View Full Version : Restoration assistance volunteer wanted (Wellington region)
smmudd83_1999
21st January 2013, 18:57
Hi all,
An odd request maybe and perhaps a long shot,... I'm rather keen on classics but when I put the idea of a proper restoration past the wife I got that pursed-lips-and-and-furrowed-brow look. Having a modern Suzuki SV thou means my bike quota is filled (or so She tells me).
To be honest I just want to have a project or be part of a project - partly for enjoyment but also to enlargen my skill base. My time is free and I'm not completely mechanically retarded.
If you've got a potential project lying in the back of the shed/garage and want to get started and not sure where to start give me a call and we can both have no idea together. I'll give you my time (weekends and evenings only as I work for a living), and help you finish that resto job. My only stipulation is that as this is your bike and my time is free the invoices for parts and specialist services aren't coming out of my wallet. Though I will help out with small ancillaries like copper grease, spark plugs, oil and stainless fasteners.
Just to dodge some of the usual questions - I'm 29, a pome, always had a bike since 16, mech eng degree and worked as a mechanical draughtsman/design engineer until recently as a tendering engineer. 10 favourite bikes of all time?
Royal Enfield/Rickman Interceptor,
Laverda 750SF,
Guzzi LeMans Mk 1, 3 and 1100 sport,
ducati single,
gilera 500/4,
Matchless 600,
AJS 7R,
late fifties Trumpy speed twin,
Kawasaki ZXR 750 L3,
and the modern(ish) Hinckley Triumph 1200 Daytona.
I'm clean cut, newly wed and just in case you're wondering never been in trouble with the law.
If you've got a projet I can help with, or know of an old timer who could use my services - be it a BSA Bantam or MV 750 America and you wouldn't mind me being around then PM me and I'll give you my number. I live in Karori.
carburator
21st January 2013, 19:49
grow a set of balls and get yourself a project..
bogan
21st January 2013, 20:11
A pom who takes orders from the missus, now there's a surprise :rolleyes: :bleh:
Just explain that the project will keep you out of mischeif...
smmudd83_1999
22nd January 2013, 08:30
This isn't a very encouraging response.
Paul in NZ
22nd January 2013, 08:42
Have a look on trademe for a cheap bike no one wants and just stuff in into the shed. Just do it bit at a time etc. There will be things like FZR's coming up cheap now. You should be able to score a 70's mid sized bike for under a grand.
Failing that I will try to ride my bikes harder so you can help fix em ;-)
unstuck
22nd January 2013, 08:45
If ya dont ask, ya dont get. Good on ya, and good luck.:2thumbsup
98tls
22nd January 2013, 11:29
Great post and good on ya,hope something turns up fella.Fwiw old jap dirtbikes are becoming popular as doer uppers,might be a cheap way of getting yourself something to tinker with,just a thought.
smmudd83_1999
22nd January 2013, 21:23
Thanks for the encouragement, gents. I could cut my teeth on something simple, single cylinder, jap and 70's/80's. There's a lot of dirt bikes that fit in that category! So yeah, you might be onto something.
But I can't help thinking someone, somewhere must know an old timer with a dilapidated AJS JamPot or Francis Barnett who just can't get around to fixing it up who would like to see it back to a half decent running machine.
Or maybe not. Inviting a stranger to come round and fiddle with your bike might get most people on edge. It's a sign of the times, I guess.
I'll keep asking around.
unstuck
22nd January 2013, 21:32
I was at a shearing shed with a mate the other day, and the cocky had an old bsa, bmw, norton and a ct125 under covers next to the press. He is just waiting for a bit of time to do them up. They are out there. Watch a couple of wiredkiwis videos on youtube, he has done some crackers. I think he is on here too.:2thumbsup
actungbaby
23rd January 2013, 22:06
Hi all,
An odd request maybe and perhaps a long shot,... I'm rather keen on classics but when I put the idea of a proper restoration past the wife I got that pursed-lips-and-and-furrowed-brow look. Having a modern Suzuki SV thou means my bike quota is filled (or so She tells me).
To be honest I just want to have a project or be part of a project - partly for enjoyment but also to enlargen my skill base. My time is free and I'm not completely mechanically retarded.
If you've got a potential project lying in the back of the shed/garage and want to get started and not sure where to start give me a call and we can both have no idea together. I'll give you my time (weekends and evenings only as I work for a living), and help you finish that resto job. My only stipulation is that as this is your bike and my time is free the invoices for parts and specialist services aren't coming out of my wallet. Though I will help out with small ancillaries like copper grease, spark plugs, oil and stainless fasteners.
Just to dodge some of the usual questions - I'm 29, a pome, always had a bike since 16, mech eng degree and worked as a mechanical draughtsman/design engineer until recently as a tendering engineer. 10 favourite bikes of all time?
