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Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2015 5:39 pm
by sarals
Yes, I'm chatty!
I had a whale of a time restoring my old bike. One of the wonderful benefits of doing it was all of the great friends I made here. :)
I used to get very frustrated watching my dad try to "fix" things. I could often plainly see what was going on, and would correct him. I also used to sneak off with my brother's Erector Set and make stuff. Sometimes they'd let me help, often they wouldn't. Fun! My mom would encourage me to "do it myself", and my dad always said I had "good hands". I took that as approval, so jumping into to various mechanical escapades was less daunting to me than to other gals, I suppose.
As for having you on here - YAY!!!
Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2015 5:58 pm
by G-Man
Dianne
I took a look at your web site. The traction engine is an amazing piece of work and I love the Oliver restoration. I enjoy mending the Un-mendable.
Sara's thread was very enjoyable to follow. Maybe you will encourage her to do another. :-)
Great to have you here.
G
Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2015 5:54 pm
by sarals
G-Man wrote:Dianne
I took a look at your web site. The traction engine is an amazing piece of work and I love the Oliver restoration. I enjoy mending the Un-mendable.
Sara's thread was very enjoyable to follow. Maybe you will encourage her to do another. :-)
Great to have you here.
G
Graham, I am open to finding an old Honda (preferably from my youth) that I can rejuvenate. My eyes are open!
Dianne, I agree with Graham on the traction engine and the Oliver. Holy Hannah! Those were incredible jobs you did.
Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2015 6:11 pm
by DianneB
Thank you for the compliment! The traction engine is on it's way to California in 10 days - the proceeds will undoubtedly end up in a motorcycle LOL!
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 3:18 am
by G-Man
Dianne
That could be a quite expensive motorcycle..... A Brough or a Vincent, maybe .. :-)
G
DianneB wrote:Thank you for the compliment! The traction engine is on it's way to California in 10 days - the proceeds will undoubtedly end up in a motorcycle LOL!
Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2015 3:17 am
by DianneB
Time has been kind of short with getting the equipment ready to go to California, cutting grass, and other household duties, but with the ignition switch working I spent a day or two checking out the ignition system.
It turns out that my points are NFG. Even after using fine emery paper and contact cleaner they just don't make electrical contact 80% of the time. The contact surfaces are dark grey! Don't know what happened to them but it looks like they were etched! Trying to find replacements locally to avoid the delays of buying online.
Using a jumper in place of the points I get a good strong spark on both plugs so that part is good to go.
I am not happy with the 6-position ignition switch - the key can be removed in all 6 positions (instead of just the two positions where the key is SUPPOSED to come out). Can't ride with the key in - it will just fall out! - and I don't want to ride without a quick way to kill the engine so I may replace the 6-position ignition switch with a universal 3-position switch and throw the 6-position switch in the box of parts for some future restorer. No way I am paying over $200 US for a NOS switch!!!
I found after-market mufflers at a good price ($170 pair) and a solo seat that looks pretty good for $150. I will order both next week.
The carb overhaul kit and the fuel petcock repair parts came in so they need to be installed next week.
Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2015 5:34 am
by brewsky
Interesting projects!
Best I can remember, the pins in the switch are 3 piece.
I was able to switch them to get another key to work, but it will come out in any position!
Will be interested in seeing your wiring diagram for the universal 3 position ignition switch.