OUT IN THE SHED
You can get in touch with Pete at...
[email protected]
or call (02) 6553 9442 after 7.00pmThe Vokes “Distribution Rectifier”
I recall years agoin motoring magazines,
be it car or motorcycle, various devices appeared
in advertisements offering claims for all types of
gadgets. They all guaranteed the same results,
easier starting, less carbon build up, more miles per
gallon, improved acceleration and higher top speed.
Recently whilst in Victoria, Rod Tingate gave me one
such device together with paperwork from the
manufacturer Vokes who were the makers of air
cleaners for British motor cycles.
The paperwork coming with this device was as
follows: ‘The Vokes “Distribution Rectifier”. A further
efficient contribution for the benefit of improved
motoring, developed by Volkes Ltd, Pioneers of
Scientific Filtration. Fitted between the intake mani-
fold and the carburettor the “Rectifier” takes all bias
out of the mixture flow and improves vaporization.
Vokes Ltd Guildford, Surrey.’
Further paperwork indicates: “The Vokes Distribu-
tion Rectifier Positively Provides: Easier starting from
cold. Better vaporization of the mixture. Even distri-
bution to ALL cylinders. Smoother running. Greater
flexibility and power output. Smoother torque.
Better pulling at low speed in top gear. Less gear
changing. Better top gear performance. Improved
acceleration and fuel consumption. Increase in miles
per gallon. Elimination of flat spots and stalling. “
This implement as stated is fitted between the
Jack Rudd’s telescopic
fork conversion
When attending Classic Motorcycle Races in the
early 1980s I recall seeing Jack Rudd on his Douglas
that had been fitted with a Norton gearbox, from
memory, just below the seat. Recently in
Queensland Kal Carrick gave me the major part of
a set of telescopic forks which he informed me had
been made by the late Jack Rudd who passed away
in 2002 aged 88. He believed that these had been
made by Rudd at the Commonwealth Aircraft
Factory, Melbourne prior to the war. My immediate
thought was that if this had been the case then he
has probably been influenced by the hydraulic
landing gear on aircraft made at that time. Kal
pointed out the mountings at the top rear of the
forks. When original girders were removed then
these mounts had been placed so as to immediately
bolt onto where the others had been detached.
It is believed that these forks were usually used on
Rudd’s hill climb machine.Nabiac Automotive Swap Meet
It’s on again the last Sunday in July at the National
Motorcycle Museum, Nabiac. For those who are
not familiar with the area it is about 1 ½ hours
north of Newcastle on the Pacific Highway. Some
single sites left in the motorcycle area and a
number in the car section and these can be
booked by phoning (02) 6554 1333 – 9.30am to
3.30pm daily or email [email protected].
For sellers, gates open 12 noon on Saturday the
28th and buyers, Sunday the 29th at 7. 00am.
Interstate traders including Greg Lawn from
Victoria and the BSA specialist Mike Reilly from
Queensland will be in attendance. All proceeds
to Camp Quality. ■
See you next issue,
Petecarburettor and manifold. It is very well made
and for carburettors with an inch and a sixteenth
venturi and two inch mounting. There is a mesh
center which is concaved inwards leaving the inner
nine sixteenths for the normal and regular
unrestricted manner of flow. I am aware that some
years ago tuners of racing sedans had gone away
from polishing ports to inserting twirled metal on
the walls of the intake manifolds to create a
swirling gas flow into the combustion chamber.
However I had not previously seen nor heard of
this type of fitting for motorcycles.Thruxton Triumph information
Steve Henry (Ph: 0400 255 534) is seeking informa-
tion regarding his 650 Triumph engine No. ND 31268
T120 T which is fitted in a 1966 frame. Initial inquiries
reveal that the engine was built 29th October 1970
and shipped to a firm with a name similar to Engles
Garage, Derby. It is believed that the engine was then
modified to Thruxton specifications and the letter T
added to the engine number. Not sure where and
when it was fitted to the earlier frame. The machine is
equipped with Lucas Rita ignition and Hagon shocks
as well as a 150 mph speedo. The machine has very
low mileage and was purchased from a deceased
estate and so background history was not forthcom-
ing. Steve would like to hear from any person who is
able to give some insight into the motorcycle.