General Category => Introductions => Topic started by: Gary S on June 01, 2015, 09:17:55 AM
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Hello ... What kinda bee don't sting? ... A: a NEW BEE
I've just adopted a 1947 Simplex Servi-Cycle and awaiting delivery.
I've done a Lil' homework and it seems this Site is the SH!T when it comes to saving/restoring these vintage motorcycles. I've sold of my entire collection of Erector/Gilbert toy collection and now have this bike as a new hobby.
First off I'd like to getta hold of a Simplex Servi Cycle Operation and Maintenance Manual that covers 1947 bikes.any help would be greatly appreciated. I've already purchased a copy of Gary Wollard's book and am looking for any/all information to help me save this bike to it's original glory. I tend to be a purest at heart but I will fight to the death to preserve your right to do anything you want to these motorcycles (If you so choose)... just don't ask me to co-sign it.
Semper Fi,
GaryS
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Welcome, post some pics and lets get this party started!
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Welcome Gary. I have posted the 1947 Manual in the Manuals section, feel free to print it out. Like James said, post some pictures!
Where part of the country are you from?
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Welcome GaryS .
Good you found us .
Pete . :)
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Welcome from S.E. Michigan.
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I'm in Frederick Maryland ... and YES I will post some PIX.
If you wanna goto eBay and search #400916852767 then click on the "See original listing" tab you can see the pix I used to make my purchase.
I purchased it from Paul Olsen in Sulk Rapids Mn.
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Gary, that is a late Model H, which was built through september of 1947. A 1948 would have an engine number that starts with a 48-xxxx. Too bad they didn't use that numbering system all the time, as it would make it much easier to date these bikes.
The front end has been changed to a late model style, which started in 1949, on the Model K. The earlier models used a gooseneck, like a bicycle. The wheels have also been changed to late style 2" wide wheels, which became available in on the Model L, in late 1949. The gas tank is also off a later model, as 1947 would have had a single fill tank with fine threads on the filler neck.
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WOW Rick ... you're quite the fountain of knowledge... Thanks for the shower.
so what you're saying is, I bought a FRAKEN-BIKE?
Ok Guys ... anyone wanna swap me my mis-matched parts for the real parts I need to make this thing more original?
GaryS
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Nothing wrong with a Frankenstein-bike. Just get it running and come ride with us in Indiana at the VMBC meet.
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Hello Gary and Welcome to the Simplex family . Enjoy your project . Many of these folks here do know this stuff.
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Hey ... Thanx Guys for the warm welcome.
No disrespect intended Rick... just my kinda humor(Ha Ha) or maybe a feeble attempt to disguise my inter-struggle
between a search for knowledge and "Never joining a club that would have me as a member".
I'm 56 and I've been retired for 11 years. and in those 11 years I've learned ONE great thing... I HAVE THE ABILITY TO MAKE GOD LAUGH ... I just tell him my plans, and the plan is to save this bike so I may put it on the "REGISTRY" then have some fun with it. AMEN
GaryS
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Welcome from Indian Territory, Ok. 1947's my birth year & a "perfect" restore just sounds right, though I'm currently butchering the heck out of my old '57 frame! Rick C.
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Hey ... Thanx Guys for the warm welcome.
No disrespect intended Rick... just my kinda humor(Ha Ha) or maybe a feeble attempt to disguise my inter-struggle
between a search for knowledge and "Never joining a club that would have me as a member".
I'm 56 and I've been retired for 11 years. and in those 11 years I've learned ONE great thing... I HAVE THE ABILITY TO MAKE GOD LAUGH ... I just tell him my plans, and the plan is to save this bike so I may put it on the "REGISTRY" then have some fun with it. AMEN
GaryS
Didn't take any! Restoring these bikes 100% original is very difficult, as some of the early parts a very hard to find. Enjoy what you have a get it running.
BTW, did they finally close the dragstrip in Damascus, 75-80 Dragaway?
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Hey ... Thanx Guys for the warm welcome.
No disrespect intended Rick... just my kinda humor(Ha Ha) or maybe a feeble attempt to disguise my inter-struggle
between a search for knowledge and "Never joining a club that would have me as a member".
