The Road Toad Starts Today!

[viclioce]

OK! While I'm waiting for the 6 volt charger to arrive, I'm starting the Road Toad...

The first Interesting thing I find is the VIN tag says 5/75 on it. So am I correct in guessing this is a Model 99? I realize I have a model 99 fuel tank & the frame serial number is H19511. So would I be correct the in the assumption this is a 1975 Model 99? I am under the understanding that the Model 99 was only made for 2 years, 1974 & 1975, right?

So I looked up the serial number on the chart and it falls in the range. So I'm safe with the notion that this is indeed a Model 99! ; D Victor

Well here we go! ; D Victor

[SuperRat01]

Keep us updated on your progress. I am starting a Road Toad (also made in 5/75) as soon as I finish my Super Rat. So I am interested in your project. So good luck and keep the pics coming. Linc

[viclioce]

The frame is officially stripped! ; D Victor

[hodakamax]

Victor, I love your enthusiasm. My project has gone on for months while you seem to be knocking them out almost weekly! Keep up the good work and thanks for showing us your projects.

Max

[viclioce]

Max. The "speed" is because Spring is arriving and my grandsons want to ride! I need to finish them because they are young and in a hurry to ride! I can't do for one and not do for the others!

When I went to Colorado in January, I bought nearly 3 bikes! ; D Victor

[viclioce]

Primer is on, except on the surfaces facing straight down. Waiting 30 minutes so I can flip it over! ; D Victor

[viclioce]

Primer all done AND the black paint is on! But it was too dark to get a good photo. Tomorrow, we check for missed spots with the black paint. Also need to dig out the bash plate, sand, prime and paint it also. The bottom of the steering head was done yesterday. So if review says the frame is finished, I can start assembly of the rolling chassis! New pics tomorrow! ; D Victor

[viclioce]

Frame done! Gloss black this time instead of satin. ; D Victor

[viclioce]

Today's update! Rolling chassis is mostly together with the wiring harness in place. I also painted the headlight assembly and hammered the dents out of the crash plate. My grandson is cleaning the rust off it with some naval jelly now and when it's dry I can paint it as well and mount it! Throttle grip with existing cable and the off/run switch installed along with the front brake lever. Clutch lever and perch in place as well. And the grandson this bike is going to was here all afternoon saying "Can I do that... Can I paint this? What can I do next?" It was a joy having him with me. He has already done more enthusiastic work on his bike than the other two gave together! This one is going to be the one who learns! ; D Victor

[viclioce]

Exhaust finished! ; D Victor

[viclioce]

Pulled the air cleaner cover and cleaned it well! Especially the inside of the cover. I hope to have my local paint supplier scan the RT Green from the inside of the cover because it is virtually the same as when it was originally painted! Going to go with a single stage paint. More to come...... ; D Victor

[Bill2001]

And the grandson this bike is going to was here all afternoon saying "Can I do that... Can I paint this? What can I do next?" It was a joy having him with me. He has already done more enthusiastic work on his bike than the other two gave together! This one is going to be the one who learns!

Bravo! Isn't it great to see that the seed you've planted is sprouting. Back in the day we started picking this up while still in diapers (practically), but nowadays it's all video games and smartphones. And with today's cars what is there to do? Everything is electronic and integrated with the CPU.

Off my soapbox.

--Bill

[viclioce]

Bill. This one is the "middle child" of 3 boys. The oldest is a freshmen in HS and the youngest is in 5th grade. This one, Mateo, wants to be a Doctor. He excels in everything he does, is a straight A student, a musician who plays the clarinet and guitar, is in an after school program called GUTS. That one is about computer programming. And in the summer he goes to the High School for a medical prep program for like 6 weeks, 2 days a week.

And add to this the poor guy has Scholiosis caused by Siringomaelia and Chiari Malformation (a birth defect). And he excels in spite of all that!

So I'm not surprised he wants to work on it and learn about it and be "In the know" about it! He's going to be the one who takes after me the most, and will do well at anything/everything he does. ; D Victor

[viclioce]

Took the air cleaner cover to the automotive paint store today. Successfully scanned, test mixed, & applied a dab to make sure it matched. They did a GREAT job! Got everything I need. Single stage paint, reducer, activator and a special marked mixing container for mixing small quantities!

Started more paint stripping again this afternoon. Rear fender and battery cover are stripped and battery cover is primed as well. Need to strip the air cleaner cover and the gas tank next and prime the fender and remaining pieces. The black paint I used on the headlight bucket reacted with the old paint and crackled on me so I had to strip it and clean, prime and repaint the bucket. It's mounted back on the bike now with the wiring tucked back in the bucket.

I also decided to do something a little bit different with the decals. Instead of matching the pale green color in the toad, the Road Toad words and the 100 on the battery cover, I decided to just do the black outline with the spots and just let the new paint show though with a clear background for the decals. Also made a new set of vinyl for the fuel tank. Hope to finish the paint by Friday and get the graphics on! She's getting there!

I also ordered some tire's for her. The 3.50 X 17 for the rear isn't readily available any more so I ordered a 3.00 X 17 for the rear and a 2.75 X 19 for the front, both in a Shinko Trials tire. It cost me $63.98 shipped for both tires. Great prices from motorcyclesuperstore.com! I also found a set of rings for my existing .02 over piston/cylinder in the pocket of the owners manual the PO gave me along with a new clutch gasket! So it was a productive day indeed! ; D Victor

[viclioce]

Everything stripped and primered except the tank! Tank won't get done until I have more time. Maybe tomorrow, maybe not until Monday. ; D Victor

[viclioce]

Well, it took a while to get back to the RT. So many commitments for Easter slowed me down.

