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1931 DL project build

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Old Dec 5, 2025 | 12:27 AM
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Default 1931 DL project build

I bought a 1931 DL tonight, it was a project Scooter picked up but didn't get to work on. It's a roller with a rebuilt engine and boxes of parts to sort through. I'll post as the project moves along. Here are a few pics as it looks today.





 

Last edited by rizzo; Dec 5, 2025 at 12:31 AM.
Old Dec 5, 2025 | 03:09 AM
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Old Dec 5, 2025 | 06:20 AM
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Congrats, more Flatheads to talk about.
 
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Old Dec 6, 2025 | 11:00 AM
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Hi Rizzo,
I have a soft spot for these old DL and VL models. As far as I can tell, there are still a few of these models in Europe, and in very different states of preservation...
I'll spare us the many links; it would simply be too much.
What is the situation overseas with the availability of original spare parts for these models? Are many still available, either original or reproductions?
I recall that even in the 1970s and 1980s, the fans concentrated on the newer WL models and the later Big Twins, while the real classic bike enthusiasts focused more on the DL and VL models.

I'm a big fan of the very early "Bob Job" bikes from the 1930s; I'm really taken with them. I'm attaching a photo from an earlier picture book, which I digitized here on my scanner.
I wish you and your friends every success with the restoration; please keep us updated!

Mike
PS For me personally, this is one of the most beautiful photos that show this old "style"; there are many very old photos, but that's a whole other topic...

 

Last edited by Mike1956G; Dec 6, 2025 at 11:11 AM.
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Old Dec 6, 2025 | 11:35 AM
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The photo is a scan from this picture book by Tony Middlehurst. You can find this worthwhile book for a small price at antique book shops or at the next classic oldtimer market.

Mike


 
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Old Dec 6, 2025 | 12:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Mike1956G
The photo is a scan from this picture book by Tony Middlehurst. You can find this worthwhile book for a small price at antique book shops or at the next classic oldtimer market.

Mike
Thanks for the heads up. Just found a copy via Amazon at a Baltimore bookseller. $9 shipped
 
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Old Dec 6, 2025 | 02:09 PM
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gonemad,

you are welcome, The large picture book is excellent, full of very high-quality photos and some text; you certainly won't regret the purchase. Enjoy!

Mike
PS Could someone please share some details about the 1929(?) IOE JD pictured above, and the modifications? I would love to read all about it...
 

Last edited by Mike1956G; Dec 6, 2025 at 02:15 PM.
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Old Dec 6, 2025 | 02:39 PM
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They are a bit soft in return money when you are ready to move along but i get it its about the end product and the joy - love the odd colors I have seen on them
 
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Old Dec 6, 2025 | 09:59 PM
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Thanks guys, went to my first AMCA meeting tonight and met Karl and Matt Olson. Learned some exciting news, this years Black Hills National Road Run is going to be based here in Hill City, they are going to limit the event to 150 bikes. This will be a good time, I doubt I'll have my bike done in time but another acquaintance/customer/member offered me one of his bikes if mine isn't ready.
 
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Old Dec 8, 2025 | 06:07 AM
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That would be a fun Road Run, anyone mention a month?
 
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