DIY Network

'48 Indian Motorcycle: Magneto and Battery From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-307

	Chris and Craig discuss installatio of the generator.

The magneto and battery are the heart of the electrical system for our '48 Indian motorcycle.

Our magneto generator has been tested and, luckily for us, it still works and is fully functional. All we have to do is clean all the dirt and grime off of it.

Our battery in a new unit, and we have a clever cover that will be installed over it to make it look like an original battery from 1948.

Materials and tools:

6 volt motorcycle battery
complete set of wrenches, SAE or metric
Indian battery cover
electra-motive cleaner
nylon brush
clean rags

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The Indian's original generator is fortunately still full functional.

Note: This is a summary of steps included in the restoration procedures shown in this episode of Classic Rides. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of motorcycle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgrade kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select.

Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components.

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

Battery Cover and Installation

• Chris and Craig tackle the easy job first by installing the battery cover (figures A and B) on the battery.

• The cover is a reproduction of a 1948 Indian battery, complete with little Indian heads molded into the outer panels. The new battery simply slides down into the cover (figure C).

• With a screw driver, attach the positive wire to the positive terminal on the cover, and the negative to the negative.

• With that done, the cover can be set in place and the battery is ready for installation. However, we're not going to do that yet. First we have to deal with the generator because the battery hold down is a part of the generator mount.

To clean the generator we use Electra-motive cleaner. This is very similar to brake cleaner, but it will not harm plastics or electronics.

• Spray the entire surface of the generator with the cleaner, then go at it with a nylon brush (figures D and E).
  
  
• Once all the dirt and grime is loosened, spray it again.

• Wipe the generator dry with rags.

• The generator can now be installed on the bike. Set it in place with its bracket on the seat post, the clamping portion of the bracket will be in front of the post.

• Insert the bolts, but leave them a little loose so adjustments can be made.

• Slide the generator belt over the pulley, and then adjust the position of the generator so the belt is snug.

• Tighten the bolts.

• The battery can now be slid into position on the battery tray (figure F).

• The hold down clamp threads into the bottom of the generator.

• Back off on the bolt until the bracket is pressed tightly against the battery lid.

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

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

Various Tools
Eastwood
Website: www.eastwoodco.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

Powder Coating Shop
Best Signs
Phone: 865-922-5247
E-mail: bestsigns@tds.net

Coker Classic White Wall Tires, Tubes and Spoke Covers
Coker Tires
Website: www.coker.com

Gaskets/Headers
James Gaskets
Website: www.jamesgaskets.com