MT 500 Scrambler

[Bonnielad]

The frame is a bitch to get all the matt green crud off. As a result of my impatience the gloss black isn't as perfect as I would like so i will rub it down and recoat it. The yoke looks good though. Because its cast ally, all I did was attack it with the wire brush on the drill.
If the finished project looks as good as it does in my imagination it will be a belter. Black frame, Ally mudguards, forks and yokes. Silver tank with coachlining - not too flash 'cos I would only get upset when I dint it!

[Bonnielad]

I forgot to mention, I prepped the tank and then took it to a good friend of mine that is a wizard with an airbrush (check out http://www.cyclopshelmets.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ) He is obviously doing the paint job, and I've re-shaped the saddle to resemble a 60's scrambler and taken that to be recovered. I think its worth mentioning how lucky I was with the tank. Imagine how difficult it is to find a rounder style tank that has the right fittings in the right places to replace the standard MT unit.
Hunting round Newark autojumble last month I found one that was almost a perfect match. I think its off a mid 70's Honda CB250 or 350. Outside was scabby black but inside looked rust free so I parted with fifteen of her majestiy's finest to give it a new home. All it needed was a slight modification to the rear bolt hole - and a lot of rubbing down. my only criticism is that its perhaps a little small. Here's a picture of its first trial fit.

[Minter]

Looking good Steve..

More pics needed in 'message board' size instead of default!

[Bonnielad]

Been working away for a couple of days so not a lot of progress. I'm hoping to get the frame painted this weekend. I've been in the garage tonight and cleaned the paint off the top yoke and handlebar clamps - looking good so far - I was disappointed that under all that paint, the bars are steel. I don't really want to paint them. Where's the best place for a ali replacements?

[surfermick]

the frame looks like its painted already, are you not happy with the results Bonnielad

[frenchy3]

The bike is looking good The best replacement for the standard bars has to be Renthals. Probably an enduro bend or dakar high if the cables are long enough. You could go for a standard height and raise them up later using bar raiser spacers.

[Bonnielad]

I'm quite happy with the span and size of the original bars, I just think alloy (or even chrome) would suit the rebuild better.
Anyway, after a late start I've managed to make some decent progress today. Most parts have now been dismantled, cleaned, stripped of paint and are now hanging in the garage waiting for the 2-pack shiny black paint to dry. Hopefully this is a turning point and tomorrow I should start turning spanners clockwise.....

[Minter]

Looking good Steve..

Heres a couple of the motor going back together..



Helicoiling the stripped out threads..



Ports all cleaned and polished, valves relapped and now fitted..

New cam bearing fitted and a new needle bearing needed too as it makes a right noise.. Should be able to get one tomorrow and finish it off and fire it up ready for Steve to collect on Tuesday..

[Bonnielad]

Decided to stay in the batcave all weekend. The rebuild has begun...

[Minter]

Last pic of Steve's motor before he comes to collect it tomorrow!

I know there is a hole where the cam shaft should be! new BK bearing being collected tomorrow as it whined like a good un, then it'll be on the test bed ready to be fired up...



See you tomorrow Steve..