Seems like it has been a productive week. For not really having any motivation for working on this thing for the last year or so, it sure has come back to me. I really enjoyed painting the frame. I don't know why, but it always seems like you've really achieved something when you look at a clean painted frame. In my case, all shiny black, light echoing off it in little beams. I think it is because it is the foundation for what your trying to build. And then when you start adding new, cleaned or painted items, it seems that much better. I couldn't wait to put in place the gas tank with a seat, it seems to bring everything together. Many have taken the time to do some inspiring work on here. All I have done is put lipstick on a pig, and called it good. But with that being said, it is still satisfying. I still have a long road ahead of me, but I have learned to take one step at a time, do something, and hope fully do it right so I won't have to come back to it in the future. I think I enjoy doing this more than the actual riding. Because for me, it is really neat to put down in hard format what I have been thinking about. Almost like an artist I suppose, but I would never call myself that. So thanks for all the updates everyone is posting on their builds, I look forward everyday to looking at them and seeing what you all have accomplished. As a human, we all want positive feedback, and we may not all respond, but to see how many people have been looking at my build is enough for me. This is a great site that I escape to every now and then to get away from reality.
Ok, wow, so now that I got all that out of the way, lets get back to some more progress. I've been looking forward to cleaning and painting the engine. As many of you know, it is a 1978 YZ400 2 stroke thumper. It is probably not the fastest engine out there, but I feel it is bulletproof, and that it lends itself to modification without to much hassle. I have a brand new reed valve installed, the carb has been cleaned but not jetted properly yet, and I have decided to actually have someone build me a correct exhaust system. One that will add power at a certain range, rather than a cheap put together one that I would do and have no idea where the power would be made. I want it to be aesthetically pleasing, too. But nothing on this bike is flashy, so it has to be subtle. Paint scheme: dull colors with some stickers. Simple, simple, simple!!
Yesterday I took the time to clean and paint the engine. When I was done, it was just as I hoped. A shiny black piece of American history sitting in front of me. Then my mind started to wander. I could add different colored pieces here and there to compliment it, but I then came back to reality and slapped myself in the face and told myself that is not what I am looking for. The one thing I did do is to take the paint off the edges of the fins. That is all I will do to this engine. Painted bolts and all will stay.
*I'm not sure why, but I cannot add pictures. I'll try again in the future.*
I also wanted to mention that the left front fork was leaking. I ordered new seals for that side and should have that done next week. Then I can put the fork in place, clean the front wheel and have a true roller. When I had the bike running down the street last year, I noticed that it would pull slightly to one side. Like I had to handle it to stay straight. Thinking that the frame may be bent, I closely inspected it and found no damage. The front forks were good also. When I took the triple tree out to paint the frame, I noticed the bearings were sticking a little. After cleaning them and adding new grease, they seem to be much better. I'm hoping that was the issue and it will resolve itself now. Going back to the fork-when I started to tear it apart, I removed the little screw at the bottom to drain the fork oil, and not much came out. Maybe that could lend itself to some of the issue?