff in that garage of yours.  You need to get the bikes on wheels and the rest will follow'.  Simple but sage words.  Not wanting to dither, I took my leave.  The BSA man's words ringing in my ears.  

I spent the next week and weekend purging the garage.  I gave away three tote bins worth of goods and gathered several bags of garbage, recyclables and hazardous waste to go to the local transfer station.  I moved things around and organized.  I swept and bought more little storage shelves for sundries.  I reorganized my solvent shelves and my tools.  I then looked at the 'new' workspace from the driveway in a state of disbelief.  

It was as if I had just moved to a new property, the difference was absolutely staggering.  Since then I have been able to find what I am looking for, I have been able to work and move freely as can the rest of the family.  

Those simple powerful words from the outside were exactly what I needed to hear. 

My advice to any reading this is to cast aside your ego and seek out those elder statesmen.  Listen and learn for you are not a nuisance; you are a torch bearer.  

My deepest thanks to the BSA man, I look forward to meeting with you again. 

Until next time..... 

Treasure Trove! (Vintage motorcycle magazines!)

I stumbled across this link by accident today and thought I would share it....

Vintage Motorcycle Magazines

This is a French website, however all of the magazines are scans converted to .PDF.


Enjoy!


Until next time....

I think I found my first car....

The world can seem increasingly small sometimes, especially when something once thought lost returns to us.

At lunch time, I rarely stay at the office;  I walk, regardless of the season.   I work in an older neighborhood that is on the wrong side of an actual set of tracks.  That being said, there are many interesting century homes and industrial buildings to see.

Once in a while I even get to spot an interesting vehicle (see my CZ post from a couple years ago) though not too often.

While walking today however, something caught my eye.  It was the face of an old friend, a late 60's MG Midget, the first car I ever drove.

The closer I got to the car, the more it looked like my Midget.

Could this be the very same beast I fell in love with 28 years ago?

 It was rather like spotting an extraordinary former flame in the most mundane of places; With time, one is never quite sure yet a familiar magic remains in those eyes....

I remember the BMC logo on the seat belts, the mostly black body work with spots of primer.  I can recall the chrome and polished alloy accouterments under the bonnet.

I will never forget the sound she made, nor the feeling she gave me.

Further investigation may be warranted.

Until next time.....

Ironing out the niggling details....

In some regards, restoring a bike back to spec is easy.   By easy, I mean having definite guidelines and photographic references to follow.  Hard work?  Absolutely.  Once you have all the right parts however, it can be similar to building a life sized Airfix kit.

Building a custom bike or something from random parts can be much more challenging; Often the smallest victories yield the greatest rewards.

My latest victory was in the form of a tail light.  As trivial as it may sound, I could not find the right tail light/brake light for this build.  This had actually been driving me to distraction for the better part of two years.

I played around with a variety of different styles, finally settling on an original English made Sparto piece that I fabricated a lens for.

Close, but not quite.

It looked good and was very, very close to being right.  It just wan't right enough.

Back to the drawing board.

My criteria was fairly straightforward.  I wanted something that looked period, flowed with the bike and was functional.  I also wanted something unique and lighter than the Sparto unit.   To make life harder, I didn't want a repop item from China or India.  There is a cheapness to these items that always seems to let the side down.

Cruising around on Ebay, I spotted something a little bit different.  It was an NOS Lucas light I had never seen before, a model VT31.  There wasn't much online about it, just that it was used on bicycles and mopeds primarily.  The asking price was low, so I took a chance.

Rather than fabricate a backing plate, I decided to modify something I already had.

The plate is most certainly a DIY item, I have no idea what the off-set drilled holes were for.

The first step was to weld some plate on the back to cover the holes.  I then welded some steel washers into the holes and removed the plate on the back.  Next, I lined up the light in order to drill the mounting holes.

Then a little filler and a bit of paint.

Front 

Side view

I am really happy with the way that this turned out.  It certainly checks all the boxes for me with the added bonus of having lots of character.  Although hard to see in the photos, the light is actually adjustable so I can fine tune when the rear mudguard is in place.

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......

This may be the greatest thing I have discovered online...

While looking for an article about Zinc plating spokes,  I somehow stumbled onto this.


The Vintage Motorcyclists' Workshop


I would like to thank the kind soul who scanned and posted this.  I started reading and haven't stopped!    I believe this might be the most practical book written, full of excellent descriptions and practical approaches to restoration.   I found the section on Wheel building especially interesting.


Until next time....

Spooky Cycle Halloween yard art......

Spotted on a lawn in the north end of Hamilton.  Apparently now only good as a Halloween decoration. Yes, I know I am a few days late.

I believe it started out as this (below), a shining 1963 CZ 175.  It's always rather sad to see things like this left to be reclaimed by the earth.  I would guess it is beyond restoration, but may still be good for parts.

Until next time....

Friday Inspiration.....

