Hi from the UK - INDIAN Board Tracker tribute, my first build
- Thread starter PeteMcP
- Start date
Merry Christmas day Pete!
I'm so glad the Saab suits you and that getting road legal seems a snap on this one. Here in Indian Territory it's actually quite easy compared to four decades ago when even new cars had trouble passing the bureaucratic registrations gauntlet. Crazy town regs back then.
Speaking of Indian Territory we recently were deemed non tribal land in a quite large area formerly termed Cheyenne-Arapaho tribal reservation. All of the other tribal areas had been Federally enhanced in power statewide recently. Federal/State power struggle over native American status, mainly police authority on reservation land areas dealing with native Americans criminal proceedure policy. At the moment it seems the Federal arsenal trumps the State's on this issue, but it seems everything can be negotiated with enough legal tender.
Meanwhile I'm going to keep having fun!
Rick C.
I'm so glad the Saab suits you and that getting road legal seems a snap on this one. Here in Indian Territory it's actually quite easy compared to four decades ago when even new cars had trouble passing the bureaucratic registrations gauntlet. Crazy town regs back then.
Speaking of Indian Territory we recently were deemed non tribal land in a quite large area formerly termed Cheyenne-Arapaho tribal reservation. All of the other tribal areas had been Federally enhanced in power statewide recently. Federal/State power struggle over native American status, mainly police authority on reservation land areas dealing with native Americans criminal proceedure policy. At the moment it seems the Federal arsenal trumps the State's on this issue, but it seems everything can be negotiated with enough legal tender.
Meanwhile I'm going to keep having fun!
Rick C.
Merry Christmas to you too Rick.
Spent yesterday at my in-Laws over on the coast in Amble, just like the previous 47 years where spending Christmas Eve at Jen's sister's was always a family tradition. Everyone missed Jen - but that's the new normal now Three of my five niece's were there and I'll be meeting up with the other two and their parents on Tuesday. Always fun hanging out with the family at this time of year. Was invited to spend Christmas Day lunch with the family but just wanted to spend the day at home. Happy with my own company as always. Broke with tradition this year and cooked myself scallops in a marsala wine sauce with herby potatoes instead of turkey. Mischa was almost sat on my lap as I ate it and so we alternated mouthfuls. Feet up now with a nice glass of red wine.
Heavy rain here for the last 3-4 days, with more forecast and then snow. Seen the US forecasts and it looks pretty grim. Worst bomb cyclone weather in 40 years so they predict. We're expected to get a dose too sometime after next week. Another "beast from the east" snowstorm scenario has been forecast - 'cept this time hitting us from the north.' Never really trust forecasts that look so far ahead - so let's wait and see.
Yeah, the Saab should be a cinch to register. And best of all, cars of this age don't qualify for any road fund licence fee. Zero road tax compared to the UK£230 per annum I pay for my Citroen. Sweet!
Spent yesterday at my in-Laws over on the coast in Amble, just like the previous 47 years where spending Christmas Eve at Jen's sister's was always a family tradition. Everyone missed Jen - but that's the new normal now Three of my five niece's were there and I'll be meeting up with the other two and their parents on Tuesday. Always fun hanging out with the family at this time of year. Was invited to spend Christmas Day lunch with the family but just wanted to spend the day at home. Happy with my own company as always. Broke with tradition this year and cooked myself scallops in a marsala wine sauce with herby potatoes instead of turkey. Mischa was almost sat on my lap as I ate it and so we alternated mouthfuls. Feet up now with a nice glass of red wine.
Heavy rain here for the last 3-4 days, with more forecast and then snow. Seen the US forecasts and it looks pretty grim. Worst bomb cyclone weather in 40 years so they predict. We're expected to get a dose too sometime after next week. Another "beast from the east" snowstorm scenario has been forecast - 'cept this time hitting us from the north.' Never really trust forecasts that look so far ahead - so let's wait and see.
