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I bought my 13 Thor on e-Bay around 2012 (and probably paid too much at the time – that’s life). It had been painted by the seller’s brother in the 1950s and, although it was a pretty crude job with a paintbrush and house paint, it had at least preserved the bike pretty well (except the petrol tank which was probably already moth-eaten by then). It came from a family in Ohio and the bike was the seller’s father’s sole transport. I had the fortune to speak to the seller, Pete Baltzly, when I bought the bike. Pete was a veteran of WWII in the Pacific (like my father) and fought at Iwo Jima, he was a real gentlemen and a pleasure to talk to. He had plenty of stories about his father, Milton, who owned the Thor (possibly from new), up until his death in the early ‘30s. Photo of Milton Baltzly attached (taken in the twenties I think – maybe earlier?) with cigar in hand – I guess the petrol tank didn’t leak back then! The photo shows the bike with a tank-top toolbox, and the typical 13 model U toolbox behind the frame tube is missing – has anyone seen a period photo of another 13U with this configuration?
Sadly, Pete passed away early this year at age 89, so I’ve missed my chance to find out more about his father and the history of the bike. I started restoring it, with much help from a friend, earlier this year and good progress has been made. New tank and handlebars have been made, along with a lot of the clutch components (which had been damaged in the same accident as the handlebars it seems). The original guards were in great condition as was the engine, frame, wheels and other cycle parts. A new tank has been made using the original as a pattern. The wheels are done now, thanks to Buchanans for the spokes. The seat is with Chuck and Jo at the Saddleshop being recovered. The cylinders are out being nickel plated, parts are being painted and the hope is to have everything back in time to assemble it over Christmas. I’ll post more photos as progress is made.
I’ve set up a Facebook page called “Thor Motorcycles – the Aurora Automatic Machinery Company” and hope to post a lot of info on Thors there soon (when work and home duties permit). Please check it out and feel free to post anything Thor on there.
Now for a request to the Forum members: I’d like to find out who bought the original paint white 1912 ex-Otis Chandler Thor. Does anyone know who bought it at the auction back in 2006 (photo attached)? I’d like to get some good close-up photos of the pin-striping on the frame so that I can get it right on my bike. Any photos of the Patrick Simmons 13 Thor would also be appreciated – that’s one nice restoration!
Rob Elliott - AMCA Member 16215
Sadly, Pete passed away early this year at age 89, so I’ve missed my chance to find out more about his father and the history of the bike. I started restoring it, with much help from a friend, earlier this year and good progress has been made. New tank and handlebars have been made, along with a lot of the clutch components (which had been damaged in the same accident as the handlebars it seems). The original guards were in great condition as was the engine, frame, wheels and other cycle parts. A new tank has been made using the original as a pattern. The wheels are done now, thanks to Buchanans for the spokes. The seat is with Chuck and Jo at the Saddleshop being recovered. The cylinders are out being nickel plated, parts are being painted and the hope is to have everything back in time to assemble it over Christmas. I’ll post more photos as progress is made.
I’ve set up a Facebook page called “Thor Motorcycles – the Aurora Automatic Machinery Company” and hope to post a lot of info on Thors there soon (when work and home duties permit). Please check it out and feel free to post anything Thor on there.
Now for a request to the Forum members: I’d like to find out who bought the original paint white 1912 ex-Otis Chandler Thor. Does anyone know who bought it at the auction back in 2006 (photo attached)? I’d like to get some good close-up photos of the pin-striping on the frame so that I can get it right on my bike. Any photos of the Patrick Simmons 13 Thor would also be appreciated – that’s one nice restoration!
Rob Elliott - AMCA Member 16215
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