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Gyrhead

Gyrhead

Member
Project Planning - Key Decisions

So, our restoration starts this weekend. Engine's coming out, and will be rebuilt and detailed by MotoEnzo. My email interactions with Enzo and feedback from others on this forum made me comfortable that the engine will be in good hands.

Many of our needed Genuine Honda parts have arrived or are in transit, and our chrome plater is lined up for fenders, bars, muffler shield, tail lamp, fork ears, etc.

At this point in the project I need to make an important decision. The frame and paint on my candy topaz K3 is decent, no big gouges, chips, etc. Not show worthy, but tidy and decent. A little surface rust just above the airbox. The swing arm is pretty badly pitted, and needs prep and repainting. I'm not 100% sure that I want to repaint the frame - rather leave it original and live with the flaws.

What do you think, go all out with frame paint, or leave it original and survivorlike? I'm leaning to the latter.
 
H

hecklerkoch

Member
I would say leave it original if it looks good. You might coat it with something to help preserve it and prevent further rust though especially on the inside of the frame.
 
dennis d

dennis d

120cc
As far as the fenders being rechromed you may want to check on new ones.You can still get these from Honda and probaly cheaper than rechroming.TB sells the rear for $ 50.00
 
Gyrhead

Gyrhead

Member
Factory Chrome?

Are the new Honda fenders done in a nice grade of chrome? I knew the front was available, but thought the rear was discontinued. When restoring anything, I hate to simply replace that which can be restored. But, no sense in tossing money away needlessly.

I see that Babbitt powersports (Michigan) has the candy topaz swingarm for $111. That may be the way to go, unless I can find the factory paint in a small can and paint my original....
 
Gyrhead

Gyrhead

Member
Progress and a big worry...

Motor is out, cleaned and ready for MotoEnzo. Much to my dismay, discovered that the top engine mount on the case is badly cracked, and the crack extends down into the case itself.

Is this common, and can it be repaired? How big a cost and effort is case replacement?

Not the kind of sunday surprise I wanted, particularly after the BoSox got blown out last night.
 
Gyrhead

Gyrhead

Member
Project Update

Motor is in the hands of Enzo, and I've elected to treat it to the stock appearing 88 cc big bore. He's confident that the crack on the upper engine mount boss can be welded.

This should be interesting!

Chrome is at the plating shop, and while we wait I'll have many of the original fasteners replated in the factory finish. Most look to be clear zinc plated.
 
J

John Pond

Member
I'm sure you know this, but Eastwood sells a Tin Zinc plating kit if you want to do it your self. Harbor Freight also has a vibratory tumbler that works great removing rust, oxide, scale, etc.

Cheers!

John
 
Gyrhead

Gyrhead

Member
Thanks John

Actually, I didn't know. However, my local plater does any volume of small parts for a $25 lot/setup charge.

Zinc plating is cheap, white or yellow!
 
J

John Pond

Member
Even better! Although you might still want to tumble 'em. The better shape they go to the plater, the better they come back.

Here in California, plating is really expensive and many processes are just not available.

"It's not easy being green..."

;{>

John
 
Gyrhead

Gyrhead

Member
Progress Report

Made some good headway.

Motor is back from MotoEnzo, looking factory fresh and sporting his stock appearing 88cc big bore upgrade. Good guy, good work.

Bike is completely stripped down, and the frame, swingarm, hubs, etc. are beadblasted to bare metal.

We're going to shoot the bike in 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse orange, which mimics the Candy Topaz but is a bit brighter.

Awaiting all hardware from the zinc plater, and have not yet decided on a plating shop for the bars, headlight ears, shock skirts, etc.

A quick question. My upper shock studs are visibly bent. Should I attempt to straighten them? Would not want to fatigue the metal or crack them.
 
Gyrhead

Gyrhead

Member
Speedometer Case?

I want to remove the outer speedo casing so that it can be replated in the original bright zinc. I got the 3 phillips screws out, but the case looks crimped to the top bezel. And trick to taking the outer case off?

Do not want to force it obviously!
 
Gyrhead

Gyrhead

Member
Making Great Progress

Bike is finally in the assembly stage! Paint looks great - we used a 2007 Chevrolet HHR base/clear orange from PPG, which is a shockingly close match to the Candy Topaz....

I will post a few pics when I've got a free moment.

Quick question. On a freshly painted frame, where are the critical spots where new paint should be sanded down to clean metal to make solid electrical grounds? I recall the coil bracket should have a clean surface, and also remember someone mentioning the ignition switch under the chrome bezel. Any other spots where a bit of fresh paint should be removed?

Thanks in advance!
 
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