Cold Plug site shutdown!

[nomad]

So is there anywhere that Berkeley folks hang out?? Maybe here???
Looking for a Berkeley bonnet or parts of one.

Kurt.

 

[PAUL161]

For one, https://www.pearsy.co.uk/

 

[Dale]

Thanks for the link. I don't own a Berkeley, but they fascinate me for their use of motorcycle engines. I used to race micro midgets, and I once owned a Vespa 400. nomad, have you posted pics of your Berkeley?

 

[PAUL161]

Dale, I don't own a Berkeley, but know of the site I mentioned. I was just a kid, (17), when I saw a new one at a dealer in KC Missouri back in 1957. I came close to buying one. I think it had a 3 cylinder engine, not sure though, too many years have gone by. It was just too small for me, but it was interesting. :laugh: PJ

 

[DART]

try an email to bob santoro at alfacars aatt live ddoott com (trying to defeat the ever present spambots) while he is a daimler collector, i'm pretty sure he has some berkeleys too.

 

[coldplugs]

The most active Berk site is https://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Berkeley-USA/

 

[nomad]

Thanks much guys, my Berk was originally baby blue and I think always in the midwest. I bought it in Wichita and it was a 3 cylinder but the engine has been gone for many moons. I just gave up sourceing an original engine since they would have required some mods to be reliable anyway and the last one I could have bought would have cost me 2K. That and it was in boxes which always makes things interesting.
So just bought a honda 400 4 that I will fit. No reverse but I can live with that.
No pics worth seeing at this time since restoration is about to begin.( have to figure out how to post them anyway)

Kurt.

 

[bgbassplyr]

Rig an electric motor for reverse.

 

[nomad]

I was considering setting up a starter motor to give me a reverse. We will see how cumbersome no reverse will be first. Car only weighs around 6oo lb.

Kurt.

 

[PAUL161]

There are motor cycle engine/transmissions with reverse. I could be wrong but, I believe Honda makes one. Don't know if their air cooled or not. PJ

 

[EricG]

Hi Kurt
I have a Berkeley that the PO put a Honda 360 motorcycle engine in. He did keep the original 2 stroke twin engine and gave it to me when I bought the car. Can you post a photo of yours? I have heard that a guy put a Honda 400 4 cylinder in his Berkeley but had overheating problems as well as other issues. I think I am going to fix a few small problems on mine and sell it if you know anyone looking for one. I have too many projects! Good luck, Eric

 

[nomad]

Eric: Don't scare me about overheating! Thats what I"ve been afraid of! Have the Honda 400 home and will get it running when I have time which is'nt right now. The Berk is currently in a corner with a ton of stuff piled on top of it. When I got it it had been modified to run a honda 305 super hawk engine that was junk. Owner had cut a big hole in the bonnet to fit it and did some sloppy fiberglass work to cover it. 400cb engine will fit under stock bonnet where most twins won't so that was my reason for choosing this engine. Might have to fit a fan.
Paul161: the big Honda cruiser (Gold wing) has a reverse on some models but is to big for this car. Plus that it is shaft drive and I need chain drive. Would be a neat engine for a custom though. The trick would be to completely modify the car and go to rear wheel drive with say a rear end out of a spridget. Stock Berks are front drive.

Kurt.

 

[nomad]

Hi Kurt
I have a Berkeley that the PO put a Honda 360 motorcycle engine in. He did keep the original 2 stroke twin engine and gave it to me when I bought the car. Can you post a photo of yours? I have heard that a guy put a Honda 400 4 cylinder in his Berkeley but had overheating problems as well as other issues. I think I am going to fix a few small problems on mine and sell it if you know anyone looking for one. I have too many projects! Good luck, Eric

Is that engine a 2 or four cylinder?? What model? From your picture it appears to fit under the bonnet OK.

Kurt.

 

[EricG]

It is a twin cylinder 4 stroke engine from a Honda 360 motorcycle made in the late 70's. It fits well but the hood had to have a small "power bulge" molded into the leading edge to clear the top of the head.

 

[nomad]

"Power bulge's" seem to be necessary with any of the twins I have measured. Was considering a 500 Kaw "Ninja" twin cause they made a zillion and they are water cooled with fans but just too tall.

Kurt.

 

[JPSmit]

BMW flat twin?

 

[Guest]

How big is that thing?

 

[nomad]

BMW flat twin might fit JP, never checked for that.

Kelleys guy, I brought the car home in the back of a Dodge pickup. It fit nicely. Weigh's about 600lb.

Kurt.

 

[coldplugs]

BMW is a shaft drive, isn't it? Could be a challenge. I always figured an engine and possible even suspension from a large ATV would be an interesting Berk project.

 

[nomad]

Momentarily forgot BMW's are shaft drive.
I looked long and hard at 2 wheel drive ATV's and I think the main problem with that swap would be coming up with the correct gearing for hiway use.

Kurt.