Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2011

Urban Myth.

A mate of mine buys, restores and sells old British bikes as a hobby.  He has recently bought a 1927 Raleigh side-valve, a rare beast by all accounts, and this one is unrestored, having been off the road since 1961!!!

The bike, which will be given an "oily-rag" rebuild rather than a restoration, was apparently running before it was laid up but after he took delivery he noticed that it seemed to lack some compression.  The top-end was stripped down to check for broken or stuck rings but instead he found something he had heard about but never expected to see, a wooden piston!!!!!

The "piston" has been skillfully carved and has charring on the top so has obviously seen action.

The actual metal piston is the one that will replace it in the rebuilt engine.

Just when you thought you'd seen it all.

Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2009

April 2009.

The Dolomite is still hiding in the garage.  Although a number of parts have been bought for it over the last 2 years, nothing has been done other than regularly starting and moving it to ensure that everything remains free.  I do plan to get the car back on the road this year, once all the new bits are fitted.