DISCLAIMER - I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC OR RESTORER. I AM A HOBBYIST ONLY. I HAVE NEVER BUILT A HARLEY DAVIDSON, SO I WILL BE LEARNING AS I GO...
I am installing the kick starter assembly in this video, along with the gasket and gear oil.
As for how I started this build, here it is....
I needed an engine – so I bought a set of engine cases, then acquired another set, then found a good deal on two sets of flywheels and connecting rods and found the cam gears and low an behold, I have two complete engines.
Same with the transmissions. I bought parts, one by one, that morphed into four complete transmissions. I did buy the occasional complete transmission, which is a great way to buy bulk parts. Finally, buying wheels and a front end and I basically have 85% of a motorcycle built already!This is what I am going to go over today. This is how I started. This is just a brief overview, and at the end of this video, I’ll give you a tour of the parts that I’ve collected so far. They are really just a pile of rusty parts. But over the course of 60 to 90 days, we’ll media blast them, vapor blast them, assemble them, and build our own motorcycle worth so much more that what was invested in parts.
Now to get started, Here is what you and I need to know…
You need to buy a book to start - and the book is
Harley 1930-1936 Big Twins: Buying, restoring and riding a VL by Steve Slocombe
Buy it at www.HarborVintage.com or www.ReplicantMetals.comYou can build this bike about 95% with this book. The 5% that’s not detailed, you can email the author and he’ll answer your questions. He did for me.
So now I will be attaching a short tour of the parts I’ve purchased. After this, I'll start posting videos of the work I’m doing. I do not plan on posting videos of media blasting or cleaning. I have videos of that and it’s not that exciting.
But here is my game plan:
1. I’m going to build the front springer assembly2. I going to lace up the wheels and rebuild the wheel hubs. This includes truing and adding tires and balancing.3. I’m going to install the front springer assembly and the wheels.4. I’ll install the handlebars then.5. At this point, I will build the engine and install it.6. Then, I will build the transmission and install it.7. Then, I add the clutch basket and start adding all the small bits.
8. I’ll do the carburetor and then electrical and will finish will the tanks and the small pieces.
That is my general plan…
Along the way, I will tell you the priced I’ve paid for the parts. And I’ll try to keep a running tally...