1932 Chief - Restoration progression, plan of attack??

[bdawson]

So I just got the frame and a bunch of other parts back from the painter. (attached some photos) Engine is still a question mark as I have '36 cylinders and not '32 cylinders.....not sure what to do there. Tanks/fenders/chain guard, tool box, etc have not been painted yet. Should I start hanging the fork/handlebars/headlight types of things or is it standard practice that the engine needs to go in first before anything else? Just kind of looking for everyone's opinion on the progression of how I should start to put things back together knowing that I don't know what to do with the engine as of yet. Thanks, and have a good weekend. Brent

[tfburke3]

You can put the motor in last no problem if your strong enough to lift it off the bench.Some like to lay the frame over the motor but its not hard to just put it in a roller.Leave manifold ,carb ,tanks shift linkage,all the obvious stuff until last.
Have tappet guides and covers been switched to 37?
I think If you find the 32 cylinders you will need the 34 and earlier threaded valve covers(no seals) and tappet guides which can be difficult to remove,but may be easier if they were already changed.
Depending on timeline I would order my tires last.

Tom

[bdawson]

Thanks for the info Tom. Here are a couple of pics of the front and back of the engine. Looks to me like things have already been switched to 37??

[RichO]

Looks ready to rock and roll. If you ever find a really rare 1932 upper end so be it. For now it's a runner!

[TH47Indy]

Here's the list Jerry Greer gave me when I bought my '47 basket case from him around 30 years ago. I followed this for the most part and worked out well.

[bdawson]

thanks for info guys, I appreciate it.