Brazenly stolen from  Legend Motors;  I hope that my Father's G11 is still out there and looks this good.....


Until next time...

CVMG Paris meet 2018

I should open with a confession;  I arrived at the show on Saturday when the gates opened and was only able to stay until 9:30 due to a prior commitment.   Any comments or critiques are based on what I saw during this time, not the whole day/weekend. 

While there was quite a bit to see, the field seemed sparse compared to years past.  Could this be a sign that there is a downturn in the hobby?  

The dominant presence took form in older Japanese bikes a trend that seems to be carrying forward from past years.  Bikes that were usually front and center in years past were curiously absent;  The Broughs, the early Indian built in Toronto to name a few.  Not a single Matchless in sight either.  

Interestingly, there were at least 4 Triumph TRW army bikes for sale, all complete and running and all under $5,000.   I have always wanted one, but I more than have my hands full!  Here is a great article about them should you be curious;  http://sump-publishing.co.uk/triumph-trw.htm

I have heard stories of crated examples being available through Army Surplus stores into the early 1990's!   

I spent a total of $28.00.  I bought some old handlebars, a brake rod (possibly Norton) and a very interesting battery box which looked Prewar.  

I was told that these were Czech made (Jawa/CZ) and sold through Eaton's department stores.

Until Next time....

The expense of being cheap.....

A wise man once uttered the words 'Do it right, do it once.'   I am unsure if he also said 'Measure twice, cut once' but I would like to think he did.

No words are truer when it comes to motorcycle building and to this specific topic: Paint.

Visit any car or bike forum out there and you will inevitably find many, many pages regarding the painting of bodywork. 

The most popular and recurring theme seems to be 'Cheap paint options'.   In other words, using hardware store aerosol to achieve decent results.   A lot of these threads make for fun and interesting reading with a plethora of 'experts' chiming in. 

There is the famous 'Paint your car with rustoleum and a roller for $50.00', painting rims with appliance epoxy, baking enamel etc. 

I am not ashamed to admit that I wanted to take the cheap road less traveled.  I read, re-read and looked at pictures.  I even bought a cheap toaster oven from a charity shop to bake small items in. 

The results? 

Garbage.  I won't even bother posting the pictures.   I carefully cleaned, primed, did thin coats, etc.

I tried 'professional' enamels, cheap enamels, etc.  There were runs (which I could sand out) and improper curing.  One toolbox cover was perfect, until a light tap of the fingernail scratched the paint.


It was infuriating, a complete waste of time, money and energy. 

Going back to the forums, there is always the one fellow (usually someone who did autobody or automotive painting) pointing out that cheap paint is false economy.  He is the one to listen to!

Not wanting to waste any more of my resources and momentum I visited the local (automotive) paint supply store for help.

For $85.00 (CDN) I purchased proper primer, paint and clear coat.   I have only used the primer thus far and I am incredibly pleased with it.  No runs, quick cure and even spraying. 

My first piece was an old licence plate frame with bad chrome that I sanded down.  The results speak for themselves as I was left with a smooth matte finish.  The black primer shows any flaws in the substrate, which avoids issues at the later stages.  So far I have done the brake plate, rear hub, tank, rear frame. 

I will never bugger about with inferior products again;  It just doesn't pay to be cheap. 

Until next time...

Do I own them, or do they own me?

"Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul."

- Democritus

I confess to feeling somewhat overwhelmed today, bordering on melancholy.   Generally when I walk into my garage, I smile.  I look around at the (controlled) chaos and feel a perverse sense of achievement; Stacks of parts, shelves lined with tote bins, vehicles in various states of array lining the walls, etc.   Today however was a different tale.  I looked around and felt ashamed that I had all of these projects unfinished and collecting dust. 

I thought of the time it would take to finish them all and the expense involved.  Then I proceeded to feel a bit worse.  I realized that what was once a dream has become a bit of a nightmare for me. I have acquired some wonderful items and with them a lifetime of dedication that would take me away from other passions and people in my life.  Not to mention being able to actually enjoy the fruits of my labour by driving/riding said completed vehicle. 

Today, for the first time I felt somewhat claustrophobic, longing for space and singular focus.

Perhaps this happens to anyone who has a collection of any kind, where eventually all things become old, even the feeling.

I can't count how many times I have read or heard 'I used to have one of those, best bike/car I ever owned.  I should have never sold it'.

Regret.  Long lasting.  Decisions made during a low point in one's life.

The feeling stayed with me until I came home and found a parcel waiting for me from Walridge Motors.

I knew what was inside, however a small wave of anticipation passed through me.   There is something so exciting about new parts.....

I then picked up some valve covers and began to work out the scratches with the abrasive wheel.

My sense of satisfaction slowly started to return, as did my sense of happiness.  Any lingering questions or doubts completely dissipated.

I realized that it would only ever be action that keeps the bad feeling away, accomplishment.