But today I managed to do two things. The first was to strip the tank of paint! That went well. I have to do some light sanding to remove the most stubborn of small decks of paint and residual primer which was behind the black tank decals. And a little bit of glazing compound to fill some very minor dings in the tank, maybe pencil eraser sized.

And I also sanded the tail light mount removing as much of the rust as I could, cleaned the chrome assembly with aluminum foil and water, and glued the crack at the red/clear seam on one side. Then reassembled and repaired the rubber boot for the outside of the bulb wires.

Need to go get more primer, but once the tank is smooth and primed, I can paint all the Road Toad green parts. I even used my home computer and camera to copy the decals. I sent them to a local friend on the print business and he made new decals for me! Need to go pick them up from him!

[viclioce]

Well, as soon as I made the post above, there was a knock on the door. Delivery of the air shocks I bought. Got 2 sets, 1 for the RT and 1 for the Ace. So out with the old and in with the new! The Toad's are all black and the ones for the Ace are red & chrome. And riding the Ace I could tell the originals were shot. No dampening what so ever.

If you want to know more about them, send me a PM. I'll give you the down low, but they were a great price and fit well!

[matt glascock]

Hey Victor, I'm digging the Toad project. I have one and it is in steady rotation with an Ace 100 and a 94 Wombat as my daily rider. Just a couple somewhat off subject comments. I noticed we have the same bike lifts (Harbor Freight I presume). I found it extremely helpful to cut out a piece of 3/8'' cheapo plywood to the dimensions of the deck inside the edge lip as an onlay. You have to notch it where the tie down eye bolts protrude. That metal top is insanely slippery when you get a little oil or chain lube on it (as an unfortunate experience clearly demonstrated to me). With the wood deck, oils and lubes not easily wiped off are absorbed, parts don't bounce off as readily and are easier to see, dirt and crud easily sweeps off, magnetic parts trays still stay put, and when it ultimately gets too roached out to look at, you simply toss it on the burn pile and start with a fresh sheet. I've had the same sheet on for three race seasons and its still in good condition. Secondly, I've found a product that performs great on rust-pitted chrome and stainless steel parts (eg tanks and fenders and bars). Its called Semichrome metal polish. Its distributed by Competition Chemicals out of Iowa Falls, IA. I've taken parts suitable for the metal recycling bin and brought them back to surprisingly great luster with this polish and some fine steel wool (rider resto luster, not concourse resto luster). Its also protective and rust inhibitory. Check it out.

Best,

Matt

[viclioce]

Good to know Matt. I'll check some out. I usually just clean the rust with aluminum foil and water. It works well with stuff that has rust which hasn't eaten through the metal or left heavy pitting.

Hadn't thought about the plywood thing. Sounds like a good idea. I'll give it a try! Yes my lift is an HF too! It was an Xmas present from my wife and kids! I am really enjoying it.

I filled the dimples/dents on the tank with glazing compound, and I have lightly sanded and applied a second coat. Should be ready for primer tomorrow! ; D Victor

[matt glascock]

I've used the water and aluminum foil approach on pitted parts and I agree with you on its effectiveness. You can really go to town and clean large areas quickly. The Semichrome seems to prevent repitting right away which is an issue here in Iowa where I ride in the winter and deal with a lot of brine and rock salt on the roads. Maybe a quick pass with the foil followed by a good polishing may be the ticket. I'll check it out - I've always been a "belt and suspenders" man.

Best,

Matt

[hodakamax]

Matt, I'm an old guy and I had forgotten about Semichrome polish. I polished BSA cases in the 60s with that. A good product, thanks for reminding me, I'll chase some down!

Max

[viclioce]

I don't have that issue here. It's a very dry climate, with a stage humidity around 8-10%, unless it's raining or snowing. Bikes go in the garage in the winter and the batteries go on tenders.

Now that I have a 6 volt battery on the Ace and soon to be on both the Toad and Wombat, where do you folks get 6 volt battery tenders? ; D Victor

[viclioce]

Got the Road Toad tank ready for paint. Going single stage this time to see how it does. Don't know if I will add a clear coat after the graphics, but I was told to wait at least a week after applying the graphics if I do decide to clear after. Here's the tank, in primer, with the dings all done! And a shot of the graphics as well! ; D Victor

[bchappy]

Victor,
I got a nice charger/maintainer 6/12 volt for Battery Mart. It is on sale currently. It is working great so far although I have not had it several months but have had it connected to my 6 volt 03 battery since I got it.

They have a lot of others to choose from...some cheaper and some more expensive, but this one works on both 6 and 12 volts. It comes with alligator clips and bolt on eyes. I cut the eyes off and put on female tips to plug into the Hodaka battery.

http://www.batterymart.com/p-xciter-5-s ... arger.html

[viclioce]

Bill. Are you able to maintain multiple batteries at one time with a single tender? I do it with my 12 volt one. I connec the tender to a 12 v car battery and run wiring out to multiple 12v mc batteries. The mc batteries draw their charge from the car battery, and the tender keeps the car battery up to capacity. Have you tried similarly with 6 volt batteries? ; D Victor