PAGE #1
TIP #1
Spring Washers/Lock Washers
How often have you seen somebody take apart an assembly and put it together. And then, when this item is being used it starts to shake apart. E.g.: engine mounted to the minibike frame. Your riding and all of a sudden the engine is getting loose. You stop and look at it and you find you only have 3 bolts and nuts holding the engine to the frame. Lock washers weren't put on most probably. For your own safety always include lock washers for projects. There so cheap at the hardware store.
TIP #2
TIRES
When a minibike has been stored out in the shed usually the tires look dull . So why not bring a little color back?
With my minibike being in the shed for 25 years believe me my tires were really dull. So looking around my garage I found some old black shoe polish. Well, I applied the shoe polish just like you would on a pair of shoes and buff the tire after. Amazing the tires looked much better. I don't recommend doing the thread only if you want to leave tire tracks on the street for someone to follow you home.
TIP #3
MAKING PARTS
Usually when we restore old minibikes some parts are missing. If your lucky you may be able to find a supplier to order your parts or they are so expensive you wonder if you should make them. But before you attempt to make your own parts be sure you have all the tools to begin with. The second step is to have a part to copy from. If not you will have to come up with a drawing. A drawing? Where do I get that from. Answer . You make one. How? Well the first thing is to know what part you want to make. Once you know, then the easiest method to make a drawing is to make a model. A model? This sounds a little complicated. Not really. Models can be made out of card board or wood which isn't very hard to work with. If it's a sheet metal part use card board. Layout the shape on it and then cut it out. If the part has holes cut the holes out as well. Once you have finished, mount it on the mating part to see if its correct. If not, you could trim it while mounted. If your satisfied, you can measure what you have and make a good part drawing on paper (scale 1:1). Now if you got to this step, make yourself a copy of the drawing. Cut out the shape and glue directly on to the sheet metal. Now you will be able to cut the part out just by following your drawing. Drill your holes first, then cut the shape and bend if necessary. Remember to remove all burrs so you have no sharp edges. Mount on the mating part, if satisfied prime and paint. One thing to remember be patient, work safely and most of all don't rush because you might make mistakes.
TIP #4
MAKE THE MUFFLER LOOK GOOD
Restoring the muffler is not a very hard task. If the muffler is slightly rusted with no holes your in luck. If not buy a new muffler. On my minibike I had to make a new manifold and add pipe to extend it so it wouldn't burn my leg. But when I finished it didn't look so good since it was raw steel. So off to the hardware store I discovered paint. Paint you say? Yup! Paint. I'm not saying regular paint you would use for metal or wood projects. B.B.Q. paint. This paint is resistant to heat (good up to 1000°F), nonflammable, and virtually non toxic. It is also self priming. Before you start painting, sand all rusted areas so it is smooth. Then clean it off well. Apply the paint. This paint dries quickly so read the instructions if you need a second coat. When spray painting, I recommend that you do this outside on a windless day. This stuff smells and I don't think you would like to have a nasty conversation with your neighbor. Unfortunately it comes only in one color (black), but it is a lot cheaper than chroming and the part has to be perfect or it will show all the imperfections.
UP-DATE
I have just lernt from one of my friends that there may be a better paint to use on your muffler. It's made by VHT ... it's called Brake Caliper, Drum & Rotor
900 F / 490 C Temp ... Chemical Resistant ..... corrosion Resistant
Part # SP-734 Gloss Black ( I think it comes in other colors too)
He used it on his Rokon muffler and has so far been able to handle the heat.
Check out the picture below.
