The joys of powder coating. Spent a few hours (and a few COVID beers) re-tapping all the holes and sanding off the powder coat from bits that aren't suppose to be coated. I've ordered in Taper Steering Head bearings in to replace the original free ball type that Suzuki used. It required a bit more material to be taken off the stem. Only just managed to get it to fit in my lathe as as the stem is welded to the lower triple - if it was any bigger I would have to take the gap bed out and use a drive dog (far too lazy for that).
Carbies. Went through my collection of broken and bent carbies and have managed to salvage a decent set. There are still a few parts on order (needle & seat, gaskets and OEM needle jet) but another job done. Gave them a good scrub with throttle body cleaner, light etch with Ali Brite to remove 40 years of corrosion then followed with a light polish with fine steel wool - just enough to bring back a slight sheen, I don't want them too shiny.
Engine strip. Cracked open the cases - I suspect failed crank seals after fuel sitting in the crankcase from leaking past the needle and seat (no float bowl overflows on the early bikes and yes I forgot to close the fuel valve) and to vapour blast the cases. Bit of gentle heat to get the studs out (need to me removed for blasting). Didn't expect this much sludge in the gearbox. Actually I'm at a loss to where it's from. There is only about 1000miles since the previous owner had it all apart. It gives the appearance of years of neglect. I did notice the clutch steel plates had rust/water marks on them????? I think I've got a complete set of bearings for the gearbox but they are getting hard to come by - only ancient NOS stuff at leg breaking prices. There is a bit of damage to the cases on the front and rear - quick skim on the mill fixed that. Took forever so set it up but worked in the end.
Bearings are usually standard size so you can have them pinned and snap ring grooves added if the OEM gets too expensive.
If I have to I will go down that road - so far I have always found bearings. I am sure the supply will eventually dry up.
Lathe Gremlins. Needed to make a few bearing drifts for the engine strip - The DRO on my lathe failed a week ago, whilst annoying wasn't a show stopper. But the failed stepdown transformer on the control circuit is! Open circuit on the primary - parts on order from Hare and Forbes, arrive maybe Monday. The DRO had been losing its reference point on the X axis every time it was powered up until the other day when I got nothing but 8's on all displays. Left it on over night and was met with this message the next morning. There is a 2.4v memory battery on the motherboard. Replacement should arrive next week. Hope that's all it is. Until it isn't working - you don't realise how handy a lathe is!
Work has slowed to a snails pace - I had arranged a few months off work to get on with building her embroidery shop, house reno's and a bit of shed/beer time. Plans changed! OK so ..... 40+ year old SHMBO (not allowed to publish real age) decided that she would join Little Miss Six in her Taekwondo training to encourage her and get fitter at the same time. Now she's never done anything like this in her life, but with encouragement from Miss Six and silly ME she joined up. Third lesson and she snaps her ACL. Two months on, many 1000's of $$ (despite having top health insurance) and she in on the mend. But is not allowed to drive and mobility reduced - hence not much shed time for me! In-between school pickups, Dr visits and housework I've managed to at least get some order back in my workshop and lined the wall. On the bright side I get 100% attention from Miss Six. - She likes to direct works from a comfortable chair. Please applaud the use of hearing protection and ignore the Japanese safety boots. Wall sheeting up, lots of 10 amp power points, a few 20 amp welding points, air lines and shadow boards screwed off - just a shelf to build. SHMBO hobbled down the stairs yesterday and opened up her Embroidery shop door for the first time in a while - not impressed! I had to put them somewhere when I was working!
Bummer emoji for the Financial Controller's health, but two thumbs up for your progress and Miss six's astute choice of hearing protection (we won't mention the flip flops!).