1954 Automatic

[Ricks]

I have been slowly working on my 1954.  I am not cosmetically restoring this bike at this time, but I am going through all the mechanicals and such. I am going to leave all the rust and patina on it for this summer, and will probably do a cosmetic resto over the winter.

So far I have straightened the front end, trued the wheels, cleaned and regreased all the wheel bearings and head bearings. New tire tubes, but left the old tires on for that vintage look.

I have cleaned the inside of the gas tank.

The fenders were a mess, so I beat them back into shape and welded the tears in them. I didn't spend much time dressing the welds, just a few minutes with the flap wheel.

[Ricks]

Note how the bike rests with the kickstand that I extended 2".  Much more upright and IMO, better looking.

[pd]

Note how the bike rests with the kickstand that I extended 2".  Much more upright and IMO, better looking.

Like it should have been in the first place .

And , I really like that desert camo look .

[SIMPLEXUSA]

I think the rust looks cool!!!

[OnaWingandaPrayer]

 that aint rust , its very desirable Patina  collectors pay dearly for it . 

[Ricks]

I'll be rollin' dirty!!! 

Underneath where the seat attaches to the frame, the paint is in pretty good condition.  The bike was originally maroon, and will eventually go back to that color.

[Sonrisers]

Did you make a new kickstand, or just extend the original? I would like to do the same. but it has been a long time since it has been resting on the kickstand, don't know how long to make it. My bracket had also been broken off and welded back on with a nasty looking weld. We cut it off the other day, groung it down and put it back on...hopefully in the right posistion.

[Sonrisers]

Are the bikes worth more rusty like this one or do they fetch more money all dolled up??

[pd]

Dolled up .

Unless the dolled up is original .

[Ricks]

I got the motor together and in the frame. The trans is done also.  I have a little wiring to take care of and it should be ready to start up!  Only 2 months left to Portland!

Check out the last photo. The muffler is one of Wayne's reproduction. He changed the design of the canister to what I believe is more original, with the inset sides.

[pd]

Lookin' good Rick . Except for all that fancy painted black stuff . Makes the thing look like you're trying to restore it or something .

Did Wayne put anything inside the muffler can or is it empty ?

I like that reproduction . Clean .

[Ricks]

The can is empty, as far as I can tell.

[pd]

I'm curious to hear what it sounds like .

[Ricks]

I'm curious to hear what it sounds like .

Well, it sounds different that the twin pipe, not as mellow, maybe a little "tinier", if that's a word.

I got it running this morning, and took it for a couple short runs.  It was running very lean. I opened the mixture screw to 2 1/2 turns and it got a lot better.  This is one of the Carpenter cushman reproduction carburetors.  Seems to be running pretty well, the head temp is about 280-290 degrees on the infrared gun.  I need to get some new clutch shoes, as the ones in there are worn almost to the rivets and will not hold under full throttle.  I will have it running for Portland!!  

Now, I just have to get the truck tribute torn down for it's paint job and I will be all set for July!  

[pd]

Rick ,

About shoes/linings : I am able to get the preformed lining . It comes with no holes . That's so it can be used on various shoes that likely have different holes than the shoes we have .
They aren't exactly cheap when you consider shipping and your time spent mounting .
Some of the Ebay shoes would be about a quarter the price and ready for service when you open the package . Or , at least with minor modification .

I found these that might be pretty close :

http://tinyurl.com/newc9mg