General Category => Restoration Projects => Topic started by: Ricks on September 07, 2016, 07:33:07 AM
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I made the trek yesterday to West Virginia and back to pick up a bike I bought 2 weeks ago on eBay. The gentleman was nice enough to give me a little leeway on when I could come and get it. It is a relatively complete bike, missing mainly a couple of engine parts, such as cylinder, carburetor and hit filter. I haven't decided which direction to go with it, either a restoration or a preservation. I have to finish up the stretch and I have another 1953 that I'm in the early stages of working on.
Here are the pictures.
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Rick bought another bike ... sure sign of Winter coming on . ;)
Looks like a good start .
Pete . :)
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Looks Groovey!
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Well Rick looks as though you've insured projects to keep you busy & us entertained for a good while...congrats! Rick C.
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Looks like a good place to start. Looking forward to see what happens. Congratulations. Bob
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Rick: Are you doing another stretch? I'm going to get started as soon as the new T bucket body is finished.
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Rick: Are you doing another stretch? I'm going to get started as soon as the new T bucket body is finished.
No, I still have to paint the stretch, and that will be finished.
I am in the early stages of a full on resto of a 1953 to replace the bike I sold in Portland this summer.
This 1955 will start as a mechanical resto, get the motor and trans rebuilt and running. I will then decide which direction to take it.
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Changed direction and am currently doing a full restoration on this bike! The 1953 just needs too many parts still, so I will keep collecting and work on this in the future.
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After disassembling the bike, I found that the frame had been abused earlier in life. Look at all the cracked welds. This must have been run into some things pretty hard over the years. The crash bars were no where near straight and took quite a bit of work to get back in shape.
I suspect the split in the lower tube was cause by water freezing inside the frame at one point.
The last picture is where the kickstand was hanging on by a thread. I think someone thought this was a motocross bike!
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Rick ,
That lower tube definitely looks to have been frozen . Seen that a number of times .
And , if it's got two wheels , it must be a dirt bike , right ? LOL
Some kids will take it to the limit and past . Then it's on to the next 'challenge' .
Pete . :)
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Got the frame fixed. I welded up all the cracks and replaced the bad section of tube.
The frame was really out of whack. In the last picture with the frame standing vertical, it started out bent about 15 degrees to the right!
I welded the kickstand mount a few degrees further up so the bike should be more vertical at rest. It always seems that Simplex had these bikes leaning over too far on the kickstand, or maybe that is just me.
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I've thought about a different position for my kickstand plate , as I really don't care for the 'new' extended and bent kick stand I'm currently using . I just don't have the tools to get it done . :(
Pete . :)
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I got the wheels powder coated a few weeks back. Today I found some time to lace them up. I need to install the axles and then I will tighten the spokes and true them up. Only six more months to Portland, and I want to be riding this bike by then.
To any of you guys that have pinstriped your wheels, did you find it difficult to keep the lines straight and even? I was thinking about using a Beugler striping tool with a guide on it and rotating the wheel in a fixture. Any suggestions are welcome.
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Rick ,
Those rims are looking very nice .
"To any of you guys that have pinstriped your wheels, did you find it difficult to keep the lines straight and even? I was thinking about using a Beugler striping tool with a guide on it and rotating the wheel in a fixture. Any suggestions are welcome."
That's how I tried to do my wheels when I borrowed Reese's Beugler striping tool .
I ended up just keeping the tool in hand and rotating the rim .
I think if you could come up with a decent guide/mount that could hold the tool and had a pivot /swivel attachment on both ends , each able to tightened , the result might be very professional . My stripes turned out decent for freehand application by a true rookie . There are definitely faults , but at 20+ mph , you can't really tell . ;)
My rims stripped with Reese's Beugler ( Thanks , again , Reese ) :
(http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa28/pdcomm/Simplex/HPIM1676_zpsf88bf84b.jpg)
Pete . :)
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My new truing stand! lol
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Good job on both sets of wheels guys! Rick the powder coat looks great & know you'll get stripes just right as well.
Merry Christmas! Rick C.
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I've always thought multi-functional 'tools' were best . (http://www.cb750c.com/modules/Forums/images/smiles/thumbsup.gif)
And , Thanks Rick C .
Pete . :)
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You are welcome PD. Anytime you need to borrow it, it is available. 8)
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You're a good man Reese . :)
Pete . :)
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Striped the wheels today. Not too shabby for the first time for a guy that doesn't have the steadiest hand.
