October 29th 2026 Got some 5/16-18 black oxide studs for the nailhead valve cover hold downs. Put flanged hex nuts from the stainless bolt kit on the tops with Threadlocker Red, Then JB Welded dress up chrome wing nuts on top of that.
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Was gonna run the 5/16-18" thread straightener die thru the head valve cover bolt holes but there wasn't enuf clearance with the rocker shaft so I skipped that step. The studs are about 3/8" too long so they will have to be ground down when the JB-Weld cures.
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Pulled the finned aluminum valley cover off the nailhead and cut the 1.3" hole for the oil filler tube now that I had the hole saw for it. Looks good. Have to JB-Weld it in place next time I have the valley cover off. Took a look at the gear on the Vertex magneto while it was out. Couldn't see any markings indicating whether the gear was cast iron or steel. Everything I've read about the Isky cams of the time indicates they are cast iron so the magneto gear has to be the same. Beer of the day is Brickway Brewery's Pils Pilsner. Background music was Rod Stewart's Storyteller Box Set.
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