Royal Enfield/Rickman Interceptor,
Laverda 750SF,
Guzzi LeMans Mk 1, 3 and 1100 sport,
ducati single,
gilera 500/4,
Matchless 600,
AJS 7R,
late fifties Trumpy speed twin,
Kawasaki ZXR 750 L3,
and the modern(ish) Hinckley Triumph 1200 Daytona.
I'm clean cut, newly wed and just in case you're wondering never been in trouble with the law.
If you've got a projet I can help with, or know of an old timer who could use my services - be it a BSA Bantam or MV 750 America and you wouldn't mind me being around then PM me and I'll give you my number. I live in Karori.
Dude with all that Knowledge u should be theaching people how to fix bikes
Just get yourself a cheap twin or single cylinder 80s bike cheap of trademe , get something
Thats not door stop, and just work where you want to start, maybe you want rip into it
And take engine out do a repaint of the frame , or you dont want do what i tend to do
Rip into take a good working bike to bits then have no money to but it back together.
Alot folks buy bikes like my vt 500 then run out patience or just gets to big hassle give up
iIf you have the brains and you do give it a go , roll up your selves get dirty, get away from the
misses she probley think its great too.
But bigest thing i rekon you need staying power its certainly not all glamour.
ps recomend you get a bike with aleast not de regestered and its bitch to get it certified.
And sometimes means u buying a doorstop if you do.
silver_duck
23rd January 2013, 22:19
Here you go fella...
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-551673007.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-555321532.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-553553394.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-555055234.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-554448557.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-555694852.htm
All of these bikes are less than 2k.
You buy it, your wife yells at you and your banshed to the garage... now you've got some time to start work.
Look it over, take some photos... do a bit of research, then pull the blighter apart.
Respray, tidy up, bit of basic maintenance and your done. (no big magical mystery)
Then ride the bike you saved from the ravages of time.
IF you had fun, sell it and buy another one.
I'd like to see some pictures of your new project when you make your mind up please. :drool:
Paul.
actungbaby
23rd January 2013, 22:29
All of these bikes are less than 2k.
You buy it, your wife yells at you and your banshed to the garage... now you've got some time to start work.
yes work it dude thats the best part shes so cross , And dont tell her ,till bikes in the driveway
She be really angry by then and when she leaves for mother place you got the run the house
Mind you doesint work for me my wife just fumes in the house txt me and think its okay
or safe to go indoors then wham ....no not with frying pan but the door slaming ohhhh
Got so bad even couirer driver was telling me of mind you i think wife had got to him.
Even my workmates where telling me stay of trademe Michelle be angry
Look it over, take some photos... do a bit of research, then pull the blighter apart.
Respray, tidy up, bit of basic maintenance and your done. (no big magical mystery)
Then ride the bike you saved from the ravages of time.
ravages of time have you seen my mrs i think some putty whould be good hehe
IF you had fun, sell it and buy another one.
We are still talking about the bikes here not the wife
'd like to see some pictures of your new project when you make your mind up please. :drool:
Paul.[/QUOTE]
and paul please dont encourage me i stoped looking at trademe i blame you when get to more
hot water
smmudd83_1999
28th February 2013, 11:25
Update:
A chap called Lawrie happened to have a Suzuki GT 200 X5 that ran until a little while ago. It's all there and pretty original. It looks like an early one - spoked rims & drums. It's good fun as neither of us are hotshot mechanics but we kind of egg each other on - luckily the bike is pretty simple and comes apart easily.
First priority is getting it to run.
Then we'll turn back the clock 30 years.
Fun project. A good level to cut your teeth on.
There's oil in the generator. I assume this should be dry to produce the sparks at the right time? So suspected crank seal gone? Also needs a wiring rethink - being a learner bike at some point in it's life means it's had some hatchet repair job. New regulator/rectifier or sumfink, too.
Anyways, it's a positive start to cool little project.
silver_duck
28th February 2013, 12:24
"...... Aaaaaaaaaaand they're off" :clap:
Does the missus know about this? :nya:
Sable
28th February 2013, 18:23
Wanna help me chop up and mount some chambers? :D
smmudd83_1999
28th February 2013, 20:22
I'll try anything at least once. PM me if you'll seriously let me cut up your exhaust. I'd love to! I hope they're not originals as it's always a shame to alter the genuine articles as these old ring-dingers original parts are getting a bit scarce.
Otherwise I'm game for:
1/ to put pen to paper and do some maths and work out length/conical section etc,
2/ to put cutting disk to metal.
I can't guarantee it'll be pretty. I can tack two bits of metal - but welding, be it arc or gas, is beyond me.
Pedrostt500
2nd March 2013, 18:17
Id say go with a 70s or 80s jap bike, not a huge out lay, for common models parts arnt to hard to find, and a good place to learn the art of bike tinkering.
Hugo Nougo
3rd March 2013, 00:13
If you want practice or advice on welding i have some tools you're welcome to use in Te Marua, there's also an old nsr 250 x2 that needs time and money...
pete376403
3rd March 2013, 12:11
Update:
There's oil in the generator. I assume this should be dry to produce the sparks at the right time? So suspected crank seal gone? Also needs a wiring rethink - being a learner bike at some point in it's life means it's had some hatchet repair job. New regulator/rectifier or sumfink, too.