My feeling is that if one had a chrome bicycle wheel around to practice on, it would be easier to perfect a good technique. I say chrome, because it would be easy to wipe if off the chrome with some lacquer thinner and repeat until you got the feel of it.
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Looks great from my house , Rick . ;)
I think those stripes will do nicely . They'd likely even pass a factory inspection .
They look better than mine and no one has every said a derogatory word to me concerning them .
Pete . :)
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Nice job, Rick! Can you tell me if you free-handed, and if so, what type of brush did you use? I've done mine with tape that you pull the center out of, but its not a real good look. Thanks, Dwayne
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I used a Beugler pin striping tool. I used it with one of the included guides, which I modified slightly, and covered with heat shrink tubing so I didn't have metal on paint contact.
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I never thought of putting heat shrink tubing on the guide arm to protect the paint. Good tip. ;D
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Just curious, does that tool help with striping fenders as well?
Vince
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You can use it with edge guides or free hand. I will be using with an edge guide to do my fenders, but that will not be soon, as I am not up to the point of paint yet.
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Used to be "guys" at bike/car shows that would both "demo" and do "Von Dutch style" pin stripe on whatever you wanted. I remember I had a whole bike, including fatbob tank, done for about $100 with 4-5 colors. Now the art is pretty rare. Hydrodipping is now the answer for most custom work because the detail and expense can't be beat.
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There is a guy who does just that at Portland every year. The one thing he will not do is wheels! Why, I don't know, that is just what he told me.
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I wonder if it's because wheels aren't always "true" and people complained the line wasn't perfectly straight when spun, or width slightly varied. I've seen people use twin vinyl pinstripe used as a paint guide. You paint between and then remove the vinyl from the sides.
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I wonder if it's because wheels aren't always "true" and people complained the line wasn't perfectly straight when spun, or width slightly varied. I've seen people use twin vinyl pinstripe used as a paint guide. You paint between and then remove the vinyl from the sides.
Paul, I would guess it is exactly that reason.
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Vince, if you would like to try it just let me know. I could send you the loner kit so you can practice before doing the main job. 8)
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Thanks Reese,
I'm not ready for it yet. When I am, I'll give you a shout out.
Vince
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Thanks Reese,
I'm not ready for it yet. When I am, I'll give you a shout out.
Vince
Vince, what are you working on?
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Rick,
I'm working on what I believe to be a 1955. I'll post some pictures here soon.
Vince
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Got my parts back from powder coat. Now I get to start on the best part, putting it all back together. Only 6 months to Portland!
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Don't shine a light on that thing when you get it together . The glare will blind you . LOL
Without rereading the thread , what color for the tins ?
Pete . :)
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Don't shine a light on that thing when you get it together . The glare will blind you . LOL
Without rereading the thread , what color for the tins ?
Pete . :)
Simplex Maroon, I think. LOL
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That might be kinda nice ... still have 6 months to decide . ;)
Pete . :)
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I've been trying to get some work done, but alas, it has been slow going.
I fitted the front end and mounted the tires, but not much else.
1st picture is the new, full width rim strips that Wayne has available. Much better coverage than the bicycle ones I had been using.
2nd and 3rd pictures are the tubes I like to use. I know that Simplex did not use a motorcycle stem style, but I like them!
4th and 5th Tires mounted and wrapped for protection. Those boxes are all the parts to put this bike together, a Simplex kit if you will.
Last 2 pictures are the engine test fitted into the frame.
Only 5 1/2 more months to Portland!
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Lookin' good , Rick .
IRC is an excellent choice . I know Suzuki uses their products as OEM . I have IRC tires on my little FA50 . I'm not very easy on them and they have held up nicely over the last 6 - 7 years of torture .
Pete . :)
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We are getting around 10-14" of snow today, so they sent me home early. I decided I would use the time to put the motor together. I need a few more parts, but I couldn't resist the test fit into the frame.
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Nice , Rick . ;)
Where did you get that chrome like cover plate ?
Pete . :)
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Nice , Rick . ;)
Where did you get that chrome like cover plate ?
Pete . :)
I got it from Wayne. I sanded it with 400, 800, 1200 and then polished it on a wheel.
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Nice polish job , for sure .
Any type of coating applied ?
Pete . :)
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So glad to see your motor sitting in that beautiful frame. Rick C.
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Nice polish job , for sure .
Any type of coating applied ?
Pete . :)
No coating, just a little wax.
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OK . I think that a wax job is likely the least labor intensive approach to keeping that shine nice .
