Subject: stuff learned so far on Eldo project
Author: Ray Hale
Date: Feb 14, 2004, 8:35 AM
Post ID: 1716041642
Hi again,
Here's some stuff I've learned on this Eldo project so far. I am finding
the quality of chrome and steel on remanufactured pieces I've bought to
be inferior to what I'm able to get rechromed on original parts, at
comparable prices. The quality issue really doesn't surprise me but to
be able to come close in price did.
In most cases the thickness and stability of the original steel is much
greater. The edges of the chrome on the new manufactured parts is rough
and at risk of peeling back from the get-go. I found a plater in
Melbourne, FL called Spacecoast that did an incredible job on a box load
of parts for me, paying attention to minute detail and understanding
what places not to chrome on critical parts, like axles and large bolts
and even hubs.
One part I bought recently from Accessory Mart is the headlight ring. It
was cheap ($30) and included the gasket. It fits perfectly but alas is
thinner steel, although in this case, I can't imagine it will matter. My
original rim was so badly bent and split that I opted not to attempt to
straighten and rechrome.
I purchased the Maxxis wide whitewalls. They look nice but the whitewall
is very sensitive, much like a cheap paint job. Be very careful cleaning
the blue stuff off. I have Dunlop whites on my Harley and you can scrub
with a stiff brush and strong cleaner and they hold up. These Maxxis
WON'T. Be very careful! Looking for white tire paint. Anyone know a
source?
The new jugs, pistons, pins and rings from MG were a great investment.
The rechromed tank from MG Classics was another worthwhile investment.
After all, the tank and fenders are the first thing most people see.
Joe Kenny's exhaust clamps are gorgeous and really well made. Perfect
fit.
I'm very pleased with my decision to black powder coat my wheels and
hubs. I got the idea from an old Ace (I think) at the m/c museum in
Maggie Valley. They look great in contrast to the spokes and nipples I
polished. I had the covers and axles chromed. Relearning to spoke and
true was a challenge but satisfying.
I bought new-in-the-box wheel bearings from the guy that sells them on
ebay from Germany. They were about $15 per bearing/race, including
shipping. Still packed in cosmoline (sp?)! If only we could find
u-joints at reasonable prices.
John Prusnek's decals are right on!
Eastwood makes a product called Nyalik that keeps polished parts looking
good, as long they don't come in contact with gas.
I am using new chrome hardware from Gardner Westcott, allen and hex. It
is first rate stuff. I discovered them years ago when I built my G5.
This hardware is beautiful, hearty, and precise.
Good tools are essential. Trying to turn common hand tools to specialty
precision work is an expensive mistake.
Two more tips for now...the closer you get to being done, the longer it
takes and the more expensive it gets. But you already know that one.
Keeping track of total expenses on the rebuild is a BAD idea. It must
become a labor of love or you'll hate yourself when you see the final
tally, even when you're doing almost all the work yourself. I keep
thinking I might have been smarter to buy a righteously rebuilt scoot
from any number of shops. Of course, then I'd have to find another
project for my shop. An empty shop is a sad thing.
Later
Ray in Gainesville, FL