Classic Vincent Project with an Amazing Back Story

Australian International Concours d'elegance 2017 Winner        Jon Munn's beautiful 1949 Vincent Black Shadow














































































While visiting Melbourne's Motorclassica event this year, I came across a welcome surprise. It was only six months earlier that boxes of tired looking Vincent parts had been dropped into our shop and yet here was the completed bike, finished, looking fantastic.
Back in 1949 only 76 'B' Series HRD Black Shadows were ever built and only one left the production line with the motor unpainted. This bike is what became known as the 'White Shadow' The HRD had been found in the US Virgin Islands in 1974, chained to a palm tree with both heads and barrels removed and suffering badly from exposure to the elements. It was purchased and shipped to the USA, then remained in a crate for the next 40 years where the current owner discovered it. As it was in such poor condition it took over 3 weeks to carefully dismantle and evaluate everything before beginning the restoration.                                    


These boxes of tired parts represented a chance for us to be involved yet again with another unique project. After talking with owner Jon Munn, we had a clear idea of the processes he required. There would be some stud repair work, tig welding, and of course the job of wet abrasive blasting and detailing much of the original componentry for the mechanics, engine builder and metal polisher. Being a part of the project and making old parts look new again is what we enjoy at Hydroblast. Jon and his artisans at Classic Style Australia have undertaken a complex restoration, and without doubt carried it out to an exceptional standard.     (History courtesy of Jon Munn - Classic Style Australia)
The attention to every detail is amazing.  It takes many artisans with different skills to restore one of these!
This is how we first become involved with a new project - boxes of old and badly weathered parts.
- Click on any photos to enlarge




Repco Brabham V8 Water Pump Mods

Repairs to small parts of larger projects seems to be the basis of our existence at Woodys / Hydroblast. When asked to modify several water pumps, for one of Australia's own Formula 1 engines - the Repco Brabham V8, I jumped at the chance. For those who don't know, back in the day Repco was Australia's major manufacturer of automotive componentry on a scale unseen in this country since. A hub of engineering talent and tooling that could create almost anything automotive - including the machines that made and reconditioned the actual parts.
Legendary driver/builder Sir Jack Brabham and chassis designer Ron Tauranac together created outstanding race cars, which were manufactured, then sold and driven by the best of 'em. At some point in their career, every modern day F1 champion has driven a car built by this partnership. The cars were identified by the letters 'BT' (Brabham/Tauranac).

With this in mind, let's return to Melbourne in the sixties. A much quieter town than we know today. It seemed a helluva long way from the F1 scene of Europe.  Utilizing his existing relationship with Repco, Jack proposed they design and build a 3 litre V8 to fit in with the new rules. A small but amazing group of engineering minds did the rest. It would take a whole book to explain what happened. In 1966 the the locally built engine powered Jack's car. He won both the Formula One driver's and constructors title - an amazing achievement considering the resources of the opposition.

Fortunately, a handful of the original engineering team still help keep this iconic 60's V8 race engine alive and running today for historic racing events. Occasionally we are lucky enough to see the work of these artisans up close. I hope we can see more.

Instructions were to remove metal from pump body to clear the vibration damper
We made a paper template, cut & annealed some alloy plate & pressed a curve to match the pump
After tig welding. The modified pump in front of another old one made at the racetrack years ago

Customers share photos of their Rides

Sitting here writing, I can hear the feral sounds of Melbourne's Formula One racing events in the distance. That's hard core music to us rev heads! It's a pleasure again to share some pics sent by three very talented motorcycle builders. We really enjoyed working with and assisting each one of you with your two wheeled pursuits. We also encourage you to share your photos with us at any time.
Click on the photos to view a larger image.

Tony Sculpher's Rare 1957 Honda Dream
The Honda took out 4 trophies at the recent Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Rally held at Tamworth NSW.
Oldest motorcycle, Most desirable Motorcycle, Concours Best Honda and the major trophy - Concours Best Restoration
Beautiful German Zundapp owned by craftsman Paul Taylor.
Parts for these aren't that easy to find, so Paul fashioned some of the missing pieces. Seeking an invisible repair, he created a large, complex, cylinder head fin with perfect fit and precision, making our TIG welding work a joy.
We nicknamed him Paul II so we don't confuse him with the other well known Paul Taylor.
(A wizard at authentic paintwork for bikes & tank fabrication)



Dustin Wilson's imaginative XV750 - 
Dustin's specialty is a raw minimalist look. Clear lacquer was used over the brushed steel tank.
Knowing what this bloke is capable of we can hardly wait to see what he comes up with next.