I know guys that have done a clear coat , only to have to redo the whole job a couple years later , due to yellowing .
Heck , even if you did have to redo , that little flat plate probably would be done before your cup of coffee got cold . ;)
Pete . :)
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Rick ,
You guys getting all that snow has me wondering if Simplex snow tires would be appropriate ? LOL
Pete . :)
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I have been working on this when I can. I built a muffler, welded and straightened the fenders and gas tank. I test fitted the parts and all looks good.
I also installed the new rear brake shoes I got from KartJockey. They are really nice, as Tom takes the time to add shims to get full contact. Thanks Tom!
Here's some pictures.
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Looking good Rick .
I really miss having a place to work on my bikes . :(
Pete . :)
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Really making progress Rick & looks great! Rick C.
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This will make a sweet ride for Portland.
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Thanks guys! Rick C, you coming to Portland this year? Bob, how about you and Mike?
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After last year I'm thinking this will now be a yearly event. Super cool. Had a great time. I don't see how anyone could not have a good time around friends and vintage bikes. Portland is something everyone should experience.
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Rick most of my business obligations are centered in the late Spring and Summer months so vacations in that time frame are quite difficult to justify. I know it would be a blast and one day I may figure out a way to completely retire...if I last that long. Rick C.
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I am making progress! I have a lot of the bike put together. I am hoping to get the tins at least in primer this week, as the weather looks to be conducive to painting. I am running out of time, only 2 months to go before Portland!
I have the muffler out at the coaters, but he has been very slow! I should have it back this week.
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Starting to look like something .
I wanna know where you got that invisible front fender . LOL
Pete . :)
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I'm a fan of before and after photos, so I returned to your first post...remarkable transformation to date. Rick C.
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Starting to look like something .
I wanna know where you got that invisible front fender . LOL
Pete . :)
Invisible front fenders are all over eBay, just have to be willing to pony up the cash!
The fenders were pretty mangled, but some time in the english wheel and some hammer and dolly time, and they are straight. I welded a few holes in them, and it just took a very slight skim coat of filler to get them good to go. I am planning on putting them in primer tomorrow, and then we will see how they look.
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The Long Island Medium lady told me you got this!
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Rick, You've definitely got a handle on how to raise a Simplex from the dead. This will be a sweet putt around the Portland fairgrounds. Bob
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I have to agree. And Tom (aka kartjockey) does do a fantastic job on the rear brake. It's saved me on at least one occasion!
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Working to get this ready for Portland. The weather finally cooperated so I could get the tins painted. I hope to get the bike up from the basement into the garage later this week, and then finish installing these parts. I am trying to have it up and running by the end of June for the AMCA meet in Rhinebeck.
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Looking really great Rick!
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Looking good! Can't wait to see it at Portland.
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I really like that brown . Easy on the eyes . ;)
What color stripes , wheels and such ?
I've been tossing around the idea for a few months that when I redo my paint I'd seriously consider a brown 'theme' . But , that won't happen 'til after , if ever , I get the motor running reliably .
Pete . :)
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It is hard to see in the pictures, but it is actually Simplex maroon. I got the original paint codes from Paul Treen. I had to use a psychic to talk to him, but he gave it up! Lol
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Hmmm , looks pretty brown to me .
But then , you say the outer sidebars of this page are green , too , so ???
I still like the brown . ;)
Pete . :)
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must be on a first name basis with the long island medium! I really like the maroon.
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Getting closer!
Pete, does the color look more maroon in this light?
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Same maroon I painted my old Honda, back when I was just a young kid. Can't believe how long ago that was!!!
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Rick ,
It does look closer to Maroon . I'd still call it a brown , a nice rich brown , but , a brown . ;)
Maybe creeping up on Burgundy ...
This off the web , so ...
(https://qph.ec.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-e2339f04c92605e59d2fa78b29e26abd-c)
Paul ,
Maybe you could do wheelies with those extended fork tubes . About 4" ?
Pete . :)
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Couldn't stop do'n wheelies as a youngster. LOL The front tire still comes up on occasion on my Kawi. Boys will be boys
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It's Alive! Three kicks and it roared to life. It's always a good feeling to hear it run. I only let it run for about 10 seconds, as I am waiting on an air filter. I also have a tail light coming, and then a few small things to tidy up. I didn't put the fenders on yet either, as I want to pin stripe them before installing.
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Excellent . Ya gotta love it when it comes alive . ;)
Wish mine was that easy . :(
Pete . :)
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Pinstripe paint came today, so I did one side of the fenders. I used an edge tool to keep a consistent line. I will do the other side tomorrow when the paint is dry.