Yeah, the Saab should be a cinch to register. And best of all, cars of this age don't qualify for any road fund licence fee. Zero road tax compared to the UK£230 per annum I pay for my Citroen. Sweet!
Glad to hear you faired well this Christmastime Pete. Your scallops in a marsala wine sauce with herby potatoes
New one on me, but I like it
Mona and I spent the Eve and Christmas with Mona's youngest now 50 son and his good wife who is half Polish and half Mexican. Christmas Eve feasting was Pierogi with three different fillings and pork and chicken tamales.
All hand made. Christmas I helped with the prep cooking for what is their traditional Beef Wellington.
Plus I sharpened all such cutlery as were needed.
Took home the 12" Wusthof French knife to bring the edge back to life. Got it good enough for the duxelles.
Duxelles Recipe | Martha Stewart
Tom
New one on me, but I like it
Mona and I spent the Eve and Christmas with Mona's youngest now 50 son and his good wife who is half Polish and half Mexican. Christmas Eve feasting was Pierogi with three different fillings and pork and chicken tamales.
All hand made. Christmas I helped with the prep cooking for what is their traditional Beef Wellington.
Plus I sharpened all such cutlery as were needed.
Took home the 12" Wusthof French knife to bring the edge back to life. Got it good enough for the duxelles.
Duxelles Recipe | Martha Stewart
Tom
Pete sounds a nice holiday to me.
With the vintage exempt status available I'd avoid new vehicles and stick with old transport of high quality. I loath bureaucratic fees for most any reason.
Dinner with a cousin was exceptional and the weather broke nice for Christmas here and I enjoyed the short ride both ways.
I should enjoy the rest of this week working in the shop at least a few afternoon hours eack day. 67 degrees for Thursday......
Rick C.
With the vintage exempt status available I'd avoid new vehicles and stick with old transport of high quality. I loath bureaucratic fees for most any reason.
Dinner with a cousin was exceptional and the weather broke nice for Christmas here and I enjoyed the short ride both ways.
I should enjoy the rest of this week working in the shop at least a few afternoon hours eack day. 67 degrees for Thursday......
Rick C.
Sounds like you and the family enjoyed a great Christmas Tom. Wishing you, Mona and the family all the best for 2023.
That Polish/Mexican spread you enjoyed on Christmas Eve sounds mouth watering. Reminds me of when Jen and I used to stay over with good friends Bill and his lovely Mexican wife Angie in Vermont. Angie's Saturday night Mexican dinner spreads were something we looked forward to all year. Food that was the real deal - proper hot 'n' spicy - nothing like the restaurant chain stuff we're led to believe is Mexican here in the UK - which all seems to be cheese-based, with extra cheese, served with a side of cheese...! Speaking of hot 'n' spicy, a friend and I have a table booked at my favourite Indian Restaurant here in town on New Year's Eve. Same place Jen and I enjoyed Christmas Day lunch several times over the years when we craved something a bit more exotic than Turkey. (Crave is the correct word. Indian curries are an addiction). Always surprised to find out how many other diners felt the same way. Christmas Day curry - highly recommended.
Glad you enjoyed an exceptional Christmas Day lunch, Rick.
As for that 67 degrees December temperature you're basking in....that's something we're lucky to see occasionally in high summer where I'm from. 31 degrees here this morning.....cold enough for me to have a shot of Bailey's Irish Cream liqcuer in my morning coffee. Well, it is Christmas....
Pete just a few days ago we had negative 25 degree wind chills for a couple of days, but it's rebounding nicely. Our weather is quite different from yours, but not not actually better when considering a full years cycles.
My tankless water heater came in yesterday's FedEx. I will collect all necessary materials/ hardware today and do my prep work. Drain and remove the old tank and install tomorrow.
I sold a small wire welder yesterday which was surplus to my needs. Not much used, looked and operates perfectly. It's a gas or no gas machine with 130 amp output. I needed a bit more amps from time to time and have used a 200 amp machine for several years now.
