I got this a few weeks ago with the intention of painting it, but since it's my first motorized bike :biggrin: and it was in such good shape I decided to keep the finish as is.
I was ready to just go get a new engine and start fresh but Chipper helped convince me to get the Greyhound running again. I took it apart some to clean up what I could while I wait for the rest of the engine parts to get here. Not pictured is the stripped main jet screw in the carburetor that I failed to extract so I ordered a new carb that just showed up today along with a new fuel line & gas tank filter. A metal inline fuel filter & new throttle rod/springs should all be here by Tuesday.
The bad clutch was absolutely rusted on the engine shaft, but some Kroil and 5 min with the engine on its side so the Kroil could creep down allowed it to come off with a few light hammer taps.
The gas tank had rust in it, I used apple cider vinegar and a handful of screws and washers to get it out. After the vinegar I immediately neutralized it with a 4 Tbsp per gallon distilled water/baking soda solution, rinsed with water, dried with compressed air, then rinsed with gasoline.
After disassembling & degreasing the frame I "cut" the finish with Meguiar's Ultimate Compound by hand and waxed it with some old Meguiar's liquid wax I had laying around. Applying compound by hand is strenuous so I was considering using a Mother's PowerBall Mini or PowerCone but determined they wouldn't give the pressure needed to really get into the finish. The last picture is exactly how the bike sits right now. Edit: You can also see the two added washers in the steering stem to eliminate up/down travel.
I'll be sure to take a video when I attempt to start the engine in the next few days.
I was ready to just go get a new engine and start fresh but Chipper helped convince me to get the Greyhound running again. I took it apart some to clean up what I could while I wait for the rest of the engine parts to get here. Not pictured is the stripped main jet screw in the carburetor that I failed to extract so I ordered a new carb that just showed up today along with a new fuel line & gas tank filter. A metal inline fuel filter & new throttle rod/springs should all be here by Tuesday.
The bad clutch was absolutely rusted on the engine shaft, but some Kroil and 5 min with the engine on its side so the Kroil could creep down allowed it to come off with a few light hammer taps.
The gas tank had rust in it, I used apple cider vinegar and a handful of screws and washers to get it out. After the vinegar I immediately neutralized it with a 4 Tbsp per gallon distilled water/baking soda solution, rinsed with water, dried with compressed air, then rinsed with gasoline.
After disassembling & degreasing the frame I "cut" the finish with Meguiar's Ultimate Compound by hand and waxed it with some old Meguiar's liquid wax I had laying around. Applying compound by hand is strenuous so I was considering using a Mother's PowerBall Mini or PowerCone but determined they wouldn't give the pressure needed to really get into the finish. The last picture is exactly how the bike sits right now. Edit: You can also see the two added washers in the steering stem to eliminate up/down travel.
I'll be sure to take a video when I attempt to start the engine in the next few days.
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