James Fedor creates a 1937 Ford/Guzzi hybrid

Dodsfall · 07-02-2012, 08:41 PM

Motorcycle builder James Fedor used a 137 cubic inch flathead Ford V-8 that dates to around 1937 to build his Ford/Guzzi hybrid. He also built it on a budget, using ingenious methods to overcome obstacles.

The 60-horsepower antique V8 was mated to a Guzzi 5-speed gearbox placed directly behind the engine's flywheel. The old V8 is a dry-sump engine and water-cooled. For an oil tank, Fedor welded together two $8 stainless steel containers he purchased at Wal Mart. To save space up front of the motorcycle, he mounted twin radiators in the saddlebags. He found the radiators for free in a pile of scrap at a tractor factory he does business with.

Instead of being vented to atmosphere as originally designed, the crankcase is sealed like more modern engines. Since the engine originally wasn't equipped with an oil filter, he simply added one. The engine will have a lot cleaner oil thanks to those innovations.

Fedor originally planned to install a MegaSquirt EFI system to take care of the fuel mixture, then changed his mind. He said, “Hey wait a minute, I’m 72 years old. I don’t want to learn everything about everything” Fedor ended up installing a reproduction Stromberg 81 carburetor. “Runs great, starts right up,” he said.

The motorcycle did end up with an electronic ignition from Mallory to replace the less-reliable antique ignition.

Fedor, a retired machinist and tool and die maker, knows his way around fabrication and just making things work. The fuel tank is off of a 750 Honda. He widened it by 5 inches and painted “Ford” on the sides. The front end assembly is from a 1948 Indian Chief and the handlebars are Harley Davidson. The fenders and final drive are Moto Guzzi.

“It’s a fun bike,” says Fedor, “just to take to shows and stand around and start conversations. After a lengthy pause, someone will invariably ask, ‘What year did Ford make these anyway?’ And that’s really a great compliment.”

[Cycle World]

Biker Dash · 07-02-2012, 09:02 PM

I saw the Cycle World post on this on FB. Needless to say, I am thoroughly impressed with the bike, and I would love to take it on a decade long test ride

07-02-2012, 08:41 PM	#1
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,923	James Fedor creates a 1937 Ford/Guzzi hybrid Motorcycle builder James Fedor used a 137 cubic inch flathead Ford V-8 that dates to around 1937 to build his Ford/Guzzi hybrid. He also built it on a budget, using ingenious methods to overcome obstacles. The 60-horsepower antique V8 was mated to a Guzzi 5-speed gearbox placed directly behind the engine's flywheel. The old V8 is a dry-sump engine and water-cooled. For an oil tank, Fedor welded together two $8 stainless steel containers he purchased at Wal Mart. To save space up front of the motorcycle, he mounted twin radiators in the saddlebags. He found the radiators for free in a pile of scrap at a tractor factory he does business with. Instead of being vented to atmosphere as originally designed, the crankcase is sealed like more modern engines. Since the engine originally wasn't equipped with an oil filter, he simply added one. The engine will have a lot cleaner oil thanks to those innovations. Fedor originally planned to install a MegaSquirt EFI system to take care of the fuel mixture, then changed his mind. He said, “Hey wait a minute, I’m 72 years old. I don’t want to learn everything about everything” Fedor ended up installing a reproduction Stromberg 81 carburetor. “Runs great, starts right up,” he said. The motorcycle did end up with an electronic ignition from Mallory to replace the less-reliable antique ignition. Fedor, a retired machinist and tool and die maker, knows his way around fabrication and just making things work. The fuel tank is off of a 750 Honda. He widened it by 5 inches and painted “Ford” on the sides. The front end assembly is from a 1948 Indian Chief and the handlebars are Harley Davidson. The fenders and final drive are Moto Guzzi. “It’s a fun bike,” says Fedor, “just to take to shows and stand around and start conversations. After a lengthy pause, someone will invariably ask, ‘What year did Ford make these anyway?’ And that’s really a great compliment.” [Cycle World] __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

07-02-2012, 09:02 PM	#2
Biker Dash Site Brony and Troll Eater Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Waterville, Maine (USA) Posts: 7,601	I saw the Cycle World post on this on FB. Needless to say, I am thoroughly impressed with the bike, and I would love to take it on a decade long test ride __________________ 03 Yahama V-max 03 Dodge Ram 1500

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