Well, that's Christmas in Prague and the New Year here in Scotland done. A few changes have occured in the personal life. I have taken temporary leave of absence from my retirement, for an offer and work collegues too good to refuse. So I have joined the regular work force again. A contractor (sounds menacing doesn't it....). This has enhanced my spending power, but has handicapped my time. I will cope with this first world issue.
Anyhoop, a quick progress report, as I have been chipping away at little jobs. Firstly, the headlight refurb is completed, remember the cost of chrome would predicate a selling of a kidney, hence the decision to satin finish all over was decided upon, keeping the bike kinda true to the cafe racer / street fighter look I am looking for, pictures of the headlight below, resonably pleasing to comlete. The rbbing NOS pirates on fleabay and the like wanted 14 quids for 2 M8 domed bolts becaust they were in a Suzuki bag (for mounting the headlights)! So, with heavy heart, as I often berate the DiY store addicts for bike resotration, went to a local supply shop and purchased fitting repacements for the NOS, for a bairgain 0.50p, a bargain.
From this:
To this:
As you can seee, I have made some brass inserts for the sides of the light, and refurbished all the bolts in the lamp, apart from the binnicle, which are new M5 counter-sunk head screws, stainless of course. All in all, am happy with the result.
Secondly, remember the seat unit I aquired from selling models from the local charity shop to fund, well, the shape was good, the finish - well ropey to say the least. To the point where I got a glass splinter or 2 from handling it, and it was a little flimsy. Now, cast your minds back, who do I know that does exceptional glass work......Oh yes,, the bodywork god that is my father-in-law, albeit retired. My eureka moment, i asked him to finesse the seat. Using some average resin from Halfords (it was shitty) and hardener (also shitty - in hindsight I should have gone to eBay for a decent supply at half the cost, my usual mantra). So, presented with the seat and said goods he, and I have to say with unmatched quality, has enhanced the unit integrity massively. Pictures below. The outer finish is untouched, but, boy, the underside has been revolutionised, and the strength has been massively enhanced. Not to mention the finsh is now splinter free and smoooooooth. Barry is a genious, his skills have not faded with the years, indeed anyone who delt with BB Plastics back in the day, will know how good his work is. The lighter white finish is the work he has done with the 500ml of crappy resin I supplied, he is a master of his trade:
As you can see, the finish is night and day, and the seat is now ready to support my not inconsiderable frame. He has strengthened the rear to take a light, and the whole of the front too. The unit doesn't flex anymore and has that weight to it that says quality. I am impressed all the way!
Next up, will test fit the headlight to the forks and get the engine out of the frame, get the tank and seat aligned and fittted, then frame to powder and the engine for a good clean and covers polished.
<with the Dr Who theme in background> Stay tuned for the next installment.....
