"I saw the magazine article you posted on your web site and I just wanted to let you know that I worked for Don Cates while he was showing this motorcycle.
I have recently gotten in touch with Don and have acquired Mort After 40 years of being stored in a trailer.
It is my intention to perform a full restoration and show this work of art once again. I thought that you might like to know that this bike is still around and that Don will be there to support my efforts, as well as many of the original people that participated in the original build."
Big D
Note special biohazard gear used while removing the artifact from its tomb.
Original paint still on the primary cover.
Too cool. Looks to be absolutely 100% complete and original. Unbelievably untouched for being over 40 years old.
MORT wasn't alone in that trailer...
Looks like the rats ate much of the roof!
Shop vac in place of a formaldehyde machine
and the work begins...
Very cool piece of chopper history,but I would hate to see the invoice from the chrome shop!
ReplyDeletePaul,have you heard any updates on the "little one" Triumph resto.
Dave Kirkland
Hey Dave, good to hear from ya. I got a email from him not too long ago and he was still looking for the right pre-unit forks. Time flies with the Brit bike projects you know. Any progress on your projects?
ReplyDeleteThat is one terrific find and it will be amazing to see it back on the road again after the restoration!
ReplyDeleteI spent many years playing on The Mort in my Uncle Don Cates backyard...just don't tell him I was in the trailer!!!
ReplyDeleteRonnie Wayne
Knowing that MORT will be restored and be shown again makes me sad and happy at the same time. Watching my Uncle Donnie ride MORT was a memory I will always have. Knowing MORT will soon be resurrected is exciting. Will watch for photos of the restoration.
ReplyDeleteGlynda-Don's niece
Hi Glynda - Unfortunately there has been no update from the people doing the restoration since they took it apart about a year and a half ago. I think I'll send them an email and see if there is anything new with it.
ReplyDeletePaul
Very poude of BIG "D" Iam his older brother and its great that MORT is being reserected butBIG "D" AND Don Cates have renewed an old friendship,I was there when it was being built and the resto is looking great,George Vice
ReplyDeleteI used to go to cates shop in Rubidoux where he had mort on display. he built springers and did chrome plating, I ran one of his springers in '71. its strange I just was wondering what happened to "MORT" and there he was the first post..........
ReplyDelete