1940 Serviglide

[kartjockey]

The large one is a reflector only.  The smaller ones are equipped with bulbs(6v).  Referring to the 1939 photos of the Serviglide and servicycle they just used the large reflector thus no working taillight.

[pd]

The large one is a reflector only.  The smaller ones are equipped with bulbs(6v).  Referring to the 1939 photos of the Serviglide and servicycle they just used the large reflector thus no working taillight.

Maybe the small lights were an option at the time ?
Will you use them as mounted or go by the brochure and have the reflector only ?

Pete .

[kartjockey]

The tail light set-up may be specific to the 1940 Serviglide but it does match the 1940 brochure.  I believe it is the 1939 that has only the reflector.  And maybe the 1940 Servicycles.  (Review the 1940 brochure that is posted here)

[kartjockey]

Trying to understand the intake tube.  The 'aftermarket' breather is ingenious! 

Pictures of the hood.  Clearly silver paint on this.  Unbelievable how the striping and logo has lasted.  Pictures show how the springs attach to the clips versus the wing nuts on the 1939 Serviglide.

Seat cover is leather.  Certainly looks original but who knows. It appears that someone added some riser boards on the bottom side.  Maybe to restore mounting bolt holes.  I am sure I will learn more as I disassemble the seat.  The leather is quite pliable and perhaps the leather could be died and still used.  The cushion has hardened.

[Ricks]

I didn't realize that the side panels and the grill was attached as one piece.  I assumed they were like the late model scooters with one separate piece for each side.

[kartjockey]

Fuel tank holds 5 qts.   Gas cap is the same as other  Servicycles.  Offers confirmation to suspicions of early Simplexes having nickeled gas caps. 

[pd]

Is the tank made of steel ?
None but the neck look like rust .

Pete .

[kartjockey]

Tank is made of steel but painted silver

[kartjockey]

Wow.  After sorting through the literature i got with the Serviglide I found a letter from the original owners son.  His name is Bob Filip.  So once again I turned to the internet.  I was finding a trail of dead ends. After that I turned to Facebook.  There were a few on there but none around Dearborn, Mi.  I started at the top of the list and sent a pm asking if his dads' name was Joe and had he ever worked with Rodney Martin.  A reply came back in minutes.  "yes to both".  He lives in Tennessee now but his wife has family here in Midland and they visit about once a year.   And from there I have heard some great stories.  I love Simplexes!   

I copied some of the conversation for you. 

[pd]

Dad sounds a little like someone else we know .

Neat to be able to piece some of the history and to be able to talk to someone that actually rode the bike .

Thanks for sharing , Tom .

Pete .

[kartjockey]

PD,  that's a fair observation that I won't deny.  When the tolerance is open I will take it!  LoL

[kartjockey]

I took  the carb apart this morning.  Not sure what the difference is between the 'D' to an 'E'.  Outside appearance looks the same  so I will need to disassemble  an 'E' to see differences in brass components.

I had the good fortune to buy some of Bob Legrons' things a few years ago and bought his carb repair tools.  Take a look at those worn out parts.  That's a lot of telegrams!  The shaft took a majority of the wear.

[pd]

Don't think I've ever seen a throttle shaft that worn .
Maybe from running with no filter ?

Pete .

[kartjockey]

The brochure says 'horse hide'.  Well...I think i just got through skinning him!.  The leather is still pliable and soft but was severely stuck to the cushion.  Cushion is some kind of foam.  And looks to have been crossed back and forth to form a good cushion effect.  The board is nothing special.  The seat cover had vent holes in each side.   

[pd]

What are you going to do with the leather ?
Maybe use the original and just refurbish what's there or find some nice cow hide , pig skin or maybe deer skin .

Interesting about the crossed foam .
Maybe they got a good deal on leftover pieces from another job ?

Pete .