We're getting close to the end of our restoration of the 1948 Indian Chief. In this final phase of the restoration, Craig and Chris put the finishing touches on the fully restored bike. There are just a few final additions and details left. Chris and Craig start by wrapping up the induction system with a new air cleaner and then we check the alignment (or tracking) of the bike. They also apply the emblems, install a "Hollywood bar," put on the rearview mirror and apply paint protection.
With those things complete, the Indian will be ready to ride.
Materials and tools:Indian decals
replacement mirror
complete set of SAE or metric wrenches
flat head screwdriver
pliers
10' 1x6 wooden plank
hand glaze
cotton cloth
Air Cleaner InstallationTo protect our newly rebuilt carburetor and engine, we install an air cleaner. The first step is to attach the backing plate on which the air cleaner will be mounted.
The backing plate will attach directly to the carburetor, and is held with four bolts. To prevent the chance that a bolt could come loose and get sucked into the engine, we use locking tab washers.
Insert the bolts through the washers, then through the backing plate. Two bolts go through each locking washer.
Once all the bolts are installed, use a wrench to tighten then into the carburetor.
Once the bolts are tight, use the flat head screw to bend each locking tab over, and then use pliers to press the tab tight against the side of the bolt head.
Once the bolts are secure, the cleaner element and cover can be installed.
Set the element in the cover and then set both in place on the backing plate.
Rotate the cover while pushing in towards the bike. The cover will turn until it seats on the locking tabs on the backing plate.
Alignment CheckNext up is the alignment of the bike. Unlike a car, the alignment on a bike is pretty simple, the rear wheel needs to follow the front. The easiest way to determine that it is to roll the bike along a piece of wood and see if the tires pull away from or ride up on the it.
- If the rear wheel does not track straight, adjustments can be made using the chain tensioners.
- If adjustments are needed, loosen the axle bolt.
- With a wrench, adjust the tension on either the right or left until the wheel pulls itself into position.
- Once the wheel is in position, re-tighten the axle bolts.
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