Dale is of course thrilled that the valve came in an original cardboard box dated from 1922. (Photo: Neale Bayly) » More Photos

The original spark plugs are deemed to be good, so they are re-inserted next. We are going to need to make new plug wires, but first we head into the museum to rob a distributor cap from the 1924 JD engine that is sitting on display. It comes off in a flash, but on inspection has a broken brass contact. No zipping off to the auto parts store or calling you local dealer here. A part must be made, and Dale jumps up, diving head first in a bunch of rusty old boxes.

Twenty minutes later, a part has been fabricated, the distributor cap replaced, and a new wire is running to the coil. While Dale is doing this, he knocks up two new spark plug wires and hooks them up. “I think this is going to work,” he beams from behind his ever-present cigar. A big fat spark and Dale jumping two feet in the air confirms his feeling, as the points fire for the first time.

With the wires in place and the gas tank re-installed, it is time to add some gas, hook up the battery charger and try to start the bike. We dive outside into the freezing air as Dale siphons a gallon of gas from my bike. Back in the warm, lit cigar dangling in his mouth Dale puts the fresh gas into the clean tank. The big moment has arrived, but will it start?
See the Photo Album

See the Photo Album

Read Part I

Read Part II

Read Part IV