DIY Network

'48 Indian Chief Motorcycle: Disassembly DIY's Classic Rides host and expert take the Indian Chief apart. From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-301

Host Craig Reynolds and antique motorcycle expert Chris Matthews continue the restoration project by disassembling the project Indian Chief motorcycle.

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	Chris Matthews, foreground, and host Craig Reynolds hope the project 1948 Indian Chief motorcycle will look like the beauty featured here (in front) when the restoration is complete. But first, the men have to take the project bike apart.
	Figure A

Indian Chief Disassembly

In the first episode of DIY's Classic Rides "1948 Indian Chief" 10-part edition, some adjustments to the carburetor have been made, the oil and gas have been drained and the spark plugs have been changed — and Chris Matthews took the bike for a test ride.

Now it's time to take the project bike apart so the restoration can continue.

• Start the disassembly by removing the front tire. Use a wrench to loosen the axle assembly, and then the brake cable on the drum is removed.

• Hammer the axle through the tire using a brass hammer and then the wheel hub cap is removed.

• Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts from the underbody of the fender, which is attached to the front fork.

• With the fender and tire off, now it's time to remove the cables so the handlebars can be removed.

• The cables for the carburetor controls and spark advance are disconnected. This allows Craig and Chris to disassemble the handlebars.

• A few more bolts and the handlebars come free and can be removed.

• The front fork comes off next.

• Finally, the crown and stem of the steering come off, and Chris Matthews discovers why the test ride was a bit stiff — the bearings are totally dry (figure A).

In the next episode of Classic Rides — the 1948 Indian Chief edition — the restoration shifts into high gear as the front end is resurrected.

RESOURCES :

Welders
Lincoln Electric
Website: www.lincolnelectric.com

Kiwi Indian
Website: www.kiwi-indian.com

V-Twin Mfg.
Rims, Spokes, Hubs, Tire Irons and Truing Stand
Website: www.vtwinmfg.com

Various Tools
Eastwood
Website: www.eastwoodco.com

Motorcycle Lift
Handy Lift
Website: www.handy-lift.com

Hepavac Asbestos Vacuum
Bullseye
Website: www.bullseyecorp.com

Parts Washer
Safety Kleen
Website: www.safety-kleen.com

Chrome Polish
G & H Metal Finishers
282 Dakota St.
Paterson, NJ 07503

Belt Grinder
Ellis Manufacturing
Website: www.ellissaw.com

Historical Photographs
Motorcycle Hall of Fame
Website: www.motorcyclemuseum.org

Indian Motorcycle Photographic History
Contact: Jerry Hatfield
E-mail: beemer73@sbcglobal.net