Project 53 KL 04

[ellrider]

or do what I did and chuck it on a bomfire for a few minutes, no evidence of any petrol after that I can tell you.

and it blew more than the dents out.

[digger]

Just noticed how much 'modification' that one previous owner has done to the fuel tanks!!! they only take 12ish litres normaly.... must be down to 8 litres now!!

Pete

Yeah I agree about the fuel tanks. A mate suggested trying to get a couple of pound of air in the tank to see if the dents will pop out. Going back to the handling its when turning in it feels a bit strange so I'll check the head bearings out. I suppose the handle bars could be slightly bent as well.

Past experience has tought me that this is rarely succesful, the last time I tried it I was watching intently to see the dents pop out and I noticed the tank moving on the bench.
It had started to spread across the width at the bottom, I ended up having to grind all the welds off to split the tank and knock it back into shape.

[TDIPower]

im not going to offer any ideas on getting the dents out... all mine would be H&S deathwishes so Ill keep them to myself!!

Pete

[Franc]

or do what I did and chuck it on a bomfire for a few minutes, no evidence of any petrol after that I can tell you.

and it blew more than the dents out.

Surprisingly enough it worked a treat, the heat evaporated all petrol residue, the naked flames made sure the fumes were burnt off, and leaving the tank cap off and the petcock out prevented it from exploding, (you need containment for an explosion).
I must add it was not clever, but I was desperate to have the tank welded so I could use the bike to got to work on.

[Green Goblin]

Excellent, great pair of bikes, renovate no further, ride them as they are they look real nasty.

Im not planning on painting them just getting them legal. Im gonna concentrate on 53 KL 04 first. First jobs are check the steering and make sure she is straight, sort the speedo set front and rear pads and off for an MOT.

I'll try the length off wood first on the tank, before I try and blow it up

Stewart

[frenchy3]

Hi,loosen off the axle clamp bolts and hold the front brake and pump the front end up and down a few times then nip them up and try to dee if the forks are still binding. Look at the top and bottom clamp and make sure they are in line and not twisted. Also remember this bike has probably been raced so the mechanics will possibly have put in the fork pre-load spacers making the front end harder. Loosen the top clamp allen screws and with a good fitting 6 point socket remove the fork caps and check for this and also check or replace the fork oil.(make sure the front end of the bike is supported with the front wheel off the ground or you will get a face full of springs and fork oil!)
The exhaust and mudguard orientation suggests the bike may have been dropped more than a few times and the rear frame section could be twisted. Remove some of the parts and do some measuring.
Steve

[Green Goblin]

The exhaust and mudguard orientation suggests the bike may have been dropped more than a few times and the rear frame section could be twisted. Remove some of the parts and do some measuring.
Steve

Where would you suggest measuring?

Stewart

[Green Goblin]

Also remember this bike has probably been raced so the mechanics will possibly have put in the fork pre-load spacers making the front end harder.
Steve

Will these pre-load spacers be at the top of the forks?

Stewart

[frenchy3]

Hi,the preload spacers if fitted will be on the top of the fork springs directly under the caps. As for measuring the subframe i dont really have any ideas,it may be obvious to the eye if the damage is bad.
Steve.

[Green Goblin]

Hi frenchy thanks for the input. I've had a quick look at the frame but can't see any thing obvious. The other bike 53 KL 02 all looks straight and the exhaust is parrallel with the frame so I'll pop my wheels on it bleed the front brake swap the forks and give that one a go.

Stewart