36 VD

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DaveSwanson
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36 VD

#1

Post by DaveSwanson »

My 36 VD finally got to the front of the line after sitting for way too long. I gave it a thorough look over, tune up, etc and have been riding it. The old boy I bought it from 10 years ago had never ridden it without the sidecar, and either had I before I mothballed it. I figured I would have some fun with it on 2 wheels before I put the hack back on. I also finally got to try out the Corbin speedo that Terry Marsh refurbished for me almost 10 years ago. It works like a charm.

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RUBONE
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Re: 36 VD

#2

Post by RUBONE »

Gorgeous as ever Dave. Hope you are doing well.
Robbie
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Re: 36 VD

#3

Post by droptopford »

Perfect way to initiate the 'board move'. Gorgeous bike Dave... Just like all your others!
DaveSwanson
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Re: 36 VD

#4

Post by DaveSwanson »

Thanks!

This bike was restored many years ago, perhaps as long as 30 years. It wasn't restored with AMCA judging in mind, but just to spruce it up. The top end is earlier 7 bolt stuff. I assume when the original 36 barrels were worn out they went down to the local shop and bought the 7 bolt setup off the shelf. Who would care back then. Somehow it did receive the experimental alloy heads along the way.

The old boy I bought it from pulled the engine out not long after her acquired it from his father's estate in the 1980s and brought it into "Wheels" Langer in Chicago for a rebuild. Wheels had fairly a well known HD shop back then.

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RUBONE
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Re: 36 VD

#5

Post by RUBONE »

I believe the 9 bolt cylinders were only for the 80" engines, the VLH/VLHS and not the VD. That is likely the original set with those heads bolted on to replace the original low compression heads that would have been on a VD.
DaveSwanson
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Re: 36 VD

#6

Post by DaveSwanson »

Here's the couple I bought it from, Bud, and Dorothy 10 years ago almost exactly, June of 2011. The 36 was Bud's pride and joy, but it was time to move out of the old house and downsize with no room for bike storage. Sadly they are both gone now passing within a few weeks of each other in 2017.

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DaveSwanson
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Re: 36 VD

#7

Post by DaveSwanson »

RUBONE wrote: Tue May 25, 2021 8:28 pm I believe the 9 bolt cylinders were only for the 80" engines, the VLH/VLHS and not the VD. That is likely the original set with those heads bolted on to replace the original low compression heads that would have been on a VD.
WOW. That makes all the sense in the world now that you say it. I was thinking wrong for 10 years. :lol:
DaveSwanson
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Re: 36 VD

#8

Post by DaveSwanson »

Here is a picture of Bud's dad Bill with the bike soon after Bill had purchased it. Bill was a long time HD flathead, and sidecar fan. The story goes that the bike was found sitting in a garage by a friend of the family who was a garbage man while working his route. He knew that Bill was looking for another old flathead to mess with and the deal was made.

Bill soon found a sidecar for it but unfortunately did not live very long after. Bud purchased it from his father's estate and owned it for about 30 years until I bought it.

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john HD
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Re: 36 VD

#9

Post by john HD »

Way to go Dave!

Looking good!

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Re: 36 VD

#10

Post by kevsett »

How can you get a better set of posts than those 2 pics of husband/wife and dad and the great story behind them? Nothing beats that. Thanks for posting everything and for the way you've honored those 3 folks.
DaveSwanson
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Re: 36 VD

#11

Post by DaveSwanson »

Here is a much younger Bill with his 2 boys, Bud in the dark sweatshirt with his little brother Wayne. They are parked in front of the old dealership location in downtown Rockford, IL. The V Bill is perched on appears to be a 1932, 33, or 34.

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I have always thought Bud maintained an uncanny resemblance to his young self even when I met him in his early 80s.

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1950Panhead
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Re: 36 VD

#12

Post by 1950Panhead »

Here is a much younger Bill with his 2 boys, Bud in the dark sweatshirt with his little brother Wayne. They are parked in front of the old dealership location in downtown Rockford, IL. The V Bill is perched on appears to be a 1932, 33, or 34.
What is the date of this photo ?
2010 - 75 = 1935 is this right ?
DaveSwanson
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Re: 36 VD

#13

Post by DaveSwanson »

What is the date of this photo ?
2010 - 75 = 1935 is this right ?
[/quote]

I assume you are asking about the most recent photo? That was taken June of 2011.

I estimate the picture to be about 36. Bud appears to be about 5 years old in the picture, which computes.
DaveSwanson
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Re: 36 VD

#14

Post by DaveSwanson »

The bike in the showroom window appears to be a 37 U if I am not mistaken.
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Re: 36 VD

#15

Post by kitabel »

The name cast in the head appears to be "???? North Portland OR."
Can someone make out the manufacturer's name?
Thanks.
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