1911 Matchless cyclecar resurrection!

[Matchless]

This will be a slow project as and when, starting off by sorting what work needs to be farmed out as everything seems to take years!

 

[bourbon]

That's going to look good. @Matchless How many projects do you need on the go at anyone time?

 

[colnerov]

N + 1

 

[Gritineye]

Watching..

 

[colnerov]

Watching..

Ditto.

 

[Beanwood]

Don’t know why, but I’m surprised to see measurements in mm- I had assumed they would be Imperial.
Fascinating project-best of luck with it!

 

[colnerov]

Don’t know why, but I’m surprised to see measurements in mm- I had assumed they would be Imperial.
Fascinating project-best of luck with it!

Yes, but the price is in Guineas. Are you reassured now?

 

[RWD3M]

Watching..

Likewise!

 

[Other Daniel]

Any photos of it's present state ?

 

[Matchless]

Any photos of it's present state ?

 

[bourbon]

There will be much welding involved me thinks

 

[Matchless]

That's going to look good. @Matchless How many projects do you need on the go at anyone time?

I have a few motorcycles waiting their turn! these frames are in the shed, 1914 Hedstrom Indian V twin, 1911-12 Matchless JAP OHV V twin with two speed hub gear, 1914 Matchless Motosacoche ioe V twin, same as machine gun bike.

 

[Matchless]

The crankcases and gearbox shell have gone of to a pattern maker, they will then be recast, all in Latvia........... Ramoto ltd.

 

[Morrisman]

The crankcases and gearbox shell have gone of to a pattern maker, they will then be recast, all in Latvia........... Ramoto ltd.

This project must be worth some serious coin to go to all that effort. The chassis looks like it will need mainly renewing too. Ferrous oxide is an unforgiving mistress.

 

[Matchless]

A few questions for the best brains in the industry!
What wood is best for a steering wheel rim?
I am thinking of fitting a new channel inside ( I don't want it looking like a replica!) each of the existing very pitted chassis side rails, thinking of riveting them in as it must flex a lot in use, do I NEED to use special steel?
I have forgotten the next question!

 

[Matchless]

That's going to look good. @Matchless How many projects do you need on the go at anyone time?

NEED, you sound like my first wife!

 

[oldbikedavey]

A few questions for the best brains in the industry!
What wood is best for a steering wheel rim?
I am thinking of fitting a new channel inside ( I don't want it looking like a replica!) each of the existing very pitted chassis side rails, thinking of riveting them in as it must flex a lot in use, do I NEED to use special steel?
I have forgotten the next question!

The wood question likely depends on its ability to be steam bent.
As for the steel requirement, Matchless, being where they were , would have had access to the finest advice available anywhere .
Something that goes boing but not bonk , probably.

 

[Matchless]

Generally not bent but seem to be four /eight pieces of wood glued together and then machined, The pictures are from a 1906 Riley that is in Whitewebbs museum, it has the exact same 14" Bowden steering wheel that I need to restore, the centre part of my steering wheel is shown sitting on the Riley seat in one picture!