I live in the old section of town with all Victorian homes and a 110 year old hardware store. It has not changed since it opened so all my neighbors shop there if they need to replace something.It has all kinds of stuff you just cant find anymore. Today I was standing behind my neighbor Mary as she was talking to Ken the owner about an antique entry set he had on sale for $300.00. It was antique and had come off a house in town that was just tore down. Finally she held up an old broken hinge and said her husband sent her down to see if Ken had a replacement that matched. Ken went in the back room and in about a minute yelled out "Mary do you want a screw for this hinge?" Mary thought for a minute and replied "No but I will for this entry set"
Thats why women should never go to hardware stores.
I am suppose to be at the 5th Annual Knucklehead Reunion in norther Wisc. right now but instead I'm UPSing my rear head to Ohio. Fired up my Knuckle this morning about 6am for the 6 hr ride north. As I let it warm up I gave a visual once over like I always do and the rear rocker cover was shaking like a crack ho on Sunday morning. The head had cracked at the supports for the knuckle. I pulled the tanks, and the head and headed to the local weld shop figuring I'd get out of here by noon. They didn't want to touch it what with the head being cast iron and all. So I sent it to a shop in Ohio I know can fix it. This is the first time since 1974 that I haven't had at least one motorcycle running. Guess I'll get back to assembling the Shovel this weekend. Damn I was really looking forward to a burger and a beer at Muskie Jacks on hwy 70 just west of Minocqua
Something for the guys. Starting my newest project. Twin 1949 Panheads. Since I have original tins and a wishbone frame with all the tabs I will restore one. The other I'm thinking 1950's style bobber. A cut up frame is easy to get, I have a couple of aftermarket rear fenders and fat bob tanks I wouldn't mind cutting and already own a set of lower legs for a wide glide front end without tabs for the fender or brake. Hell it's almoust done already.LOl
After 4 months of waiting on parts, waiting on the machine shop, waiting on parts, waiting on paint to dry, waiting on parts, assembling and did I say waiting on parts? my 1966 Shovelhead motor and trans are ready to slip into the frame. Saturday night I lay down to sleep with the knowledge that in a few weeks and a little wiring, some wrenching and did i say waiting I parts? it will be back on the road. Sunday over a cup of fresh roasted coffee I am told by the Chicago Tribune that I have been slacking off over this rebuild. There above the headline it tells me "BUILD A CHOPPER FROM SCRATCH IN 3 DAYS" WTF How can this be done? Turns out there is a Chopper School here in Chicago that will teach you how to build a chopper in 3 days of classes. You don't build one they just teach you everything you need to know to build your own in three days. I've been building bikes for 30+ years so I must either be slow or a slacker. I'm thinking there will be a ton of half built choppers up for sale soon. LOL
Friday I was rebuilding a Linkert carburetor and about 11pm realised I was out of beer. Decided to walk the 2-3 blocks to a little shot and beer joint in town. On the way I pass a rock club I don't usually stop because it's full of 20 somethings. This time they were advertising "Savoy Brown" thinking a tribute band I stop in. To my surprise it's Kim Simmonds a bass player and a drummer. They are touring the U.S. playing the smaller venues. If you get a chance see them. Great mix of old and new. Over 40 years on the road and he still tears the place up.