I'm 56 and I've been retired for 11 years. and in those 11 years I've learned ONE great thing... I HAVE THE ABILITY TO MAKE GOD LAUGH ... I just tell him my plans, and the plan is to save this bike so I may put it on the "REGISTRY" then have some fun with it. AMEN
GaryS
Didn't take any! Restoring these bikes 100% original is very difficult, as some of the early parts a very hard to find. Enjoy what you have a get it running.
BTW, did they finally close the dragstrip in Damascus, 75-80 Dragaway?
I haven't heard that old familiar Late Saturday Night thunder for quite some time.
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It's a shame. They probably built houses on top of it. I liked running there, as you could coast back to the pits after making a pass.
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Gary, that is a late Model H, which was built through september of 1947. A 1948 would have an engine number that starts with a 48-xxxx. Too bad they didn't use that numbering system all the time, as it would make it much easier to date these bikes.
The front end has been changed to a late model style, which started in 1949, on the Model K. The earlier models used a gooseneck, like a bicycle. The wheels have also been changed to late style 2" wide wheels, which became available in on the Model L, in late 1949. The gas tank is also off a later model, as 1947 would have had a single fill tank with fine threads on the filler neck.
So it seems that my bike could be a 1949 with a "H" model engine?...or was simplex known for "slapping together" bikes with whatever inventory they had to use parts up?
I had this same problem when I was trying to date my Erector Sets, a lot of mismatched parts from other sets, ultimately when I inventoried ALL the parts and completed/restored the set I had over tripled my money.
GaryS
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1949 with an engine change is a definite possibility. As for a left over H engine in 1949, I don't like those chances, as that is 2 years removed from the model H.
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Hi guys, Can anyone help me with a year for a H8647E engine I got last week?
Thanks
Dwayne
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Hi guys, Can anyone help me with a year for a H8647E engine I got last week?
Thanks
Dwayne
I would guess 1945-1946. Is it complete?
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Yes the engine is complete.
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Welcome Gary. I have posted the 1947 Manual in the Manuals section, feel free to print it out. Like James said, post some pictures!
Where part of the country are you from?
Kinda having problems posting pix... with help from my son (The IT) here's a web site that will lead you to my pix.
all feedback is welcome.
https://garyssimplex.shutterfly.com/
GaryS
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Gary, your bike is a 1952 with an earlier engine. The frame number is the giveaway. Mystery solved! LOL
Posting pictures here is simple. When making a post, Click the Additional Options right under the white response window. Then click the "chose file" button. Then just choose your photo. To post more than 1 picture in a post, click the "(more attachments)" button to the right of the choose file button.
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Gary, your bike is a 1952 with an earlier engine. The frame number is the giveaway. Mystery solved! LOL
Posting pictures here is simple. When making a post, Click the Additional Options right under the white response window. Then click the "chose file" button. Then just choose your photo. To post more than 1 picture in a post, click the "(more attachments)" button to the right of the choose file button.
so if I can find an early frame with a 1952 engine I'd have the makings for two complete/correct servis?
what year do you think the engine is? the # begings with "H" and it has a compression release on the right rear of the cyclinder and has a small wooden handle on it. the only markings I can find on the carb. is a MT1D stamped on the rear of the float bowl.
GaryS
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Posting pictures here is simple. When making a post, Click the Additional Options right under the white response window. Then click the "chose file" button. Then just choose your photo. To post more than 1 picture in a post, click the "(more attachments)" button to the right of the choose file button.
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yeah...I got that part the prob is getting my files down to 15k, all my pic files are 2.2MB or larger. My son showed me how to use the Shutterfly Web Site to reduce the file size and change the format to JPG.
thanx
GaryS
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On you using a Mac or PC?
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On you using a Mac or PC?
iPhone to Mac
GaryS
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Gary, your bike is a 1952 with an earlier engine. The frame number is the giveaway. Mystery solved! LOL
Just got off the phone with Mr. Mahaffey... sweet man and very knowledgable/helpful. It seems that swapping my earlier 40ish engine for a rebuilt 1952 engine is totally within my budget for this restore/saviour project... leaving me with only 5 small items to complete my bike to where I am confortable riding it, she won't win any ribbons... but then again there aren't any paparazzi trying to break my door down.
Only thing left is to come up with a name for "HER"... maybe I'll name her after my late sister "Lourie Lee"
has anyone else named their bikes?
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On you using a Mac or PC?
iPhone to Mac
GaryS
On a Mac, open the photo using Preview, then go to Tools, then Adjust Size.