Johnny saves the day

Spent a lot of time the other day filing and fitting these plates to match the crankcase contours. Got the job nigh on finished with only a clearance hole needed in the timing side plate for the dynamo strap retaining bolt. Then it went tits up!!!! Clamped the new plate to the old original and drilled through, put it back on and the hole didn't line up, opened up the hole by 1 mm and still not enough. Slotted the hole with a file until it was OK but this left the surrounding metal dangerously thin.
Johnny came up with the killer solution, remove the bad section of plate and stitch in a piece from another plate. The hole was spotted by piloting through the case with everything bolted up and then drilled with it removed again, the way it should have been done in the first place. Worked a treat, the join is seamless and for all intents and purposes invisible when it's been painted, which is the next job to knock off of the list.

Justified..............I like to think so!

If there was ever a question about going the extra hundred odd quid for a Type 276 carb, then here's the answer! Looking just right fitted, absolutely period correct and filling in gaps where we didn't realise that there were gaps to be filled. Worth it ? Every penny!

Arty detail shot.

Feedin' the fire

Bit the bullet and went for the factory fresh AMAL 276 option. Ordered it set up for a 1949 A7, should get it running something like right.

I don't need it at all, but...............................

Finding this very hard to pass by, 1957 350 AJS model 16. Two owners from new, as honest and genuine as ya like. Never been restored, or fully apart by the look of it, starts first kick, showing 37,000 miles on offer for two grand.

Tempting, oh so tempting.

More Dirty Stuff Through The Post

Got the cool 2011 Salt Assault tee from Wes over at Four Aces yesterday. Great service, Cali to England in about 9 days, can't moan about that!
There must have been a bit of a mishap somewhere in those eight thousand odd miles though. It turned up over-wrapped in the bag below, I thought it was a Customs thing at first, 'til I saw the black conveyor grease on the tee itself. I know that tees generally live life in a downward spiral that sees 'em ending up as shed rags one day, but hey! it's not unreasonable to expect it to be clean to start off with, is it?

Oh Hell Yeah Baby

pic stolen from Nomads Cycles who stole 'em off Mark @ JoyRidesArtCo.

Now that's short and to the point, crackin' work from Nomad's Cycles, love those shorty megas on there.

Dirty Magazines in Plain Brown Wrappers

Issue 4 was on the mat when I got back from The Salt Mine earlier today, ripped it open to scan through the content. Up to scratch as normal, great cover art by Vince Ray, an article on Outlaw Racers by Eric over at the Historic Engine Co. and all sorts of other good shittage. So I sat down to read it properly, and seduce my ancient footwear!!!! in the editorial Scarlett and Simo are calling it quits on the publishing front! Putting it down to the hike in printing costs and their refusal to compromise and produce something down to a price, the lights are being turned out for the last time.
If you've missed any copies or indeed have not had the privilege and sheer delight of reading any of them, then get yer ass over here.

Scarlett and Simo we Thank You

Meanwhile........In The Bat Cave

Roland (If you've yet to see his recently completed B31, check it out here) sent over this plate, LASER cut by his friend Gueno, thanks guys it's spot on. Cut to match the sump gasket of a B series single, getting gaskets will be easy. Got some M6 threaded inserts made and pressed them into the plate after counter boring one side, these have to be welded into place yet.

Once welded the plate will be set into the bottom of the oil tank. Waiting for a cap and neck from The Bung King to be slung in at the same time.

Wouldn't it be nice ................

Pic ripped from www.trialscentral.com

Getting down to some muddy fun..........

Finally got the front guard on, one of them little jobs that get put off 'cause they won't take long. Well done's done now, Johhny worked a brace come bracket out of flat steel and welded it to the inside of the muddy, this in turn was attached to a coupla brackets down to the legs. May act as a bit of a fork brace, may not, must help.

Split opinions here in Blighty over 'em, ignoring the argument that by the strict letter of the law they ain't a requirement, it's generally accepted that they are. I've got plenty of things to be doing without having to explain to the federales why it's a fashion statement and why it's my inalienable right to not bother with one. On top of that, call me a pussy if ya like, but the ol' precipitation is not an uncommon event down this neck of the woods.

Thanks Shaun

Been having problems tracking down a set of front engine plates, bought a second hand pair from Draganfly the other week, one was really battered and fitted the other was pretty reasonable and didn't. I reckon the dodgy one is from a later plunger twin, once again they look very similar but the subtle differences will screw ya every time. Spoke to me ol' mate Barnsley Shaun, who's recently scored a project long stroker off of Pete Stansfield about copying the pair he got with the deal. Spookily enough it turns out that he's in the same boat, timing side fits fine, drive side is a non-starter, close but no cigar. What Shaun was able to do though was draw around the good one and give it to his laser cutting man and get a couple of pairs knocked out.
When I've had cutting done it's always been "supply a CAD .dxf or .dwg file" didn't know that could simply send a drawing to some places.

Offering them up on the spare cases they fit the crankcase holes perfectly. On the bike there is a little discrepancy, but that is probably due to the rest of the engine mounts being in place, hopefully it's a matter of slackening the rest off and letting everything relax and the holes may come back the 1/16" needed, rather than get the round file out.

Shaun you're a star mate, thanks!

On Her Own Two Feet

Had to do some jiggery pokery yesterday and swap work ramps. Gave us the opportunity of getting the Ol' Gal outside in the sunshine. First time it's been off the ramp in a loooooong time, and not looking too shabby at all. Well I don't think so anyway.

The eagle eyed amongst you will have noticed that it's sprouted a prop stand, certainly makes life easier. Good to have it on there when the guy makes the pipes any how.