I haven't decided if I am going to try the tank. My hand is not all that steady. I may bring the paint with me to Portland, and have the pinstriper that goes to the meet do it.
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Your a braver man than I. And probably a lot steadier of hand also! ;)
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Rick you've developed a nice touch with the striping tool, looks super...well done. Rick C.
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Yup . Looks a bit alright , Rick . ;)
There's an ol' boy down Kansas way that can lay paint better that any machine . I saw his work . Couldn't find a single flaw . Both sides of the rig were mirror images . How he does that ??? Maybe with 30+ years of practice ...
Anyway , if the fellow at the meet is anything close , I'd likely do the same as you .
Is the paint you used an off white , cream maybe ?
Pete . :)
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Yup . Looks a bit alright , Rick . ;)
There's an ol' boy down Kansas way that can lay paint better that any machine . I saw his work . Couldn't find a single flaw . Both sides of the rig were mirror images . How he does that ??? Maybe with 30+ years of practice ...
Anyway , if the fellow at the meet is anything close , I'd likely do the same as you .
Is the paint you used an off white , cream maybe ?
Pete . :)
It is OneShot Ivory. I have an original fender with some of the pinstripe left, and it is very close.
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It looks like maybe a good match for the rims , too .
That Ivory does look nice on that 'brown' . ;)
Pete . :)
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Rick,
That is looking really nice. Can't wait to see it in Portland all together.
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Finished the Pinstripe, and put the fenders on. Just waiting on the air filter and tail light.
Before and after.
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That turned out real nice , Rick . (http://www.cb750c.com/modules/Forums/images/smiles/thumbsup.gif)
I like how the seat coloration seems to fade from light into something close to the tin color .
Is that bumper rubber on the neck support ?
Pete . :)
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That turned out real nice , Rick . (http://www.cb750c.com/modules/Forums/images/smiles/thumbsup.gif)
I like how the seat coloration seems to fade from light into something close to the tin color .
Is that bumper rubber on the neck support ?
Pete . :)
Yes, I padded the neck so it wouldn't dent again. I also used the same rubber cushion on the bars were the tank touches. On my blue bike, the paint rubbed off where the tank made contact, and I want to see if this helps.
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Very nice! :o You do some fine work.
No pin stripes on the tank? When did Simplex start striping anyway?
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Rick ,
Before I put the tank in the frame , I applied a medium density foam weather strip with adhesive on one side to the underside of the frame tubes . More to the inside of the tubes. They aren't very noticeable and there's no paint worn away .
Pete . :)
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Very nice! :o You do some fine work.
No pin stripes on the tank? When did Simplex start striping anyway?
I am going to have a guy do the Tank at Portland. I don't trust myself to have a steady hand to try it freehand.
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Sweeeet! Before to after in less than a year. Father Simplex is smiling on you Rick. Congrats! I knew how it would turn out before it started. You've got this process down pat for sure. Bob
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Breath taking job Rick!
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Now , if it will just get him up that hill . :D
Pete . :)
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Nice job, Rick! It looks real good. Did you chrome the clutch or is it just polished?
Also, do you just run a short pipe from the bottom of your muffler, and if so, what is the sound difference?
That's a nice bike to add to your collection.
Dwayne
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The maroon color should be well received. Not many that color. I like it a lot. Nice job.
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The clutch is just semi polished. It still has some of it's age scars in it.
The maroon is the original color of the bike. Some of the original paint was left under the tail light cover.
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That looks really nice Rick! The pinstripe on the tank will complete the look nicely. Last time I had the tank off, I had used that thick 3M 2 sided tape where it made contact with the frame rails and it seemed to have worked well preventing rubbing/scratching where it made contact.
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That looks really nice Rick! The pinstripe on the tank will complete the look nicely. Last time I had the tank off, I had used that thick 3M 2 sided tape where it made contact with the frame rails and it seemed to have worked well preventing rubbing/scratching where it made contact.
Thanks Paul!
It is easy to see that Simplex was building very economical motorbikes. There are many places where simple improvements could have been made, but would have cost money in parts and labor. These bikes were definitely built to the lowest cost possible.
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That's kind of the enduring quality about them. Just a "basic, bare-bones" motorbike. Although I wish mine still had an original engine, I'm still kind of keeping with the "legacy" by using a really cheap clone engine for power. Maybe Mr. Treen wouldn't be too upset with it? LOL