Was the 1917 Traub found after 50 years bricked up in a wall actually a 1907?

[ihrescue]

Here is a little story - somewhat of an up date on the story when this bike was discovered bricked up in a wall in a Chicago building. It is on display at Wheels Through Time.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/motorcycles/the-strange-story-of-the-traub-motorcycle/ar-BBUTlX7

Screen Shot 2019-03-18 at 8.45.58 PM.jpg

YouTuber Yammie Noob does some very interesting videos and his story of the Traub just released this video on March 15, 2019. Hope you find it interesting.

https://youtu.be/TO1OCwNVqNs

Mike Love

[ihrescue]

Okay - yes good story but too much of a guy riding around in Europe with a Go Pro on his helmet. Still Noob tells a good story here.

Mike Love

[RichO]

I didn't watch the video but there is no way that machine was built in 1907. Richard got the bike from Bud after it was found and you can tell by the fork, chassis construction, and drive train and sheet metal that it was built in the late teens. I rode beside this machine on a fairly long ride down through our Norcal Delta and it is super roadable. of course this was way before Richard sold it to Dale. Parts are very similar to a post 1915 Excelsior. it has been rumored that a single was constructed also but never found.

[Chris Haynes]

It also does not have original paint as Richard Morris restored this machine.

[RichO]

Sorry Chris but Richard did not repaint the bike. If that was done it was before he got it from Bud (I don't think Bud did it either, I believe it's as found) I know about the Davenport incident with Dale and the Holy Judges when Dale tried to have it judged as an unrestored machine so we can leave that alone. By the way do you know or have you information from the original builder what the original paint was. I doubt it or anyone else for that matter. Just sayin'.

[len dowe]

Couldn't think of a better honest person than Dale to get it.

[jcrawford]

In the early '80s a friend and I visited Bud's quanset huts & shop in N. Hollywood and I recall the Traub there among several other rare ones in one of those huts. To my eye the only difference between then and when I saw it at Dale's recently is that it was a lot dustier back then. Bud told us the "behind a brick wall in Chicago" story. Also remember enjoying one of the best home made tamales ever that day!

John

[bobbyt]

It looks like the bike described in 1907 was an earlier version. In the early days motors were rated by nomial horsepower. A 4hp. motor was a single around 500cc. The earlier Traub was likely a single, which were usual for 1906-7.

Bob Turek
#769

[Chris Haynes]

Sorry Chris but Richard did not repaint the bike. If that was done it was before he got it from Bud (I don't think Bud did it either, I believe it's as found) I know about the Davenport incident with Dale and the Holy Judges when Dale tried to have it judged as an unrestored machine so we can leave that alone. By the way do you know or have you information from the original builder what the original paint was. I doubt it or anyone else for that matter. Just sayin'.

The problem the judges had at Davenport was that body filler was seen in areas that were scratched. Body filler didn't exist in 1917.

[kval]

The problem the judges had at Davenport was that body filler was seen in areas that were scratched. Body filler didn't exist in 1917.

Chris it was at the Ohio meet that the body filler was seen in a half dollar sized hole in the paint. I was there and an apprentice noticed the problem

[RichO]

Plastic solder (body filler) was first used in 1940. The 3M patented "Bondo" 1955. I wonder when the "repair" was done? It could in theory have been almost 80 years ago. Go figure. The machine could have been only 23 years old at the time. Historical repair? Important in the history of this ultra rare machine? Who's to say? What about all the brazing repairs on super old all original pre-16's some with only 5 percent of their original paint in place. Oh that their history should be degraded so.

[Chris Haynes]

Chris it was at the Ohio meet that the body filler was seen in a half dollar sized hole in the paint. I was there and an apprentice noticed the problem

I clearly remember the incident at Davenport as I was there. Dale was fuming mad and arguing with the judges. But then again I am an old fart and my memory could be wrong.

[exeric]

I think the Traub is one of the most unique, and interesting surviors that will (probably) forever keep it's secrets. The Wood, that Jerry Ottaway has is exactly the same deal, but with the benefit of a well known history. I'm glad the Traub been so well taken care of by Bud Ekins, Richard Morris, and Dale Walksler. I was also at Davenport that year, and amidst the controversy about the filler, an old time motorcycle, car guy said he knew of wood filler being used way back then for minor dings, and divots. Who knows? The Traub is still a treasure for everyone that loves early motorcycles.

[ihrescue]

I like what you said Eric. Really, as unique as the Taub is, it doesn't need to be judged and reach a winners circle. It is so unique it is already in its own Winners Circle not unlike The Wood. I hope people continue to research and dig for answers. There's probably still opportunities to find special gems hidden for years.

Mike Love