Velo Solex Times Two

[Weldangrind]

I think I understand...

Per the guru comment, you gutted the stock condenser and inserted the new cap. I'm guessing that the original condenser didn't have a stud on top; what was the concept behind that?

[cheesy]

The stud holds both the + side of the cap and the original connector. I was going to solder the + side of the cap to the stock connector but figured that I'd end up being 75 degrees off on my orientation along with having the wire too short to do anything about it. So, everything positive goes through the stud, which is insulated from the can. Which means I can line everything up when I install it, then tighten it.

Very short video of Gordy riding the 4600.
http://vidmg.photobucket.com/albums/...psjy7jnrsx.mp4
Gordy is the outgoing prez of MACMC and he begged me to let him take the 4600 for a spin. BTW, today was the MACMC annual breakfast and just about everybody took that little bugger for a ride.

Some more shots.
Dave's Nimbus


A pair Guzzis


A group shot.


So, I'm still somewhat stuffed from that breakfast. Then Mrs. C makes me a full blown Italian sub that, like an idiot, I eat. I go out to change out the motor mounts in her Audi and am hit with the worst gas attack I've had in years. Thought I was going to pop. And now she's making dinner.
All I want is bi-carb.

[Weldangrind]

I agree, that is a short video. You're a big tease.

According to the MACMC site, it was a pancake breakfast at Gordon's Pumpkin Farm. Were there pumpkin pancakes? If so, I would have taken that as a personal challenge and eaten far too many.

Love the Nimbus!

Those Guzzi bikes are patterned after the venerable CX, right?

[cheesy]

No pumpkin pancakes, thank you very much. I even think Gordon would draw the line there. Okay, I like 'em, but I only make 'em once a year for my granddaughter.

I'm watching all these people ride the little bugger around and forget I have the camera in my back pocket. I remembered and got Gordy coming up his drive. He was the last guy to ride it.

As far as the Guzzis go, sure, why not. Gordy has the V7 on the left and Joe has the Eldo 850. Joe is 76 years old and has seven Guzzis; from a post war Bacon Slicer to a fairly new 1400. He's riding down to Barbers' next month and I believe he is taking his California with the sidecar.

The guy who has the Nimbus, Dave, is in his early 80s'. I don't think he has a bike newer than 1960. He was the guy who got Gordon to sponsor me in the club.

I'm working in N. Dakota this week, hopefully only for one day, then back home for a four day weekend. I'll try out the new cap in the 4600. Then, as I have wrapped up on the Audi, I will start on the stator swap on the CX.

[cheesy]

The promised video.

Watch, as the speed nears the triggering point of the flux capacitor.

Listen, as the center stand drags on the driveway and halfway down the hill.

Cringe, as you hear me curse the hill I live on.

Alright, here it is.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/214992...7656856002138/

[Adjuster]

Great video and just as you described.

/

[Weldangrind]

I couldn't actually make out what you said, but I got the sentiment. Thanks for taking the time to share the video. I'm really enjoying this project, but you knew that.

[cheesy]

Thanks.

In between the rain drops yesterday I threw together a Velosolex timing light. I got lucky on the 3800 and eyeballed that one perfectly. The 4600 has been a complete headache to get right.

The guts. Two AAA batteries, a green LED, and a 47 ohm resistor. For all intents and purposes, it's a continuity tester.


Off.


On.


For you young 'uns out there, the purpose is to set the points to start to open at the right time in cycle. I think I was off at least five degrees and now I'm dead on. Made a big difference.

[Weldangrind]

I've static-timed VW engines in a similar fashion, but with a test light.

[cheesy]

That's how it was done on my 64 MG, too.

Just to prove that I fail more often than not. Look at the red insulator.

[Weldangrind]

I've done exactly the same thing.

I was watching an old episode of Roadkill on Youtube last night, and Finnegan fabricated a lovely turbo manifold for an ugly 240Z with a 4.3l Chev engine. After he finished TIG welding it, he discovered that the collector flange was on the wrong side of the blow-off valve. Very funny!

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by cheesy

Just to prove that I fail more often than not. Look at the red insulator.

I've done that quite a few times.

[Darkrider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I've done exactly the same thing.

I was watching an old episode of Roadkill on Youtube last night, and Finnegan fabricated a lovely turbo manifold for an ugly 240Z with a 4.3l Chev engine. After he finished TIG welding it, he discovered that the collector flange was on the wrong side of the blow-off valve. Very funny!

Ah yes...the hard to kill Rotsun....

[cheesy]

Last Saturday was Service Day on the 4600. Basically, clean, repack, and adjust the wheel bearings plus clean and grease the crankset. Standard bicycle type maintenance. I did this to the 3800 already and just got around to doing this one.

The front wheel wasn't bad. The rear wheel, on the other hand, sheesh. I couldn't turn the axle by hand. Explains why the 3800 always felt faster. Anyway, done.

Used the old Harbor Freight chain breaker converted to a cotter press to service the bottom bracket.

A very simple set up. Just a machined shaft riding on a pair of plain bearings. I followed another guru recommendation on future bottom bracket service. That was drilling and tapping a hole for an M6 zerk between the plain bearings. I should never need to take it apart again.

Finished up with a new 16 tooth freewheel and a new chain. All that is left to do on this one is either repair or replace the fuel tank.

[Weldangrind]

When you say plain bearings, does that mean caged bearings, like one would find in a one piece bottom bracket?