LANDSTROM'S FOUNDRY Dedicated to sand-cast parts for vintage machines.
Landstrom’s Foundry is a one man sole proprietorship
operation which began in my garage in Moorhead Minnesota. It started as a hobby
operation providing custom parts for motorcycles and has not developed much
beyond that. My full time occupation as a civil engineer is satisfying and keeps
me challenged. I have many other interests besides cycles and foundry work,
with no intention of expanding my foundry much more than it is.
I’ve had custom bikes most of my life. I don’t subscribe to the latest
Johnny come lately line of billet-iron cross-skull-tribal-flame crap that is currently
popular. Those things might work for some electric start, prefabbed, we’ll build
it for your chopper, but they just don’t have the timeless look that sand-cast
parts have. My parts are made the way they should be. By casting metal into molds made
from handmade patterns. The same way real bikes were made. Each piece is made by hand. One at a time.
Living in northern Minnesota has its challenges. There is no commercial foundry or supplier
anywhere around. Because of this, I have had to make most of my own equipment including my
furnaces and sand muller used for mixing and conditioning the sand used for molding.
Some items are close reproductions such as the air intakes for Linkert and Schebler carburetors.
Other parts are inspired by the aftermarket parts back in the 60’s and early 70’s
when I was growing up. The finned ignition covers and air snouts for example. Others were
inspired by the science fiction books I read while young. Like the Buck Rogers rocket air intakes
and air cleaners. Some are just plain goofy like my cartoon character ignition covers for
shovelheads. Additionally, I manufacture many parts not shown on this site which are sold
by vendors or used as part of an assembly machined and sold elsewhere. If you really ride
your vintage cycle, there is a good chance you have come across some of my parts.
At any-rate, I offer a line of parts that nobody else manufactures. Some of my things have
been outright copied by other foundries, and even CNC shops, but someone said long ago,
“Imitation is the best form of flattery.” And as long as I have imagination,
I’ll be making new and different parts.
Some parts have been developed and made within a week. Others, such as my
Warpath engine cases, have taken years. Where
this is all going, I really don’t know. I do know that I have started further
developments along the Warpath theme. 4 speed transmission cases utilizing Harley Sportster
gears, shafts, clutch, and kick-start parts for example. This and the OHV heads
will enable someone to build a totally unique machine. Unlike anything else
on the road. At the same time, I will be expanding my line of air cleaners
and other less ambitious projects. So check on in from time to time.
Living in northern Minnesota has its challenges. There is no commercial foundry or supplier
anywhere around. Because of this, I have had to make most of my own equipment including my
furnaces and sand muller used for mixing and conditioning the sand used for molding.
