45WLA, what would you do?

[English Steve]

Originally Posted by 45Brit

rewiring isn't obvious but very worthwhile. it can be a source of endless trouble is the old wires are not properly insulated, or have developed chafing and cracks through flexing over time.

My thoughts exactly. The wiring has had various sections replaced or altered in the past, but a lot of it appears to be original and at 65 odd years old it has to be suspect.

[45Brit]

the wiring through the handlebars looks nice when it is done, but it makes so many trap points and chafing zones.... it's a definite problem once the wiring gets a bit old and the cables and insulation have lost their flexibility a little.

Ancient connectors are also a prime source of local corrosion with consequent voltage drops and intermittent cutting-out.

[kevscrivener]

Regarding the speedo drive; it's very important that it's set up just right, otherwise they tend to eat themselves and cost you another new one.

Flathead Power forum has good advice on this one, do a search on it.

+1 on the wiring comments; most of the hassles I've had on my old pick-up have come from bad earths.

[Baff]

Originally Posted by kevscrivener

most of the hassles I've had on my old pick-up have come from bad earths.

I'd have said most of your hassles are from the bad driver

[English Steve]

Thanks for the tip on the speedo drive Kev. I have just spent an hour on the Flatheadpower forum and have come to the conclusion it is an alignment problem. Fred Warr has also made a suggestion of a possible reason so I have plenty to go on now.

Took a couple of photos today for anyone interested. I don't know how to do the text between the pictures bit, so the pics are: Original speedo with new needle and bezel. New rear tyre fitted (looks much better). Ruskie tyre and tube.