An old friend came out to play one day… Hello, One of our prized possessions during our photo and Harley riding days was this pristine Harley timing chain belt. We met a couple that had those belts for sale and supplied the custom shops in our So Cal area. When we photographed their custom motorcycle, we exchanged photographs/ color slides and a few mounted framed photos. The belt had similar characteristics for chain adjustment with a pin coming out and adding more links for larger sizes or in most cases, taking a pin out to make it fit better for each person. My wife wanted one as soon as she saw it and now, it has been with us for over 50 years. Jnaki I never wanted one as my Levis had no belt loops. But for girls/women, it was an add-on accessory not only to hold up low slung pants, but over the pants in some occasions just as a decorative item. It caused double takes everywhere we went on the custom bike or in our hot rod sedan delivery. It certainly caused some commotion at our extended family gatherings and dinners. Ha! Similar items are/were advertised, a long time ago and currently. I would imagine, the shipping costs would be horrendous as the weight of the belt is quite heavy, as it is also bulky. Note: Our other idea was that many years later, our granddaughter mentioned going to the prom last May, 2023. She and her friends thought of the all black theme of dress. So, most of them got on the vintage slinky beaded dress camp and purchased outstanding dresses with matching sequins, tiny beads, and various sparkly items on the materials. The cost was very low due to shopping at vintage clothing stores in So Cal. They all got some great outfits. The surprising thing was, when our granddaughter mentioned a vintage look, my wife and both looked at each other and thought of this shiny Harley timing chain belt to highlight a black sequined gown to complete the look. Ha! Something old and something older! The majority of the teens wore matching Dr. Marten’s high boots anyway, so that was part of their final look. Slinky fashionable dresses, some jewelry and black high top Dr. Marten’s boots. A look that said… “not your mom’s prom night outfit.” The cost for each fashionable dress and attire was less than a dinner at the local Urban Plates Restaurant. The cost conscious teens are all in the same direction with their futures ahead of them. Learning what they like, making a statement now and possibly in the future is what is ahead of all of those kids. The vintage look was awesome and a style was born... So Cal individuality... The chain belt was almost 4 pounds, so we thought it was a good accessory, but too heavy for the show!
No, not really. Plenty of us ride with no front brake. Not to cause a controversy, just making a comment. If it were that true, I would have been history 57 years ago. I do appreciate your comment though.
Know as “ suicide front “ is all I was saying . Description from days gone by . Brakes weren’t much years ago if you did have front and rear mechanical
My old panhead. I started with a few boxes of junk in 1971, and rode it for the first time in about '75. Sold it to one of my best friends in AZ. in 2003. He spent a hard year on it, and rebuilt it much better than I had originally, but kept the same look, right down to all my homemade parts. It was faster and more reliable with him than it ever was with me. This is a pic from Greasy Kulture issue 6. And yeah, the brakes were mostly for looks. I ran many a redlight cause I couldn't stop in time, so I quit trying.. He's still riding it a lot, and rode it back from AZ to TN to let me ride it again a few years ago. I've got much better pics, but I'm at work with only the magazine pics. He's a great friend, and gave me all the credit for building it in the article. I didn't know he'd done that until the issue showed up in the mail one day. Love this thread.
This is williebill’s friend who rides the Panhead he built (subject of the previous post). He reached out to me just 15min ago and told me I had to checkout this thread. I told him I’d look at it when I get home. I’m out riding his old chopper at the moment.
The Jalopy Journal
