Last September I sketched out a draft To Do list, which started with…
- fit new headstock bearings and top/bottom yokes
- Remove swing arm
- check bushes
- Rub down rusty bits on swingarm and paint with bonda primer
- Refit swingarm
- Rebuild front forks
- Measure and select fork springs from the many I have available
- Buy some new fork oil of correct grade
...I have not yet fitted the head race bearings and yokes.
Rather than leave the frame in mottled black and orange primer, I thought to blow over the primer with some black paint. It’s not going to be perfect, because this build is mechanical rather than cosmetic.
After looking up the various attributes of Celulose, Enamel and Acrylic paints, I settled on Enamel, because it is the most hard wearing, and the key advantages of the others… quick drying… I don’t need.
I have also had problems in the past with acrylic paint “pickling” when sprayed onto non acrylic base coats, and I have no idea whether it will take to the bonda Primer.
I have half a can of Enamel on the shelf… last used circa 2004, so I’ll use that up first, then I need something cheap but effective, so I bought a can of this Simoniz Gloss Black.
The older paint, revived by putting it into a bath of warm water to soften the contents, shaking vigourously for 5 minutes, and cleaining out the nozzle with a pin and some thinners… still came out sputtering great gobbets of paint around, so this was used for the areas of the frame which won’t be on show.
the newer paint was used around the headstock and downtubes, where it worked well.
the initial blowover has worked fine. this after 2 coats, it’ll need another couple to cover.
The Swingarm came off easily, and will get the same treatment over the next week or so.
The swing arm spindle condition leaves a bit to be desired. I may have better in the parts bin, else I will need a new one.
The end caps look good though, which is a relief at £30 a pair to replace!
The inner bushing tube looks new. (I must have replaced it before I sent the frame for repair).
the outer bushings are the standard Yamaha plastic affairs so may need replacing, or I may have some in the parts bins.
The original shock looks shocking! but it’s not leaking, and the shaft looks relatively free from pitting.
The bike had a Spax shock on it when it arrived, but the shaft looks very rusty. Not sure what I’ll do with these right now.
The focus for the coming weeks will be to complete the frame and forks, and get it back on its wheels.