Things to look for - 1928 D

Ken Christopherson · Dec 3, 2017

Hello all. I am looking at picking up a 1928 D for my next project. I am used to basket cases, and I quite enjoy bringing them back from the dead. The model D is a little different animal for me.. I've got a '42 Unstyled A Slant Dash (converted) that many of you may remember, but I have always enjoyed the loud, throaty THUMP of the D. I am looking for common problems, or things to look for, that many of you may know about with the 28's. This one is a bit seasoned, but it is nearly all there except for the seat and bracket. Carb is there, mag is there (although incorrect), motor stuck, steering shaft needs straightened.. Other than that it looks actually pretty good. Missing rear lugs but I would be putting some rubber tread on the steel anyhow. Front skid rings are there and look pretty good.... I think I would enjoy this old girl. Any input is greatly appreciated. I know that with buying a 90 year old machine... It is sure to be filled with surprises, but these forums have served me well for nearly 20 years!

Loren in Iowa · Dec 3, 2017

When my brother and I restored our 1930 D, the engine was stuck. Needed to be bored and sleeved, because the machine shop found cracks in the bore of the block. In the gear case, these are built pretty tough. We found a worn out shaft and had a machine shop build us a new one. On rear wheel was rusted, firmly to the axle, and required a trip to a shop to be pressed out. There shouldn't be any shortage of parts, both used and reproduction. They are pretty basic, if you are familiar with other two cylinders. We converted ours to electric start, because we don't want to hand crank anything, any more. Have fun.

MSD · Dec 3, 2017

Hope your shoulders and arm muscles are in good shape. They are nice when they run but if they start hard they can be rough on you.

WeirdDeere · Dec 3, 2017

The Ds are pretty well built, I can't think of many problems that kill them other then being run beyond worn out. LOL

Look for a cracked governor case, a lot I've seen are cracked, even then still running.

Look for a freeze cracked block, especially on the top of the block. A lot of the time the cracks can be run with.

Check the rear wheel spines. Those early 6 splines were known to get wear even back in the day.

The DLTX3 carbs are brass, and pretty, but might require a professional rebuild instead of home job, since the brass body can get worn.

If doing engine work check with your local machine shops first, finding one that can handle a stroke and bore of it's size is hard. Check which is cheaper, boring, sleeving, and reusing the old pistons, or getting a rebore kit with oversize pistons.

The steering gears tend to get broke, I've seen replacements.

Check the radiator core, they're usually toast after 90 odd years.

I'd love to hear more about this project as it goes along, I love the Ds!

Brandon
Owner of a 1938 DI
Family has a 1928 D

Ken Christopherson · Dec 4, 2017

Sure do appreciate all of the responses! (They all give me a lot of things to keep in my mind when I go hunting)! I may hold off on the '28 D, as I was contacted by a friend yesterday.. We may have a VERY RARE opportunity to get our hands on some pretty good stuff not too far from our place. I'm not going to give away too many details as I want it to be a surprise (and we are selfish)! All I can say is.... You won't be disappointed!

Things to look for - 1928 D

Ken Christopherson

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Loren in Iowa

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MSD

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WeirdDeere

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Ken Christopherson

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