The question of ownership becomes irrelevant as one accepts the position of caretaker instead.

Once again I looked around at the (controlled) chaos and felt that perverse sense of achievement; Stacks of parts, shelves lined with tote bins, vehicles in various states of array lining the walls, etc.

I thought of my teenage self, pouring through 'The World of Motorcycles'. It was clear that I had attained a wonderful goal, time and money be damned!

 I just needed to put it into perspective.

Until Next time....

My YouTube Channels of choice....

I am a huge fan of YouTube.  The idea that anyone, anywhere at anytime can create, edit and produce media for a worldwide audience is fascinating to me.  Growing up in a different era, the very idea of it would have been the stuff of science fiction.

That being said, there is a tremendous amount of dross that one must sift through to find gold.


Here are some of my top choices, which are in no specific order.


On Yer Bike

Presenter Paul Brodie travels to various bike shows around Britain, focusing on the custom scene primarily.  Many of the segments feature builder Craig Jones, a talented blacksmith who does some exceptional work.  The above video details the making of a hand-made licence plate frame for an Enfield.  While chopped bikes are not my favourite thing in the world, the presentation is great as are the production values.  

Britannia Motors 

Micheal Waller is an ex-pat who runs a small restoration business in Upstate NY.   Luckily for us, he has taken the time to document some of his work step by step.  If you are new to restoring British bikes, this is a great place to start.

Ed Willson's 1968 VW restoration

This video is a classic and a must see if you are contemplating the restoration of a Beetle.  With over million and half views, you may have already seen it!  Filmed and edited by son Max, Edd walks us through the process from beginning to end.  The car itself was up for sale (and presumably sold) for an eye-watering $15,500 USD.  The Willson clan have recently 'adopted' a worse for wear Austin Healey Sprite.  These videos in my opinion are the real stars, showcasing Edd's amazing fabrication skills. 

Hackaweek's Honda CB750 Restoration

Host Dean Segovis brings high energy and comprehensive detail to these restoration videos.  A CB360 is currently on the bench taking form as a scrambler which will no doubt prove as entertaining.


Mustie 1 

Apart from the over-use of the term 'Barn Find' (a term that needs to die for a while, much like 'patina') Mustie 1's videos are excellent viewing.   With a tremendous passion for anything mechanical, he will take on any project in an attempt to make it run.  This includes motorcycles, drills, cars and defunct generators most of which are found at yard sales.  Apparently he was offered a reality series, however the terms were less than desirable.  Good on him, as the last thing the world needs is more 'reality' shows.


Shedbuilt Dave

Shedbuilt Dave provides exactly what his name would imply; (To be clear it is unlikely Dave himself was created in a shed, but one never knows!) A man named Dave in his shed, building bikes.  For the home restorer Dave makes for an excellent mentor.  He utilizes rudimentary tools and old fashioned methods to create alchemy.  While I greatly enjoy Dave's work, I hope that one day he will invest in a better camera.


Lunmad

Lunmad is something of a quiet legend in the Triumph motorcycle community.  While his methods occasionally create a stir with the 'purists', the 'impure' have greatly benefited from his efforts.  His  humble and amusing presentation is a breath of fresh air in the sometimes maddening world of restoring old iron.

Until Next time.......

Weekend Swap Meet pick ups

With other priorities dominating much of 2017,  I didn't visit many shows or swap meets.
At the 11th hour on Friday,  I happened to be cruising the CVMG page and saw the Kitchener branch would be holding court at the Paris Fairgrounds the next morning.  I figured I should start making up for lost time.

I set out early, as one does to find the best items;  Armed with a modest cash budget and list of essentials in mind, I kept my expectations low.  

Despite the intermittent heavy rain, the number of vendors was fairly high and diverse.  What did surprised me was the lack of project bikes for sale.   Not a concern for me, as the Inn is currently beyond capacity! 

There was one exception and it was certainly something not seen very often, this 1929 Harley Davidson JD project.  Considering the age and how much of the bike is present, someone should be able to restore to former glories.

At the end of the day, I made out quite well and far better than expected.  Below, I humbly present my 'haul'. 

It may not look like much, however these are all items that I had hoped to find and more importantly, needed.  

2 x Shorty/cocktail shaker mufflers (purchased for $2.00!)  I have never seen shorties with flared ends before.  The chrome is actually quite decent.

12 x Tools:  Several slimline wrenches, a NOS American made chain tool, Dunlop tyre spoons, Craftsman wrench, home made Triumph clutch tool, very old flint for welding and a mystery tool.  

1 x Bag of random British fasteners with nuts, always handy.

3 x original handlebar switches, all in excellent shape.  1 x Ducon, 1 x Miller and 1 x Lucas.

2 x Ewarts fuel taps with new components.  I was really surprised and delighted to find these as mine are but trash.  

All in all, a very worthwhile Saturday morning and I will be sure to attend next year.

My next post will reflect some project updates, until next time!