27 JD Restoration

[Steve Swan]

Steve
What's the make and part number of that sealed lead acid battery?
My friend Geoff Erdos makes that case that Replicant sells and I'm sure Geoff would like to know about a battery that fits. Especially a 14AH battery.
Thanks
Mark Masa

Mark, this is the exact same battery i purchased today - SLAA6-14A

link to actual battery - https://www.batteriesplus.com/Batter...0013/SLAA6=14A

were original batteries 20 amp hours ?

due to battery's 5-1/2" height, i had to lay (sealed) battery on it's side for it to fit, but with high density foam, it's exactly perfect. the inside of the case is 5" tall. there is another 1/4" height on inside of cover, so if one tries to fit battery upright, there is approximately a 1/4" gap between top of case and bottom of cover. even with this gap, the case with battery in it will fit inside the steel battery box.

ps - i just sent you a pm

[Steve Swan]

well, i was puttering around the shop with little to do, waiting on parts for a couple projects and was about ready to leave shop and i suddenly became possessed with the idea to start the JD......... i had spoke earlier in the day to a friend and he asked if i had started the bike yet, of course i said no....... the conversation apparently could not leave my head. i had turned the lights off over my bench and was just getting ready to turn off the main shop lights when i did an about face, went over to a can of gas i had, dumped in what little there was in the reserve tank. i then turned the gas on, no leaks anywhere, so gave 2 "prime" kicks. put it on "start" and kick #1, nothing. kick #2 and she fired and stayed running. and did not quit. DAMN !!!! WOW !!!! ME OH MY OH ME OH MY !!!! so, i turned the fan on. let it run about 3 minutes. responded perfectly to retard and advance, lovely chug, chug a chug chug, chug a chug.. a bit rich, but not by much. Generator generates current. can't figure out how to up/down or whatever load the video from my phone to my computer..... will get my camera, i think i will have better luck with it. MORE TO COME ! i will bet it's been at least 50-60 years since this engine has run !!!!! what a wonderful thing to resurrect a motorcycle from the dead.

[frichie68]

A little excited were ya? OUTSTANDING-OH MY GAWD THAT'S FUN!!!

[Steve Swan]

Cain't hep me sef.

[Peter Cooke]

That is awesome Steve. Well done!

[harleytoprock]

Hey Steve, Congratulations! It's such a thrill when, after so much time, it becomes alive. Good job!

[TechNoir]

Fantastic news Steve.

I love it when you bring a motor back from the dead, it is a unique feeling and I always get a big thrill from it.

John

[gww]

congrats on blow n smoke..

[painterdale]

Too cool! Congratulations! Dale

[Steve Swan]

here is youtube of 27JD 11090 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPIyXioPVgE

[frichie68]

Beautiful-and sounds great!

[Steve Swan]

Another major milestone. i'm guessing it's been more than 50 years since this old fellow has been rolled on it's own wheels into the sunlight.

Temps in high 90's.... too hot for a test ride. Maybe tomorrow, high is supposed to be 86....... we shall see.

i've wanted a JD for 40 years, so a waiting a few more days or even weeks for moderate temperature day is no problem.

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[TechNoir]

Steve, this is fantastic news and you must be very pleased to have got this far. I am looking forward to your feedback after you have been for a ride.

John.

[Shaky Jake]

Very nice, Steve. Can't wait to see the test ride video!


Kevin

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[exeric]

I have really enjoyed watching your progress on the '27 Steve. Your attention to detail, and your tenacity to get things right is very impressive; as well as inspiring. The beauty part is; we can look forward to the de-bug process, and the paint work on the sheet metal. Thanks for all the pictures too.