I'll start my search for a table top drill press next. Hope to find a variable speed motor drive at a decent price.
If water heater project goes well I will be back on the side hack tomorrow afternoon to finish up the connecting links. I'm very close to having a rolling frame connected.
Rick C.
My tankless water heater came in yesterday's FedEx. I will collect all necessary materials/ hardware today and do my prep work. Drain and remove the old tank and install tomorrow.
I sold a small wire welder yesterday which was surplus to my needs. Not much used, looked and operates perfectly. It's a gas or no gas machine with 130 amp output. I needed a bit more amps from time to time and have used a 200 amp machine for several years now.
I'll start my search for a table top drill press next. Hope to find a variable speed motor drive at a decent price.
If water heater project goes well I will be back on the side hack tomorrow afternoon to finish up the connecting links. I'm very close to having a rolling frame connected.
Rick C.
Couldn't resist pulling the trigger on a set of these leaf sprung forks I saw listed on AliExpress. Designed to take 26" x 3" or 4" wheels/tyres. Disc brake ready. Shipment delayed due to Chinese New Year but I'm in no hurry as these will be stashed for my next build.
Update on my Saab 96....I've received the NOVA (Notification Of Vehicle Arrival) paperwork confirming VAT tax has been paid to HMRC, car is insured via Adrian Flux specialist classic insurers and I've completed and sent off my V55/5 First UK Registration form to the DVLA along with the UK£55 fee. In the coming weeks, fingers crossed, I should receive the Saab's new V5C registration doc and notification of an age related registration plate assigned to the car together with paperwork confirming I can get the plates made up. After which the '77 Saab - on account of it's 'Historic' classification - will be eligible for zero rated road tax and it will not require an annual MOT road-worthiness test.
Update on my Saab 96....I've received the NOVA (Notification Of Vehicle Arrival) paperwork confirming VAT tax has been paid to HMRC, car is insured via Adrian Flux specialist classic insurers and I've completed and sent off my V55/5 First UK Registration form to the DVLA along with the UK£55 fee. In the coming weeks, fingers crossed, I should receive the Saab's new V5C registration doc and notification of an age related registration plate assigned to the car together with paperwork confirming I can get the plates made up. After which the '77 Saab - on account of it's 'Historic' classification - will be eligible for zero rated road tax and it will not require an annual MOT road-worthiness test.
Nice fork Pete, another Kool build coming?...........Curt
I knew you would order one Pete. A leaf fork is an unusual addition to a moto bike build and I'm glad to see you prepare to include one. New year celebrations? We all suspected the mainland's Chinese to be actual party animals
Gov paper work in this case is a definite win for you. It seldom is over here....
I can't feature what's got first Tom and now you balled up on notifications. It's happened to me and others in the past, but was sorted quickly.
Just got back from a nice ride on the Ol'Crow, heavy snow over night and all day tomorrow so this was a chance to shorten cabin fever, up front at least.
Rick C.
I just ordered one of those forks and a fat tire frame they have 16 days to ship... Last time I had to extend it because there not always in stock... I was very happy with the quad springer after the wait
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Mossy I also purchased the four springer a couple of years ago for my Ol' Crow electric V twin and it was delivered quickly. I'm really pleased with it. I was surprised at the high price it's selling for now, though I think it's worth it. It's about twice what I paid for mine. I will admit at the time of my purchase I thought it greatly under priced, to the point at which I almost didn't buy one; thinking it probably not robust enough for the weight of my build (150 lbs) I am glad to report my fears were greatly unfounded however.
I see no reason the leaf spring fork will also serve well. Having built my own leaf fork for My Simplex 125cc build, also over 150 lbs, I think the quoted price from Alli quite affordable. Quite a lot of work and expense in doing one up at home.
Commercial offerings for small motorcycles start at $1,500 and quickly rise into multi thousands for larger bikes. This Alli offering is the only actual bicycle frame leaf fork I'm aware of and being a wide fork will be a plus to many.
