Noot

Lee Wickstrom of Lee's Speed Shop - Cylinder Heads

My friend Gordy has his knuckle cylinder heads rebuilt by Lee Wickstrom (yes, that Lee) . . . and the heads always look so nice and professional. The combustion chambers are coated with some type of sealer - and there's clear coat in the exhaust ports. I need to call Lee (never talked to him yet, my fault) and see what he uses for this. It's more fun to assemble motors when the "jobbed outside work" is spot on and properly done. Very nice work Lee ! It called for a celebration of carry-out Taquitos Rancheros with chicken and Plaza Mex hot sauce !

(PS, I've been a bit slow lately since my foot got injured and I now qualify for a "if you don't limp, you ain't shit shirts . . . - NOT THE KICKER FOOT THE OTHER ONE )

$105+ a Barrel = M88 Linkert

Why doesn't our government offer some kind of incentive for riding a motorcycle, moped, go ped or golf cart when living in a small town? All these small communities could lower our fuel usage and demand - and hopefully lower prices. You big city dwellers are stuck with the bus, sub, or sit in traffic.

Maybe it wouldn't make a difference? My 1.160 gallons of fuel will last me about a week of running around town, cruising . . . and hauling parts in my backpack.

Cheap Trick . . . rocked the Surf

This was the first time I ever bought tickets from a guy out front.
He was so pissed at his daughter and her boyfriend he sold me their ($90 worth of tickets) for $20/pr..
Don't tick off the future father-in-law !

Superglide FOR SALE

Smiley at Route 63 Motors would like to sell his Superglide
he's owned almost forever . . .

It's very clean and runs like a champ.
The rear wheel is a Hallcraft (he has the front one too).

You can call him at 319-882-4222 for information

If you have a horsehoe oil tank . . . Werker Battery ! (Save for future reference)

Model No. WKA12-12F2

This battery can handle the amperage of a 12 volt generator.

It can handle the heat.

No overflow tube.

Available at: Batteries Plus outlets.

It fits the horseshoe oil tanks.

Can be mounted any direction.

Save for future reference . . .

Stack Height

When you're my dad . . . and you've probably built about 1000 Harley motors over the years . . .and he's standing right next to you on many occasions barking out commands . . . trying to make sure you check everything and understand why you are doing certain things (not just because the book says to do it that way) . . . and for the "um-teenth" time he asked if you checked your "Stack Height" . . . and you always check it - and it's always OK. Well, it finally happened. My stack height of rod bearing cages was too tall.
Taller then the width of the female forked rod. This could pinch the bearing assembly and/or possibly let the bearing cage ride against the flywheel thrust washers - which you don't want. We surface ground about .007 off each cage - and now we are within spec. Huh, you really have the check this stuff I guess?

Riding this bike . . .

The next couple weeks, I'm just gonna ride this bike everywhere . . . It's loud, kicks hard, vibrates and has a finicky carburetor. At least I'll look cool. Well, thats' up for debate . . .

Frustration with Objects of Desire

EDITORIAL:

Many of my blog followers probably won't stay focused long enough to read this due to the fact they have short attention spans. You know, the book is always better than the movie. I continually get people calling me about their motorcycles. Mostly questions concerning the mechanics of the engine. I only know the basics that I read myself in a book. The person calling me could read it to, but that is more difficult. It's difficult for me too. I score low in reading comprehension. We have become a world of short attention spans. That's why computers have to be faster and faster all the time. The lifestyles of western civilization have become so easy, that we can easy get what we what, as fast as we want . . . anytime we want. All these guys have good jobs, can basically get what they want . . . so, they buy a chopper or an old Harley because they are so cool. Which is great. I love old bikes too. But, then all this baggage comes with that motorcycle - and there's plenty of information - but they don't want to read it. The whole experience would be so much more enjoyable for them if they would take the next step and educate themselves on motorcycle maintenance. Yes, I said it . . . MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE. There is a book titled: Zen & The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Persig that I'm currently reading. It's a difficult book for me to read and comprehend. I'm trying to understand what he's talking about - and a light bulb comes on in my brain every so many paragraphs. I'm not saying to become a total expert in the field of study pertaining to every hobby you have whether it be wood working, painting, welding, pottery, sewing, snow removal, yard care, killing weeds, fishing . . . or motorcycles. I'm just saying if you go the extra step to push yourself to learn the basics of your desires, it will be much less frustrating - and the fulfillment will be heightened for extended periods of time . . . unless you enjoy workin' on shit and being frustrated? Excuse me while I go check my breaker point gap on the front cylinder . . . .

Sunday Run to Radar's & Smileys . . .

Me & dad took some Evo heads down to Roger "Radar" Trachtenberg to have them modified, ported and flow tested for big power. Radar Heads (as we call them) are the best. He does headwork for many Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock racers. A guy was there working on his 528 cu in truck pull motor. Aluminum shavings everywhere.

We also stopped at Smiley's Route 63 Motors and Mr. G's Pub !

FROM THE TOP:

Bill's shovel was down, couldn't go with . . .

528 cu.in. Mopar Performance Block

Darrell Gywnn (a Tribute)

Big domes . . .

Prostock heads . . .

4 Valve HD !

Milling, porting, mods - How fast you wanna go??

Radar drives one of the fastest front engine rails in the country . . .

(see him at Night of Fire)

Tank emblem made-of bondo (at Mr G's)

No Parking at Smileys

Brit's Bike . . .

When I was at the St. Paul Show . . . I didn't notice this was her new racer. It was one of the neatest motorcycles in the show I thought . . . Great Job . . . I heard she's had it up to 75mph already.

Sweet Corn

at the rate we're goin' . . we might not get any corn this year - Stop Raining !

Eat your vegetables !

Brussel sprouts are good for you ! Chicken with peanut sauce and I don't remember what was in the rice - but it was very good too. I've been watchin' Nelson's blog too much.

A Pinstriping Job . . .

I seem to be the only traveling pinstriper in the area . . . and thanks to Bob Spina, I can do some small, fun jobs for local enthusiasts. Farmer Dan called me up and I knocked out some factory striping (took me 5 hours)on his 1921 Hudson Touring Car which he will enter in some shows and drive on a couple runs in the next few weekends.
The car is originally from Iowa, he knew about it since he was a kid - and he finally had the chance to buy and restore it. Dan had to show me the rest of his collection too . . . car after car, cover after cover . . . it was incredible. What's in Iowa barns might amaze you ! Thanks Dan - Good Luck, the stripes really made it pop !