Does anyone know the current status of the US 820? A few months ago I saw something about them being bought out. The buyers started to set up a website, but now I can't find anything. It's not a real big deal to me, but in the back of my mind I've kind of wanted to pick one up to play around with. I'm not terribly interested if finding parts is going to be like finding unicorns though.
West Bend Engines Performance and Fun, facebook page
Steve, I found that page and have been following. Thanks.
I don't do social media. Is there a website? Folks are always asking where to get this or that part. Are they selling the "good" rod and single ring piston? Thanks. Ted
Ted Check out White Wolf Parts. Tried to e mail the info but maybe your e has changed?
Steve, thanks! The email has changed after 30 years with the old one. The old computer died, and we couldn't find my Yahoo password, so my computer guy had to set up a new account. The new address is the same, except Scott added a 11 just after the "kart", and before the "@". Ted
I found this company when I was looking for WB Reed Cages.
www.kprecisionllc.com
They have a decent selection of 820 parts.
Hope this helps, Tom
Tom, K Prec. doesn't always have all the rotating parts. A lot of us do not like the tapered end crankshafts, as the 3/8-24 threads are weaker. We want the old style 55/8" to 9/16" stepped crank wit the 7/16-20 LH threads. I have never seen the clutch from an old style West Bend running down the track at 65 MPH with the end of the crank in it. I bet I've seen fifteen Mac cranks broken off at speed in the last 60+years! Also, the single ring piston still has a 1/16" ring. We need thinner rings for less wall friction and more RPM. I don't know where Engine Masters was getting his .030 rings, but that, or Louie Figone's 1mm ring Arias piston was the hot ticket. Someone should resurrect the old Wiseco/Victor/Fuller pistons with the .024 rings. Ted
(11-17-2021, 08:08 AM)ted johnson Wrote: [ -> ]Tom, K Prec. doesn't always have all the rotating parts. A lot of us do not like the tapered end crankshafts, as the 3/8-24 threads are weaker. We want the old style 55/8" to 9/16" stepped crank wit the 7/16-20 LH threads. I have never seen the clutch from an old style West Bend running down the track at 65 MPH with the end of the crank in it. I bet I've seen fifteen Mac cranks broken off at speed in the last 60+years! Also, the single ring piston still has a 1/16" ring. We need thinner rings for less wall friction and more RPM. I don't know where Engine Masters was getting his .030 rings, but that, or Louie Figone's 1mm ring Arias piston was the hot ticket. Someone should resurrect the old Wiseco/Victor/Fuller pistons with the .024 rings. Ted
It sounds like the 820's will be coming back, Liz had a long discussion with Dave Bonbright, he is going to help her get back on track, the previous owners drove US Motor down (pocketed the money and did not deliver product). Dave talked to her about the steel rings, rods, cranks, pistons, blocks, etc. Liz got the cylinder tooling back that Dave designed for the new block. It may take a little time for her to get things going but it sounded like we will be seeing 820's again. Dave is pushing her to use the good rod bolts in all the engines as that is the weak point in a rod that has a removable cap.
Louie, that sounds great! Glad to hear Dave is into this. I certainly applaud any and all efforts to get "West Bend" up and running again! I gotta talk to Dave. Thanks. Ted
