Subject: Fun in Fun City
Author: David Washburn
Date: Nov 24, 2002, 9:56 AM
Post ID: 1711456336
Got together with aspiring loopframer Chris Mitchell with the avowed
purpose of putting his slamtastic 90 HP Eldo motor in its frame. First
item on the agenda was a trip to Eric Green's workshop to pick up some
hardware.
I needed to speak to Mr. Green about a busted generator mount stud so I
went to Chris's via Jackal. Chris rolled out the '71 Triumph and off we
went. I was dubious of the Triumph's ability to: (a) Keep up; and (b)
Stay in one piece. Dispelling my doubts, the British lump ran like a
champion as we took the back way from Astoria, Queens to DUMBO in
Brooklyn. Got to open it up (third gear!)as we zipped along the
waterfront by the scenic East river.
Mr. Green was helpful as always and was happy to demonstrate all the
bells and whistles on a bagger Police Eldo that he had just finished
working on. That bike and the Trackmaster Triumph in the center of the
workshop made the trip very worthwhile. Eric agreed to weld an ear on
my generator bracket to attach it to the distributor mount and suggested
that I have it Cad plated at an undisclosed location in Brooklyn when it
was completed.
Our business completed Chris asked if there was a faster way home.
Yesss, there is...
10 minutes on the BQE later the Triumph had vanished from my mirrors. I
though Chris was right behind me when we passed that two vehicle
accident. (Broad daylight, dry road, four lanes, light traffic -- how
do those cagers do it?) A thirty-minute hellride brought us back to the
secure bunker under the commune where Chris lives.
We set up the work area, placed the frame on the floor and followed the
Dave Otis method: Crashbars on, sit engine on floor between frame
rails, lift frame to line up engine mounting bolts, spacers, washers,
Etc. Tighten bolts. Repeat as needed to put on forgotten footbard
mounting rails, insert forgotton washers etc. Pick up frame with
attached motor and move to work area. Much posing and throwing of signs
at digital camera. Several calls to neglected wife offering assurances
of timely arrival at dinner. Done.
Chris will provide pictures of our antics when he gets around to it.
David in NYC