It's alive!

[Americanrider]

I had my first ride on my '53 last month during a break in our rainy season, just been to busy to post. It took me about 18 months for just a partial restoration. She was restored and overly chromed out in the '80s by the second owner, showed a bit and sat for a long time rusting away. I stole a lot of parts stash from my '46 and '47 Chief projects to finish the big Blackhawk. I'd like to thank Steve & Bill at Vintage Northwest in Spanaway for equal parts of help and harassment. Ziggy for parts, encouragement and good advice. Greer's, Rocky's, Kiwi, Breeding's, and Starklite all contributed parts to bring it back. Had to move the dimmer to fit my big foot (13EE) on the board but it's my rider, P.O.D. [paint over dirt] and all. There are far to many show queens in the world anyway. And if by slim chance Tony Leenes from Holland is reading this... it's your damm fault! You started that '38 Scout racer in front of me at the Super Rally '97 and I have been hooked (and near broke) ever since then. God Bless you Tony, and thanks again everyone.

001 (2).jpg1953 Chief 80.jpgside shot -3.jpgside shot-1.jpgside shot-2.jpg

[indianut]

That's the nicest looking late Chief I have ever seen!

[sirhrmechanic]

Very nice! I saw one that looked a lot like this at Jefferson. Was in the back of a truck, but had the same 'stealth' look to it.

I started working on refurbishing/cleaning the original cases for my '38 Chief this week. Kind of working them into spare moments in the shop. Got the left case, cam cover all done and the right case is soaking now. Flywheels completely out as well. All dismantled. Hope by the end of this weekend to have everything clean and ready to start my (long) parts order.

Your bike is lovely! Congrats!

Cheers,

Sirhr

[starklite]

Congratulations on your first of many rides!
That first ride always brings a big smile!

Gary Stark

[c.o.]

Good Job!!!!

[Tom Wilcock]

Congratulations on your first ride on your 53. I had my first ride ever on my only Chief this summer. I had never ridden a Chief before. It is also a 53. I was going to change the backward Indian foot clutch to Harley style but found it could not be done with the compensator bulge on the primary. I have gotton used to it. The bike runs strong and should be a good touring machine with the mercury balancing and overdrive transmission. I originally intended to restore it but decided to just make it a rider. The 40 year old paint on the sheetmetal needed a few scratches and chips touched up but the frame looks to be original. I removed the almost new original bench seat I had purchased for it and put a solo saddle on it (much better) and added an old windshield. It is an excellent road machine but I still like my 1940 4 cylinder better. Tom #381

[redfred84]

Wow, Tom and Boone,
Boone, yer '53 is pretty sinister! I love it. Tom, I am very surprised that you haven't experienced a Chief before, especially with your repetour. To me these telo-forked beasts are like cheating; great torque & power, yet smooth riding with the forks. The 4spd OD really doubles the pleasure of the machine too, BUT, you have to make sure you have quality tires for the resultant high speed touring.
I love the berkalounger seat; it is soooooo ugly, that it is cool. Plus, it is by far the most comfortable 2-up seat going, even solo.
Tom, I choose these Black Hawk Chiefs for my touring; way easier to deal with whilst on the road, at least compared to a 4our. Besides; Flat is where it's at!
RF.

[c.o.]

I'm sure you are aware RF... but Tom's tours on a "4our" are legendary!!!

[upsrod]

I thought that Chief looked familiar Boone (47indianrider).

[Tom Wilcock]

Fred: I must admit the telo-fork Chief rides better than the four and the acceleration is certainly much quicker. The engine on the Chief is much noisier (like a flathead Harley) than a four and I think that on long trips on the Chief I would wear ear plugs. The four runs much smoother with NO vibration so 8-10 hours in the saddle is not tiring. I find the battery ignition four very reliable (now 70,000 miles on it) and on my last long trip to the east coast and Newfoundland (approx. 5000 miles) all I did was add gasoline, 2 oil changes and regular greasing, especially the front end (23 grease fittings on the bike). I am looking forward to a long trip on the Chief when I get the motor broken in.

[Bills37]

Great looking rides gentlemen. Mind if I add a pic. It isn't finished yet but it's the next thing to it.