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1939 Dispatch Tow Restoration by Richard Gaudio
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I found this DT on the internet at a bike shop in Ft Worth Texas. After many emails we agreed on a price. The bike was originally traded for another bike about 17 years ago and had sat there since. In September, 2002, I went down and got it. It also came with complete towbar, an extra rear DT frame, a 741 motor and a skirted SS fender (41-42).

The bike did turn over with compression when I brought it home. I put different wheels on it to try it. Also had to replace the distributor shaft. Sitting, it seized and broke the shear pin. I drove around the back yard. How could I not put this project to the top of the list? I planned to do a 2 stage restoration. Stage 1 would be to clean the bike up and use a custom box I made so my wife could ride (see pic).

Stage 2 would be a true restoration with correct motor and box.

The bike was sold to me as a 41and with fender skirts and skirted front, I didn’t question it. As I started to tear it down several discoveries were made. The resto' had been started long ago. The frame was clean with new paint. The rear brake had new lining. The motor was a 741 rebuilt to 37” (I knew it was a 741 when I bought it). The box had some rot in one corner (repairable). The speedo was a BSC Indian (52-53). The headlight was a Motolamp with a sealed beam in it.. The bars were 741. The front fender not correct. No chain guard.

As I disassembled the bike I found the rear frame tube to be the 39 & earlier straight tube instead of the crimped 40 & on tube. This was my first clue the bike was not a 41. Further inspection showed the headlight bracket to be a 39. The forks had the dogbone adjusters (39+) instead of the earlier discs. There was  no number stamped on the frame under the seat as it should be. But all the above overlapped on the year 1939.

The box is one I made earlier. I cut the front panel out to the deck, installed a back rest and shortened the lid cover. 2” foam and some vinyl made a nice seat area. Normal extenders on the foot rests work perfect for the wife. I had a SS front fender that was bobbed so I added sheet metal to bring it back. Also had SS bars.  Bought the chainguard (original), correct speedo, new amp gauge, and refurbished genny. Have cases and carb for the correct 45 motor (later Stage 2).

Stripped all paint off the metal. I found the original dark blue color on the fender area covered by the box.

 

Put the bike on the road in early August,2004 and it has been nothing but fun. It is the center piece of the local Cruz nights. The custom passenger seat makes it a unique ride. The bike feels solid at 45 mph speeds and tracks nicely down the road. Now to start the 46 chief project.

 
 

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