Author: Big Aholio
Hard Core Hacker and overall bad actor
We don’t normally promote… Well, we’ll make an exception in this case. A good cause, a good ride. Participate if you can…..Tanks!
Ever wonder what magic is performed to make a stroker? ..Well, it ain’t magic. You cut the pistons for clearance and cut the cylinder spigot for rod clearance. Some guys do this with a file…Been there, got the Tee shirt….Melon
These are Flathead Power, Big Twin cylinders.. Notice how the cooling finn’s go all the way to the barrel flange? This is for strength.. they really don’t do much for cooling. These are the preferred cylinders to use when building a hot rod big twin. Too bad Flathead Power sold out to S&S. S&S hasn’t made any since the purchase. Now these cylinders are “unobtainium”. Breaks my flat headed heart.
When you build a stroker.. You need to make sure the bottom of the piston will not hit the flywheels @ BDC. See how the sides of the piston on the right have been cut? You also need to make sure the pistons don’t touch each other @ BDC.. That the front cut on the R/side piston..
Did you ever see up close a bike from the 1940’s ?? Well this is an original bob job that was owned by Mr.Baldwin. His nickname was Lucky. Just like the guy who built Santa Anita. Only thing is there is no relation … Lucky (this one) was a L.A. native, working stiff who lived on Fargo Street. His 1927 JD hot rod was last raced at Lincoln Park in 1946. Lucky painted and cleaned up since then and 1991 when this photo was taken. Lucky built a few 4 wheel hot rods also. He and his son also raced a wing tank on El Mirage. A fellow hot rodder and mc enthusiast, I was glad to meet and talk with this old timer. He’s gone now and Glenn Bator ended up with the bike.
See how tall Lucky was? 81 years old and still stood up straight.
Saugus Fan Club, 1980’s
And Emily was my favorite. A little charmer and so smart.