How to remove a clutch hub on a 1948 Chief

[Skirted]

Hi Igor,
If you are rebuilding the Autolite gen for 12 volt, make sure you convert the voltage regulator to electronic so you can use a sealed battery such as a Shorai. I know the desire to keep our old bikes looking as original as possible and I've done that to a fault at times. If you don't plan to have the bike AMCA judged, for example at the Raalte meet, an option to consider is simplfying life and the process and install a Cycle Electric generator with built in regulator and you're all set for a sealed battery and reliability.

I am running the original Autolite converted from 3 brush to 2 brush on my 48 (6 Volt) with an electronic voltage regulator and its been 100% trouble free for many thousands of miles. The 38 Chief had a Cycle Electric on it when acquired and at first I was considering changing it to an Autolite for authenticity appearance, but then wised up and decided to leave the high reliability unit in place as I will never have the bike judged!
PS I bought my 48 (first real antique bike) when I was 50 over 14 years ago and plan to be kicking for a long time yet. You are good for many years my friend! These Indians start easy and reliably when setup properly.

[Igor]

Hi Igor,
If you are rebuilding the Autolite gen for 12 volt, make sure you convert the voltage regulator to electronic so you can use a sealed battery such as a Shorai. I know the desire to keep our old bikes looking as original as possible and I've done that to a fault at times. If you don't plan to have the bike AMCA judged, for example at the Raalte meet, an option to consider is simplfying life and the process and install a Cycle Electric generator with built in regulator and you're all set for a sealed battery and reliability.

I am running the original Autolite converted from 3 brush to 2 brush on my 48 (6 Volt) with an electronic voltage regulator and its been 100% trouble free for many thousands of miles. The 38 Chief had a Cycle Electric on it when acquired and at first I was considering changing it to an Autolite for authenticity appearance, but then wised up and decided to leave the high reliability unit in place as I will never have the bike judged!
PS I bought my 48 (first real antique bike) when I was 50 over 14 years ago and plan to be kicking for a long time yet. You are good for many years my friend! These Indians start easy and reliably when setup properly.

Hi Jason,

Thanks for the advice and for sharing your experience.
I contacted Frank Vandevelde and he is actually building an original Autolite for me now, converted to 12V with an electronic regulator, so it sounds like I'm heading in the right direction.

I want to keep the bike as close as possible to its original patina appearance, but I don't plan to have it AMCA judged. So in the end it will probably be a mix of original parts and some sensible upgrades for reliability and riding.

And good to hear I should still have plenty of kickstarting years ahead of me!

Thanks!

Igor
The Netherlands