So, the engine just needed a cosmetic freshen up. Easier said than done!
Before I did anything, I noted the different surface finishes of the different parts.
The head and barrel appeared to be raw aluminium - as cast. A light blast in the sandblaster would achieve the same.
The crankcases looked to have the same finish as the swingarm. I had the paint sorted for that.
The clutch side cover was a brighter silver colour. It also had a crack in it so it would go in the bin. I sourced a new old stock replacement which made that side easy. The magneto side cover was plastic grey - again, I had a new replacement for that.
To do it properly, I stripped it completely so I could start from bare cases. Whist the outside looked pretty ratty, inside looked really good. No work needed.
With the cases bare, they were cleaned, lightly blasted, cleaned again and then painted in the same paint used on the swingarm. No gasket in between them so some ugly gasket goo went on and then the first part of assembly. New seals and bearings for good measure too.
Head and barrel went in for a sand blast and came out looking spot on.
And with that, along with a few other bits and pieces, the engine was basically complete and looking much better than what I started with!
Im still waiting on the clutch cover to arrive from the States but I couldn't wait to throw it into the frame along with the new radiator and water hose. Luckily Doug the master bike mechanic was on hand again to remind me how it went together!
Next, I thought I'd have a go at restoring the carb. At first it looked pretty ugly.
An overnight soak in kero, some light work in the blaster and then another soak in the kero bought the body up looking like factory again. New screws and fittings and it all looks pretty good again.
And onto the bike with new fasteners. I threw the new seat and tank (which im not happy with - a story for another day) on for good measure.
And that's it, for now...
