Hello Everyone

Hello everyone, I never did introduce myself.
I'm a 49 year old construction equipment mechanic. Who has'nt riden a motorcycle since I was 18. My dad, an old wheeler dealer called me a few months ago and ask me if I was interested in a bike he just bought. After asking a few things about it, I said what the heck I had been thinking about it for quite some time anyway. So he loaded it in the back of a van in Ohio and delivered it to me here in North Carolina in October. Since then I have repainted my fuel tank with spray cans following the instructions in the xjcd, which I purchased first thing. A couple pics can be seen here. http://www.slygrin.net/xjpics/html/rblankenship_2.html
I can't beleive how well it turned out, I was really pleased.
Next I removed and rebuilt my carbs. I've purchased the carb sticks, colortune plug, and I'm waiting for my YICS tool to be fabricated and I'll be ready for my carb sync. I've adjusted the valves, sand blasted and repainted my valve cover while it was off. I have had it running since the build, and it sounds better than before I started on them. Can't wait to get them tuned in right.
Removed sand blasted engine side covers, sanded and polished. Removed the center stand and kick stand, blasted and painted.
This weekend I removed the front wheel for new bearings and seals. Since I was already there I removed the forks for new seals. Took them to work with me today and made a tool for fork separation.
Disassembled and cleaned, gotta find new seals tomorrow. Well that's where I stand with my winter project. Enough rambling anyway.
Can't believe I went on this long.
I'm generally not this talkitive, I don't type very fast.
I'm sure I'll get more good information on this site to help me along my journey. And who knows someday I might even get to ride the thing.
By the way it's a 82 xj650j Maxim.

Richard B.

 

Tank looks great, 8O hard to believe that it was done with cans. I might have to reconsider having mine sprayed at a bodyshop. I'm still a litttle ways away from that stage of my restoration. My 750 Seca is factory red paint right now, the top of the tank and the top of the front fender is oxidized and faded. Before I paint though, I think I'm going to try a new product called "Intimidator". It is offered for sale at my local Kenworth Truck dealership in Omaha. They claim it removes oxidation from paint, aluminum and chrome. And it does so without a buffer, just wipe it on and wipe it off. (wax on, wax off, Danielson) :wink: I figure if they recomend the stuff to be used on a $100,000+ Tractor/Trailer, it ought to be good enough for my $365 bike. I'm hoping to get the bike running good this winter and making it look real good next winter.

 

That is one nice looking bike. Looks like someone spent quit a bit of time with polish.

 

Hey guys thanks for the compliments.
I'll post some pics in the gallery as soon as I take some more. Have my forks off right now, installing new seals.

Richard B.

 

Hi jd,
Quite a glossy finish you've got there. Hard to believe it's out of a rattle can...very nice work! You're providing me with motivation to do my own tank...afraid the product mentioned won't help all the dinks from the PO but what the heck...new color, new paint and he'll look near new.
Please do continue to share with us the pics and progress - I don't post much but read and learn from y'all everyday.
Many thanks!