The Hodaka Club Forum

Hey Fellas, as I continue my restoration on the 98 rat I'm looking at plating some of the hardware with a zinc phosphate. Anyone else ever use it? Should I use it?

Here is a photo of some samples. Opinions?

pm. I had all the nuts, bolts and hardware on this Super Rat replated with zinc. They did an excellent job for me.

Yeah, that looks really sharp! The stuff I'm using doesn't have the shine. Where or who did you have do it?

I had it all done at "Synergy" in Titusville, Florida. The were very reasonable and did excellent job. I will have them do my Road Toad next. Good luck with your project. You will have to pics. I spent about 9 years off and on before I finally finished my Super Rat.

Got some parts back today. Pretty happy with how it came out. Color isn't dead on but it's going to look good when it's all said and done.

Dang, the frame and your other parts look great! You are off to a great start. Is that powdercoat?

No, I its automotive paint is what the guy told me. The picture is actually pretty lousy and lighting is terrible in my garage but I was pretty happy when I saw it. I'm not sure if they put a clear coat on. I'm going to call tomorrow and find out. Its definitely going to shine when it's done. I'm going to try and get the motor back together this weekend.

Top view

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Your pipe looks like it's in excellent condition. Does this bike have low hours on it? Usually these down swept pipes are beat up or rusted beyond repair.

I'm not sure how many hours the bike had on it. I would have to ask but I'm guessing it didn't have many, relative to the age of the bike. My uncle probably only used it for a few years when he was younger, on/off between the seasons. It sat for a lot of years, like many of the bikes. It will be a good looker when it's all done. Do you still have your Rat? Do you ride it often?

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Wow! It’s really coming along! Looking great! Victor

Its amazing what a little paint will do. I'm also trying to figure out whether to put the same bearings back in. They had very little use. I still have the factory ones too. The factory ones actually seem better except for the crank (biggest one), I would like to have the motor back together today if I can.

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Man, I remember when I was putting my Super Rat back together I didn't care about anything else but working on my bike. It is exciting getting her back together. Mine sat in my garage from1981 until 2009 before I started the restoration. I can't wait to start my Road Toad. Keep posting pics of your progress. Linc

Linc, that's pretty much the mode I'm in right now. Nothing but super rat, eat, sleep, and work. Its definitely addicting once you get going. This was my plan when I first got the bike a few years ago. My uncle who I bought it from is coming to see it this weekend.

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I like the black outer cases! Looks sharp! Victor

Almost there...seem to misplace my head gasket.