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We use an air saw and trim the blade or if i have the thin one use that same thing with sea post bushings — and air saw is very forgiving in movements unlike a 30 rpm die grinder - I prefer the finesse to cave man
Eric, thanks for the information. Made me go back and look at the head for my 49 EL project. Both heads have a dam in them. One is H8, the other G8.
You're welcome and thanks for the photos. Notice the characters in H8 are close to each other but there is a space between the G and 8 and there is also a space between the K and 7 on your other heads. It seems the spacing or lack thereof usually, not always, depends on month and year and I see a few patterns emerging in my collection of aluminium DCs not only for BTs but also for Flathead 45s.
Eric
Two different year case halves (49 left & 51 right) now fit together perfectly
Next step is putting the cases in the frame, temporary install heads and cylinders in order to see if I need to add any tabs for the Superior exhaust. Then the frame goes to Nick for repairs.
Ends up being a 12-hours day (round trip) but definitely worth the drive.
Last edited by panz4ever; Jun 3, 2024 at 10:24 AM.
Frame is out for repairs. Too hot to take the bikes out (just ain't doing any riding anymore when the temps are 97-100), so I figured I'd piece together some of the motor to see exactly what I have/what I need. Found the case bolts and put the two halves together. Got the cylinders back from LA Sleeve (stock 74 bore) and intended to drop them in their respective spots. Only thing is...the cylinder lip is too tight for the holes, both front and rear. Done 7 Shovels over the years and 5 Pans and never had this happen. When I redid the 50, the cylinders were a snug fit in the cases but still went in. A reminder that the case halves are not matched ('49 left and '51 right). I'm figuring it is probably a couple thou. difference. Can I use something like/simialr to a honing tool to take just enough out of the top of the cases where the cylinders drop in, or should I leave it up to my machinist. seems fairly straightforward task.
Well measure how much you need to take out.. If it's more than a few thou, sent to your machinist. If cases have the issue due to a step on hole where cases match up, maybe take a little out there with a 1 inch flap on a die grinder. Fit of the spigot in the hole doesn't have to be perfect but I'd make sure the hole ain't binding up the cylinder spigot. Better for it not to touch.
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