1947 Knucklehead wreck rebuild thread

[JakeF]

Hi all! So it looks like I'm finally getting very close to a settlement with the insurance company, and I'm itching to get started on resurrecting the ol' knuck. As soon as I have the check in hand the tear-down and parts shopping will begin. I want to stick fairly close to how it was before the wreck, as that's how my dad built it many years ago, but with a few improvements in parts selection.

Here's how she looks right now...

[Tattooo]

Awesome man, I'm really glad your getting well enough to work on it...... I'll help when ever I can but I think you have it down really good by now,,,,,

[JakeF]

Awesome man, I'm really glad your getting well enough to work on it...... I'll help when ever I can but I think you have it down really good by now,,,,,

Thanks man!! Did you see the break in the rear leg of the forks? It was nearly rusted through from the inside! I'd sure hate to have an unseen issue like that after spending what stock 1947 springers are going for!!

Looking at the Samwel reproduction offset springer from the Netherlands. Anyone here ever tried one? I've only heard good things about them so far.

[Dragstews]

I have a brand new re-pop 21", polished SS spokes on a star hub sitting here in the shop ...
Looks as if ya might have a need for it ... ??

[confab]

woot!

[JakeF]

I have a brand new re-pop 21", polished SS spokes on a star hub sitting here in the shop ...
Looks as if ya might have a need for it ... ??

Yes, sir. Chrome rim? Shoot me a price.

[Dragstews]

Replica 21" x 2.15" front star hub type wheel includes chrome hub, chrome rim, and 40 polished stainless steel spokes, and a rubber rim strip installed.
The hub is assembled like stock with loose roller bearings. *NOTE: Wheels accept metal stem inner tubes.

$450 and the ride will get it to your door step ...

[JakeF]

$450 and the ride will get it to your door step ...

On point. Thanks. Save it for me if you can!

Add: What do you have in a quality chrome brake assembly to go with that?

[Dragstews]

Ya can get a replacement of what ya had ....



Chrome brake backing plate kit includes cable clamp, shackle, adjuster, cable, backing plate, brake shoes, springs, drum, lugs, arm, cam, pivot stud and grease seal.

Kinda pricey at $480

Or ...

A bit of a upgrade can be had ...



Stopping power of stock, mechanical front brakes on Big Twins thru 1949 with springer style forks is debatable, to say the least. Improvements were difficult to achieve without major (visible) changes. This stock looking Duplex (two brake cams) version of the factory Springer brake improves stopping power significantly if installed correctly. Ride your classic mount with the confidence of having a brake that does what it is supposed to do, when it counts.

And it's also a bit pricey at $537

Then you have the Bad-Boy Drum Brake ..



Even more stopping power than with our double-leading-shoe brake you can achieve with this hydraulic version of the factory Springer fork brake. Behind the stock looking backing plate hides a hydraulic cylinder which activates the brake shoes and significantly improves the brake’s performance to a level unknown to date. Particularly riding in heavy traffic becomes a lot more relaxed with this new set-up.

The kit includes a complete, pre-installed backing plate and a new brake drum. Handlebar brake controls, brake line and fittings are not included and must be ordered separately.

$527.96

And the best stopping on a springer is this that will not look like it belongs ....



DISC BRAKE KITS FOR CLASSIC SPRINGER FORKS

Each kit includes all components to update the good old Big Twin/WLC springer fork (I-Beam Springer forks, too!): dual piston caliper, caliper bracket, brake anchor rod, disc rotor, axle kit, star hub adapter - if required - and all necessary small parts. Just add a brake line and a handlebar master cylinder and you are all set. Two different kits to choose from, for star hub front wheels and for 1973-up flange hubs, each in a standard cad-plated or chrome version. The chrome kits include chromed caliper bracket, anchor rod, wheel axle and some small parts.

$491.98

Lot of choices !!

[Sugarcubes]

Looking at the Samwel reproduction offset springer from the Netherlands. Anyone here ever tried one? I've only heard good things about them so far.

Ive owned 3 different Samwel's. A black 2+ over, full chrome 4+ over and currently a stock length all black one on my current bike. Great forks

[JakeF]

Ive owned 3 different Samwel's. A black 2+ over, full chrome 4+ over and currently a stock length all black one on my current bike. Great forks

Thanks for the review!

[JakeF]

I'm hoping that my frame will be salvageable. I have a great frame shop here, but I think this thing is going to need a LOT of work if it is to be fixed. Once I have it stripped down, I'll make a call. May be looking for another, we'll see.

[Dragstews]

May be looking for another, we'll see.

I can help you with that need if need be ...

Edlund Frame's manufactures all the years of the Kuncks including the "Bull Neck"
Can also do custom as in rakes and extended down legs



BTY .... Got the 21" wheel on hold ...
It's still in its shipping box that it came in ..

[JakeF]

I can help you with that need if need be ...

Edlund Frame's manufactures all the years of the Knucks including the "Bull Neck"
Can also do custom as in rakes and extended down legs.

BTY .... Got the 21" wheel on hold ...
It's still in its shipping box that it came in ..

Thanks, that was my backup plan if I decide to hold off on trying to repair mine! What's the lead time on those?

[Dragstews]

What's the lead time on those?

About three to four weeks ..

[DoomBuggy]

I should have mine in the next few days, Covid gods allowing....

Will post up here as soon as I do, but I expect a treat not a trick!

-DB

[Dragstews]

I should have mine in the next few days,

-DB

Tracking says you will have it today ....

[JakeF]

I had a productive Saturday. Got it stripped down to bare frame. I do think I will go with a new frame for this build, and stash this one for a later project....

[JakeF]

[JakeF]

Dragstews, can you work up a $$ quote for me on an Edlund version of the '47 straight leg? Stock rake and dimensions. My only concern is that my jugs are on stroker plates, so slightly taller than stock, and I want to make sure there's enough clearance to the backbone to remove the heads with the motor in the frame.