The Hodaka Club Forum

Rolling chassis on the Maximum B+/plus. Even stands on its own. Always a milestone. Rebuilt forks and the best I could do on the rust infected fork tubes. Kinda acceptable is the word. Just me I suppose. You do have to look close. Chrome stuff is the big weakness on these projects at least for show. Clean, polish and paint fixes almost all but bad chrome. Fortunately these are all mostly bolt on parts than can be re-chromed or replaced at later dates depending on how picky you are. It will be mechanically up to date, nothing passed up in that department."Looks good from here!" they say. I am enthused!

Looking like a motorcycle now Maxie! Is it leaning against something or is the kickstand down? I can’t see it. Victor

viclioce wrote: ↑Tue Feb 25, 2020 5:51 pm Looking like a motorcycle now Maxie! Is it leaning against something or is the kickstand down? I can’t see it. Victor

Kickstand picture for you Victor. Yes it's on its new stand. Typical restoration story. Covered in the black stuff at the top and bent in two planes. Stripped rusty bolt seized in place, spring, just gross. Degrease, wire wheel on the bench grinder, torch and straightening devices, re-tap the bolt hole, hand brushes, sand, wipe, paint, new bolt. Well, it does look good!

looks great, fun to watch..albert

Maxie! Can’t tell there was anything wrong with the kick stand now! Nice work! Victor

Exhaust time for the project. Dual purpose and I'll go with the stock B+ flamethrower which it actually does throw flames during the de-carbonization process. What fun! Looks like some cracks in the rear bracket and pipe that's going to require welding. Wire brush on the bench grinder does make for a nice look on this somewhat homely pipe. Hmmm, considering some other than common black on the final. Maybe. The pipe lost about six ounces during the cook off, coming in at three pounds fourteen ounces without baffle. Lighter than I thought. This should work for now!

Boy! That pipe does look good all shiny and clean! I’ve never seen one that clean before! What did you do to it to get it like that? Victor

Maxie, maybe you know this. What preparation is used to provide that glossy, "bronzy" finish that occurs on bare metal pipes you see from time to time. Is it just a clear coat that becomes discolored over time and heat exposure or something else. I have a naked HT-2 pipe that has assumed that appearance and I really like it.

Good question Matt and I have no answer. WD-40 seems to work with fine steel wool. One of my photographic assignments of the past was a week with a Top Fuel Dragster. One of the maintenance items was wiping down the bare metal frame each day with WD-40. Paint wasn't allowed on the chassis for fear it would hide any developing cracks. Works good on old motorcycle wheels too. Labor intensive I suppose but one solution.

Quick solution for a Kansas law that motorcycles must have a running headlight at all times. I can't picture any night trail rides but this should make everyone happy at the Motor Vehicle department. Still a dirt bike and does add a sassy element. Cool actually! This assembly was mounted in five minutes after the postman handed me the box. One should have some Preston Petty stuff on vintage things, like I do have original Preston petty fenders on my vintage cross-country Wombat. I ordered this unit from former Strictly Hodaka guy and friend Paul Stannard now at PrestonPettyProducts.com. Check 'em out! Maxie

Looking really good Max, nice work ! I have found WD40 to also work really good for cleaning and degreasing.

I might give that a try. Somehow, whatever was used on the HT-2 pipe has an almost "glazed" look about it. Maxie, I might just try your approach this spring after the ritual "burning of the pipes" on my race bikes. BBQ, wire wheel, WD-40 and let the heat take care of the rest. Was that a brass or steel wire wheel on the grinder Maxie?

Steel!

Cool! That's what is currently mounted. Serendipity. I love it. Thanks Maxie!

Update picture of the project after some serious chrome polishing. Wow. I'd forgotten the memories of un-crating a pair of new Hodakas with red frames and chrome tanks shining within! Deja vu thing! Maxie