Anyways, it's a positive start to cool little project.
There's bike wiring and there's "mid 70s-80's Suzuki wiring". You may find that the alternator is meant to be oil cooled - thats how it is on my 82 GS1100.
Have a search for a service manual before attacking the bike.
Pedrostt500
3rd March 2013, 12:32
Here is one to try, well actually two bikes, Tard Me auction No 565925615, 2 xt 500,s on a buy now of $3500, rebuild one as original and the other as an old school adventure bike, or mtard, or what ever your fancy takes.
also happy to teach welding, MIG, Arc, TIG, or gas, by arangement, though my Ali welding skills are very rusty.
smmudd83_1999
4th March 2013, 06:31
Hi Hugo. I'm game for a bit of welding practice/tinkering/tutorial and you're not too far away - I'll PM you later...
Guys - I have a resto project. One at a time - I'm not a great multitasker!
Perdostt500 -"though my Ali welding skills are very rusty." Is there an intended pun in there? Ha!
Pedrostt500
4th March 2013, 17:17
My Ali welding, is very oxidised then.
Willdat?
14th March 2013, 14:11
I've got a GT200 X5 with spark that ran away also and a pile of parts! See my project in the modified bikes section. I have a factory workshop manual which is awesome too...
GDOBSSOR
14th March 2013, 22:10
Hi all,
An odd request maybe and perhaps a long shot,... I'm rather keen on classics but when I put the idea of a proper restoration past the wife I got that pursed-lips-and-and-furrowed-brow look. Having a modern Suzuki SV thou means my bike quota is filled (or so She tells me).
To be honest I just want to have a project or be part of a project - partly for enjoyment but also to enlargen my skill base. My time is free and I'm not completely mechanically retarded.
If you've got a potential project lying in the back of the shed/garage and want to get started and not sure where to start give me a call and we can both have no idea together. I'll give you my time (weekends and evenings only as I work for a living), and help you finish that resto job. My only stipulation is that as this is your bike and my time is free the invoices for parts and specialist services aren't coming out of my wallet. Though I will help out with small ancillaries like copper grease, spark plugs, oil and stainless fasteners.
Just to dodge some of the usual questions - I'm 29, a pome, always had a bike since 16, mech eng degree and worked as a mechanical draughtsman/design engineer until recently as a tendering engineer. 10 favourite bikes of all time?
Royal Enfield/Rickman Interceptor,
Laverda 750SF,
Guzzi LeMans Mk 1, 3 and 1100 sport,
ducati single,
gilera 500/4,
Matchless 600,
AJS 7R,
late fifties Trumpy speed twin,
Kawasaki ZXR 750 L3,
and the modern(ish) Hinckley Triumph 1200 Daytona.
I'm clean cut, newly wed and just in case you're wondering never been in trouble with the law.
If you've got a projet I can help with, or know of an old timer who could use my services - be it a BSA Bantam or MV 750 America and you wouldn't mind me being around then PM me and I'll give you my number. I live in Karori.
I live in Karori too and have an 87 ginny. She runs great atm, but you never know. I want to learn all I can with her anyway. I'd be interested to meet a fellow KBer who lives locally!
eden
13th August 2013, 22:44
If you're really hankering to work on something, i'll be having my almost finished brat project delivered to Wellington in the next month or so - i can't wait to get the damn thing running and legal. She's had almost everything done to her but the electrics are all stuffed and it just won't put out a spark!
So just a few questions...
-She means alot to me so i need to know you're qualified and experienced with working on bikes.
-Are you any good at rewiring, or installing motogadget style electrics on mid 70's Kawasakis?
-What about installing electronic ignition kits?
-What do you know about fine tuning carburettors? (assuming we can get this think started)
-I forgot to put the chain tensioner in the top end, so will need to undo, re-gasket and re torque that back on - i don't have a torque wrench.
-Want to help figure out how to mount the bloody license plate without ruining the aesthetics - custom tailtidy perhaps?
-And i need to reweld, dremel and paint some foldable passengers foot pegs for some lucky passenger - the last owner completely detabbed the frame.
The bike will be located in Grenada Village - hopefully i have my tools down here by then too!:2thumbsup
Mike.Gayner
31st October 2013, 10:16
Christ if you were in Tauranga you'd be more than welcome to come over and spend some time in my garage.
smmudd83_1999
5th November 2013, 15:38
Heck, Eden. Wanting a certified pro to work on your machine? Isn't that why people pay money for mechanics? The whole point is I am most certainly NOT qualified by any means - but I've got brains, a willingness to learn and I'm willing to learn for free and kickstart someone's dilapidated & neglected project that has been sat in the shed for the last 20 years. I can also bring beer.
And as for my fellow Karori-ite, I will PM you in a bit.
Sorry I've been away from the KB forums for a while.
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