Project Dirt Squirt

[Zeek]

Going slow again...too many projects, not enough time
However, I did get the tank back the other day
It'd had a small transformation done.

[Jack Elliott]

Hi Zeek
Nice job on the tank ! Was there any dent removal needed? Who did the chrome? If you dont mind me asking what did it cost?
Sorry so many questions - I have a super rat tank I want to restore (eventually)
Jack

[Zeek]

Tank done here in Tasmania (land of Oz)
Yes, dechromed, then 3 dents pulled out and rechromed. Probably could buy another bike for what it's cost.

[Dale]

This is going to be one beautiful little Dirt Squirt when you are finished with it...

[Zeek]

On track again
Cases back together and awaiting arrival of the rebored cylinder.
Brackets made for the battery box and rear brake switch and should be welded on tomorrow.

[viclioce]

She's coming along nicely!!! ; D Victor

[Zeek]

Been a bit slow on the progress front again...
So wheels now built..
All replated original parts

And most of the painted parts finished now. Probably a few small bits like the taillight bracket etc to go.
I've added an extra bracket to the frame for the battery box and one for a rear brake switch.
For any Aussies here, I took the good airbox cover in to have the paint matched to the clean inside colour. It''s Holden Red Perfect match!

Really didn't like repainting the airbox cover I have two, one isn't too bad, but would look out of place when everything else is done? and this one which was not particularly good so repaint it is. I'm tempted to have a go at hand painting the Clam rather than a sticker, but don't think I'm that good

[viclioce]

Nice paint work! It's fun seeing your project coming together! She's. Going to look like a brand new bike when you're done! Hope it's going to get ridden as well!?!?!??

I had decals made at a local shop. Basically all he did was take a few cell phone pics of the graphics, transfer to his computer & cleaned the images up a bit and then asked me what colors I wanted. I decided with the Road Toad graphics for the air box to leave the background color out on the sticker and allow the paint to show thru. Since one bike is Toad Green & the other is Chevy Victory Red, it made more sense to me. I ended up with 2 full sets plus extras, for $100 US. ; D Victor

[Zeek]

Chrome guy while having done a great job, has overdone the bar holders
Would have preferred they still had the cast look........Like he was meant to do!

Top spacer is loose fit?
I guess it's made to clear the threads if need be?

[Zeek]

Struggling on
Never ceases to amaze me how many small parts are missing on the these basket case restos!

Spent forever searching for tyres, and wondered why I couldn't find much available. Well it's because there isn't much available
Thank you to those that replied on FB!
Because I'm trying for a roadworthy with this bike, I decided to cover my arse and get approved type rubber.
Going for the IRC Dual Purpose. They won't look near as cool as the Maxxis knobbies, but I can always swap over later.

[Thunderdogdownunder]

Bike is looking like a million dollars zeek . Where are those shiny fenders hiding ☺

[Zeek]

Shiny fenders aren't so shiny. Just about to see what I can do about that.
Alloy is simple, but the SS is beating me so far. Have just bought a different polishing compound to try
It's nice to hear it looks a million bucks........'Cos that's what it's cost so far

[Zeek]

Few small steps for mankind today.
Filled up one of the spare holes:

Thought it was all going well until fitting the head. Of course one nut got a bit stiff half way down, so I put a spanner on it and sure enough it got tighter....tried to back it off and whole stud came out instead
So it seems there is some defect to the stud thread, maybe from the replating? So now I'll have ta find (buy ) a 7mm die to clean up the thread.
But it looks the part for now.
I need to get gaskets for the carb and inlet anyway, and I have no 7mm washers for the head.

Always pays to keep a box of rubbers on hand....so to speak
Tank rubbers were shot, so had a rummage about and found these little beauties. As luck would have it, I had 4 of 'em. Made up a few collars, and hey presto! Should do the job.

[Zeek]

Have a question:
I'll be using a Wombat(?) speedo and bracket:
Do they just sit on top of handlebar holders? Doesn't seem real flash that way.

[taber hodaka]

As I remember the longer threaded end of the head bolts go into the block or base. You probably have it correct but it cost me before. Your quality is unmatched and equal to the very best. -----------Clarence

[bchappy]

Speedometer bracket does go on top of the handlebar clamps. If you put them under the clamps they would not tighten up the handlebars. The head bolt is an 8 mm x 1.25 thread not a 7 millimeter. Looking good!

[bchappy]

Just looked on schematic and I belive 7 mm is correct. I was thinking of the 125 engines. My bad.

[Zeek]

Loose fitting a few things to see what I'm missing.
Parts list says there is a headlight bushing?
They must be very thin, fitting the bowl between these brackets, there isn't mush scope for rubbers without them angling the brackets outwards?
Anyone know?

[viclioce]

The bushings aren't very thick but make the ears fit very snugly to the Fork tubes. I may have a used set I can send you if you want them from my Toads. Let me know. ; D Victor

[Zeek]

The bushings aren't very thick but make the ears fit very snugly to the Fork tubes. I may have a used set I can send you if you want them from my Toads. Let me know. ; D Victor

Do you have a picture of them Victor?
I thought they went between the ear and the light bowl?

[viclioce]

No. They go between the ear halves around the fork tubes. ; D Victor

[MWL]

Zeek
I believe the bushing you're referring to is a wire grommet for the holes in the back of the headlight bucket. Nothing goes between the headlight bucket and mounting ear.
Mike

[Zeek]

I see!
Thanks guys.
Yes, I've got it all wrong then
In this case if you have a spare pair Victor, I'd like to buy them then.
I notice you have a reflector as the fastener as well..... I didn't realise that either..... That would be better idea!
Does the reflector have a long thread, or is it a two piece affair?

[Zeek]

Out of interest, this is the old carb inlet clamp.
Now this frame etc. had been repainted Blue in it's past life but there are traces of Red on the clamp?
Was this clamp painted Red from factory?

I'm also now the proud new owner of a reproduction ignition switch
Late at night and I fell for the phony NOS listing heading, and didn't read "Aftermarket" till too late.

[Dale]

No, the clamp would not have been painted.