Carl says (Apr 2002):
Making some progress with the bike. Fred found some original (very difficult to find) Clear Hooter horns on E-Bay. They may be useable someday, but not soon. Chrome has arrived … very shinny. And a wheel is reborn.
Fred adds: (Apr 2002):
The machine is now on it’s own feet! Centre stand on, rear wheel in place, and on the floor. Also hung the prop stand.
Trying to mount the handlebar, but there is interference between the rubber cub underneath and the lock boss….as if the top tree is too low, but can’t see how. Scratching head on this.
Raber has sent up the lighting switch and the bits necessary to complete the forks….unfortunately, the p-coat won’t be done this weekend. I may build up one leg anyway. Mike put the parts on your account payable. All of 12 bucks, including the decal for the inside of the points cover, with instructions for setting the gaps.
Front brake backing plate is being wet-sanded in prep for polish and buildup…..hopefully ready to true/round/tension when forks are on. Now I need the headlamp ears.
Might put the top end on the motor this weekend, we’ll see how it goes Saturday with service at Munroe. Hope to ride the Duc sunday am.
No seat cover yet. sorry about the crappy photo….let’s leave this off the website, in pref to better shots in the sun. [Editors note: it’s not that crappy, Fred.]
Fred says (May 2002):
These were taken last week thru Sunday. Cylinder barrel, pistons going onto the crankcase. Cylinder head will go on after engine is in frame, as the lump is lighter without, and easier fit into frame without risk of scratch damage. Primary and clutch won’t go in until then either, as I must put the final drive chain ’round the wheels to use the rear brake to torque the countershaft nut down. Timing side cover can go on anytime, just waiting for me to finish polishing…..
And yes, the machine in the sunlight, now with that big wide handlebar strapped on. Solved the rubber mounting cup mystery…..part manual and service manual both showed the stack BELOW the top clamp…..they actually go ABOVE. Obvious (never trust what you read).
Anxiously awaiting the fork sliders to be done, and arrival of headlamp ears from painter- front end can then be put in.
Tanks and covers with loverly new paint are due any day from the East Coast.
More wet sanding on the front brake backing plate tonight, in prep for the buffing wheel.
