1951 Harley Servi-car rebuild

[1fangtooth]

First time poster and a first time Harley owner. I inherited a rebuild project on a 1951 Harley Servi-car from my dad who passed away unexpectedly in 2007. The bike is down to the frame and I'm currently doing a inventory of what I have, what I need to get or do. I'm starting at the engine and making progress. I hope to tap the knowledge here when I get in a bind.

I'll post photos of the progress.

[Nana]

Welcome, fangtooth! I can't wait to see those pictures! and I can't wait to see it finished and out on the road

[BIBS]

Lookin forward to seeing your re-build Fangtooth!!!A club brother of mine has a 71 meter maid that he rebuilt from the ground up.

[Gorilla]

First time poster and a first time Harley owner. I inherited a rebuild project on a 1951 Harley Servi-car from my dad who passed away unexpectedly in 2007. The bike is down to the frame and I'm currently doing a inventory of what I have, what I need to get or do. I'm starting at the engine and making progress. I hope to tap the knowledge here when I get in a bind.

I'll post photos of the progress.

welcome aboard. a wonderful vehicle that is the father to what we now ride.

[1fangtooth]

Thanks for the welcome. Here we go. I tore down the cylinders and heads and have a brand new set of pistons ready to go in. The Linkert carb is in bad shape and will need a complete rebuild. And from what I can gather it may be missing some parts. I am just about ready to pick up a Mikuni conv. kit and going that route. I've read some good points on doing the conversion. And remembering the headaches my dad use to have starting the Harley, this may be the way to go. It'll also solve my air filter issues (the kit comes with a new air cleaner). Again, some parts missing there.

One of the cylinders looks like it may need a re-surfacing. It's a bit pitted and since I have it apart...

The rest of the engine looks to be in excellent shape for being nearly 60-years old. My dad had the valves seated, new cylcinder sleeves put in and new connecting rods bearings. Once I get the cylinder re-surfaced and trued, I can get the pistons in, button up the cylinders and heads, and go from there.

Here's a few photos. I have most of the engine here at my place. The frame, fenders, carrier box and the rest is still at my mom's. I'm gonna get this thing running!!!!

The engine apart


The cylinder in question

[oleman69]

What part of Cali are you in? House of Horsepower rebuilt mine back in '90 and did a great job they where on the southside of San Jose, most any GOOD shop from the looks should be able to clean them up.

[1fangtooth]

Oleman, I'm in southern California. I have a few good shops in mind. I may just head over to my local Harley shop and see who they recommend. I think any quality shop should be able to clean up the cyclinder...hopefully.

[BIBS]

Linkert...AKA tomatoe can...LOL....mebe ya might consider a 28mm. Mikuni?

[Loose Nuts]

G'day Fangtooth.
That cylinder doesn't look too bad to me. From what I can see in the photos, the worst section is near the valves. Keep in mind the head only seals around the outside section, so from what I can see, I'd be tempted to let it go as is. Also, that Linkert carb is nothing to be scared of. There's a multitude of new parts still available for them. I've re-built 3 of them in the past 12 months, and they were all a complete mess. You can buy new floats, needles, seats, float bowls, jets, screws etc. They're very easy and cheap to work on......
If you need help with parts, post some pics and I'll see if I can put you on to the parts you need....

[skuuter]

WELCOME to TRIKE TALK.....I used to own a 1948 model in the early 70s....belongs to Jack Daniels Distillery now....They use it in Promotions now....:wtg:

[1fangtooth]

Loose nuts, thanks for the encouragent on the Linkert. It doesn't look at all daunting, but the cost of a complete and small parts rebuild for it would run me about $160 from<br />
45-restoration. You're are absolutely right, it doesn't look too tough to do. But I have a line on a VM-34 Mikuni conv. kit for about $219. I'm still undecided on which way to go.<br />
<br />
As far as keeping it all original, I've noticed that my dad had started to upgrade to modern day parts during his restoration efforts. Upgrading the battery, the voltage reg. the wiring harness, the speedometer (digital display) and a multitude of other things. <br />
<br />
Thanks for the advice ont he cyclinder. I'm on the fence about getting that worked on as well.

As you stated it just needs to seal on the outside and that area looks good. Maybe I'll take it down and see what that'll cost me.<br />
<br />
I'll be making a decsion on both the carb and the cylinder in the next few days. After the engine I'll be moving to the engine drive chain and clutch assembly.

[kcchoppers]

I would stay original with the Linkert To start >>> Gas on, Full Choke, retard, Ignition OFF two full kicks, one click off on choke, then turn on Ignition with one full good kick if it starts
advance dist. and open choke as it warms up. This has worked for me year after year with my 1963 HD trike even with old gas in it.