I'm looking forward to seeing one mounted and hearing a ride report.
My Simplex leaf fork shown below.
Rick C.
I see no reason the leaf spring fork will also serve well. Having built my own leaf fork for My Simplex 125cc build, also over 150 lbs, I think the quoted price from Alli quite affordable. Quite a lot of work and expense in doing one up at home.
Commercial offerings for small motorcycles start at $1,500 and quickly rise into multi thousands for larger bikes. This Alli offering is the only actual bicycle frame leaf fork I'm aware of and being a wide fork will be a plus to many.
I'm looking forward to seeing one mounted and hearing a ride report.
My Simplex leaf fork shown below.
Rick C.
Rick, Pricing listed on AliExpress today for the leaf fork is already different to what I paid a couple of weeks ago. The two sellers I saw originally listing these forks were exactly UK£100 apart on the asking price - although one company were asking UK£76 for shipping to the UK whilst the other was asking UK£12. I was just about to pull the trigger on the more expensive listing when I spotted the cheaper option. I reckon the UK£183 plus shipping I paid was a bargain for such a unique fork, and like you correctly point out, fabbing a set from scratch for that money is a non starter for most of us. I'm after another drop loop frame from the same AE seller I purchased my last frame from, and from who I've purchased these forks, but the shipping cost to the UK is now in the mid-£400s compared to the £80 I paid last time round. That's a no from me.
When I searched around the first time I found the quad in maroon cheaper then the seller said it was out of stock and after a bit of back and forth got one from parts... Basically what they did was relist at a higher price and didn't take down the old listing and didn't want to sell it... The cheaper leaf spring fork is unpainted... So to hopefully avoid the back and forth I opted for the more expensive one ... I would like another quad fork and steel frame and I'm probably going to modify the leaf spring one to get it to fit.... I'm still working out a hubs and 19" rim for a 2.75" moped tire to fit the 4.0 frame I haven't gotten yet... Now they want the same money for the fork as I paid for the fork and frame with the tank...
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I'm thinking one of the springs from something from the '40s with 8 thin leafs can be made to fit... Then I can cut it up and tune it to do what I want... Look more authentic anyway...
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The truss rods will need adjustment to the steer tube length unless I use their frame which I'm not... There maybe a 1"threaded to 1 1/8 conversion also... But it's a good starting point to fab from... And I'm a ways away from doing any of it...
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Pete those are imposing costs involved which stateside we don't see. Even with the increased base product costs, I'd probably not order for my own use, but add in duties etc and yeah diffinitely no on the items discussed, except for the leaf fork. The price isn't horrible for a fork which basically doesn't exist for bicycle style frames over here, under a thousand US.
All of this is interesting in light of my many purchases over the last 2 years from China. I'd not seen much change in prices, delivered.
Rick C.
Mossy that's a great looking project, you show good bones already.
Running auto pack springs can get quite thick. I used utility trailer spring packs and still needed to remove a couple of leaves. Work well with 26" diameter tires, but just barely. 19" inch moped diameter should work, spring leg length matters for tire to clear the spring pack as does the "rocker" style used (leg attached in front of the axle or the to the rear) some geometry involved as well to maintain a stable ride at higher speed.
I also have a bike built around that same frame and tank. I paid less than $150 for both together, delivered, again this was pre Covid.
Happy building!
Rick C.
Running auto pack springs can get quite thick. I used utility trailer spring packs and still needed to remove a couple of leaves. Work well with 26" diameter tires, but just barely. 19" inch moped diameter should work, spring leg length matters for tire to clear the spring pack as does the "rocker" style used (leg attached in front of the axle or the to the rear) some geometry involved as well to maintain a stable ride at higher speed.
I also have a bike built around that same frame and tank. I paid less than $150 for both together, delivered, again this was pre Covid.
Happy building!
Rick C.
Your cards are tight to your vest Pete, but one does not purchase an Indian style fork for $hits and giggles.
What's up Mate?
Tom