Post by danboy42 on Sept 1, 2015 16:58:50 GMT
Just joined the Forum and wanted to say, Hello. Bought a lovely 250N seven years ago. It got me back into riding after a break of 20-odd years. I'd always hankered after one as a teen (like so many!) and it didn't disappoint. Lots of nods, smiles and comments as I used it as my daily commute in London.
But... and it's a big 'but'.
Instead of leaving well alone and riding the thing, I decided to fix a couple of niggly leaks and squeaks. You know the story. Fast forward seven years and it's still in bits. Not quite a full strip down, but whole top end came off, almost down to the frame etc. I didn't even have a garage. I was doing it all in my very small front yard.
Any-ooh, am now out of London and have a garage. Time to get started.
Managed to keep it stored indoors, so it's all in good nick, but I foolishly got the barrels, rocker cover and engine side casings blasted. They look super-new (in that horrible dead grey) but the rest of the bike has its lovely original patina. At the time, I'd convinced myself I was going to do a full resto, but I regret that. I like the tidy, but lived in look.
Have decided to look out for casings/top end on eBay (plenty out there) and give them a bit of elbow grease instead. Just wondered if anyone had any suggestions for getting that right aged-but-looking-good finish. Do I just give them some serious Solvol or do I need to get lacquer involved too?
As I say, not looking for coucours finish. Just something that's as nice as the rest of the bike.
Many thanks.
PS - great to see a SD forum!! I'm sure loads of you have said this, but it's a much-maligned classic. Always annoys me when you see the list of great bike and it's not in there.
But... and it's a big 'but'.
Instead of leaving well alone and riding the thing, I decided to fix a couple of niggly leaks and squeaks. You know the story. Fast forward seven years and it's still in bits. Not quite a full strip down, but whole top end came off, almost down to the frame etc. I didn't even have a garage. I was doing it all in my very small front yard.
Any-ooh, am now out of London and have a garage. Time to get started.
Managed to keep it stored indoors, so it's all in good nick, but I foolishly got the barrels, rocker cover and engine side casings blasted. They look super-new (in that horrible dead grey) but the rest of the bike has its lovely original patina. At the time, I'd convinced myself I was going to do a full resto, but I regret that. I like the tidy, but lived in look.
Have decided to look out for casings/top end on eBay (plenty out there) and give them a bit of elbow grease instead. Just wondered if anyone had any suggestions for getting that right aged-but-looking-good finish. Do I just give them some serious Solvol or do I need to get lacquer involved too?
As I say, not looking for coucours finish. Just something that's as nice as the rest of the bike.
Many thanks.
PS - great to see a SD forum!! I'm sure loads of you have said this, but it's a much-maligned classic. Always annoys me when you see the list of great bike and it's not in there.
, mine has a 36 years old used & not restored look 
