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It's not an art, it's more of a simple skill like knitting. Once you've figured it out it's pretty easy. I've probably done 100-200 from 1970 to 1980 and about 20 to 30 in the last 25 years..
The things to remember is that side to side tweaking, takes way less than removing hop. Might do 2-3 flats correct hop where side to side might only need 1. Tightening 2 spokes on one side can pull the rim over 0.030" easy, where it will take a couple with 1 full turn to correct hop. With fresh laced wheels start loose and slowly start pulling the wheel into true. As spokes get tight and you are still pulling it in, if the one you want to pull in is already tight, get the ones on either side. Done right all the spoke will have the same tightness.. The only time I doink them is when checking wheels on the bike. It's better to go by nipple torque.. If the rim is straight and true, all the spokes will be at the same torque.
Use that dial indicator on the table to true the wheel.. It will be bumpy but will tell you which spokes are still loose or way too tight.. When it's close, do one trip around the rim to make sure all spokes are tight. If too tight back off and tighten one or 2 on the same side.
Some updated photos from Jerzey. Progress is good. Rims turned out to be too bent for truing, sending them out to be straightened and round then back to the spokes.
Rims were bent, I had to send them out to be straightened which required unlacing both wheels that had just been laced!?!?!? They should be home early next week, relace then back to truing. Things continue to crawl, but still going forward. Hopefully I will have wheel and roller pictures in the coming weeks.
Well I got myself to Jerzey on Saturday to see John @johnjzjz and his progress. Lower end is buttoned up and ready to go. I had to go over some decisions with John, silver for the cylinders, cad hardware and sticking with current push rod tubes to try to avoid a potential oil leak. John also found a correct year front head, so they will be matching when complete.
I also picked up the fixed transmission end cover. He fixed the one missing tab, the usually crack at the kicker and a new bushing reamed for the kicker shaft. Now that cover is home the transmission can get done. And rims should be home tomorrow then I can get them done.
Over dinner Saturday night discussing progress with my wife we have decided that Daytona 2027 should be our goal for having the bike complete. If I don't give myself a deadline it will just keep dragging along. If I can get her done sooner I will, but 11 months from now sounds about right. Moving at a glacial pace, but maintaining positive inertia.
Over dinner Saturday night discussing progress with my wife we have decided that Daytona 2027 should be our goal for having the bike complete. If I don't give myself a deadline it will just keep dragging along. If I can get her done sooner I will, but 11 months from now sounds about right. Moving at a glacial pace, but maintaining positive inertia.
There is a lot of work going through trying to find original parts and just sorting the details. Great to have a timeline, but give yourself a break too.
Well both rims were too bent to be trued, so I unlaced the wheels and shipped just the rims to Buchanan to be straightened. They finally came back and I got to lace the wheels again and now back to truing. Working hard to save these old wheels and I feel like we are almost there. Also gathering all the bits together for the transmission rebuild now that the cover is fixed.
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