Well, chalk it up to an AOG as to why this bike needed the shimming treatment. Wish I could have seen what the bike ran like before he parked it 3-4 years ago.

Three (3) of the washers - meh. Cut back to two (2) and bike runs perfectly. Owner coming to get it tomorrow.

Many thanks to all of you for your suggestions.... and putting up with my blathering. I've worked on a lot of bikes, both professionally and as a retirement hobby now, but this one is/was a little strange.

Ya'll ride safe.