Ironhead Secret Australian Business

[Ferrous Head]

In Australia the Aboriginals (am I still allowed to say that ?) have what is known as "Secret Men's Business" and "Secret Women's Business".

These are rights and rituals meant for one gender (am I still allowed to say that ?) only.

I'm nor sue how many IH guys there are in Oz or how many of them frequent this forum. But another one joined this week down in Sydney. (He's looking for front brake information)

If you think it's hard trying to get parts, service or even advice in Bugscuffle USA imagine what it's like in The Land of Oz since Dorthy left.

I suggested he might try reaching out to one business in Sydney that understands what an IH is. And will actually help you.

yesterfday, I remembered my own words as I have been chasing a part, 37731-52 washer, sprocket bearing 0.0955" for about a month now. I can get them, for a price $31-41) each + sjipping which means close to $100 AUD in my hands. For what is a shim. One shim.

I emphasize the one as you really need to be either extremely good at measuring awkward clearances or have a selection of these shims. They vary from 0.0925 to 0.100. If I were to sell my dog I might be able to afford the whole set. (Won't happen).

But yesterday my brain worked for a short period and I gave the good folk at Redgrave Motorcycles in Thornleigh a call.

Me: Any chance of a 37731-52 ?

Them: Hang on I'll check. ...... Sorry we only have them in as a set, $70 AUD shipped to you.

ANYONE and I mean ANYONE working on IH's in Sydney should get familiar with these guys.

This is not the first time they have come through for me.

Also, the understand performance. Not like your HD dealer does, I mean they really understand it. Not just the bolt on Kuryakin Krap air filter for $650.

If you tell them Gene sent ya they will understand straight away your a serious IH man, not some wannabe accountant (am I allowed to say that ?) on a 2019 looking for a Smicko Seat.

https://www.redgravemc.com/


I'm not sure why they keep their business secret. Possibly they don't want the wannabe accountant (am I allowed to say that ?) on a 2019 looking for a Smicko Seat standing in their shop.

[brucstoudt]

glad to hear it.what does a shim set consist of? pin shim and washer?

[Ferrous Head]

Oh ? Hadn't thought of that. I had presumed it was one of each of the thicknesses of the washers. Harley calls them a "washer" but given that they are designed to set the clearance between two parts I think I think they are in fact shims.

But never even thought to ask as you do need the pin and "washer, sprocket hub" maybe that's sold in a set ?

I can't see any parts listing for a 'kit". "set", or assembly but perhaps A/M companies do this.

The whole setup is another of Rube Goldberg's ideas.
I guess in 1945 your local blacksmith and Dentist would rivet anything for you in a heartbeat. These days people look at you funny if you ask them to river a clutch or brake shell for you.

[robg53]

I agree 100% with you Gene. They did the bottom end and top end for my 71 XLH motor. Richard and Leigh are great guys. They also stock Andrews and a full range of Colony products at competitive prices. They know Ironheads as well as knucks, pans, shovels and flatheads.


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[Ferrous Head]

Yes, it's almost weird. On top of doing good work and having parts you need they are nice guys.

I generally won't go into Harley Dealers anymore because they treat me like dog doo doo on the bottom of their shoes.

They take one look and just KNOW I ain't going to buy on of their overpriced disco dancing Hotels on Wheels or a $1200 made in China Genuine Jacket.

[Ireeman]

Consult the Book of Hopper.

[paulc]

Not secret as she's on Youtube but here's an Australian lady worth watching an episode or 2 of:

https://www.youtube.com/user/RozalynVeersma/videos

Gutsy lady riding around Australia on dirt tracks. Not at all IH related but some great scenery and dirt road shots. Currently over 90 episodes to choose from, she's ridden a long way!
Paul

[11B40]

Are you talking about the shims that are on the cams ? The ones that everybody just throws away? You do remember that HD invented the shim......

[Ferrous Head]

Nah, shims under the kicker plate that everyone ignores.

They do look like a washer because they are so think. But a washer is to "Spread the load" over a larger surface. And a shim is made to take up/set clearance between two parts.

Maybe when I think about it these are "washer Shims" ?

They are going to take the load from the spacer into the clutch shell, so a washer. But they also need to be sized to allow movement without binding and yet still "center" the clutch shell properly.

They act like a thrust washer when the clutch is engaged, so maybe that's why ?

The shims behind the cams are listed in my parts book as "Shim, mistake, N/A (don't use)".

[Piemonte]

Thanks for disclosing this secret business knowledge. I’ll definitely give them a try next time I’m chasing parts. Do they keep s/h items? I’m chasing a left fork slider tube (to modify for a brake upgrade) for a 1957-1964, #45948-52. Who do you recommend for s/h parts for early IH?