Topic: What's wrong with this picture?

[eigenvector]

https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/mpo/6023064374.html

Okay, the obvious misaligned holes notwithstanding.  If you have an engine from 70 years ago, would you maybe take the extra step of making sure you're drilling the holes in the correct location?

Question, would you use those rods or did they ruin them?

[FunJimmy]

Question is, "Why is a Knucklehead drilling lightening holes in parts for a Flathead?"

[Don R]

LOL.

[754]

Cheap for WR or K stuff..

[eigenvector]

No doubt because of the "customization" done to the parts.

I suppose it could be fixed, this is just me tossing something out there - I don't know fill the holes in with a welder and grind the web flat again to balance it.  I don't know what they used for material back then.

[754]

Most of them seemed to have drilled rods..

[strynboen]

welding the holes vill stress the rod even more..looks like it have run fine as they are..are you in need for this parts?think the holes are almost, as old as the rods

[eigenvector]

I could argue that.  On the bottom rod the holes look pretty shiny - but maybe that's just a trick of the light.   

As for the hole spacing - that top one is messed up bad.  The balance is all out of whack, the amount of holes have seriously compromised the web strength.  The web isn't there to fill a gap, it provides bending strength for the rod during the down stroke.

I poked around and you're correct that it is common for older Harleys to have their rods drilled for racing - maybe that's where this set originated from?

[754]

They are from a WR racer, but I agree the drilling is  bit screwed up
WR is pretty desireable, they were a 750 but not huge hp..or revs
One of the racers was referred to as a ball job..bearings rather than bushings on most if the shafts..higher HP...   I think that was the WLDR
 If you ever get to the AMCA meet in Tenino in August, you may see some of them bikes..