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1976 Tracker Build
- Thread starter jsmith1107
- Start date
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- Tags
- tracker
jsmith1107
XS650 Addict
jsmith1107
XS650 Addict
Nailbomb
Central New York XS650
You have definitely been busy with the buffing wheel. What wheel and compound setup are you using?
jsmith1107
XS650 Addict
So, this is the machine I use. I bought this when I decided that I was really going to get into doing this. I use 10 inch wheels and use Tripoli on the initial breakdown and cutting of the layer on these parts. Before that, however, I have to sand out any imperfections or gouges using different levels of wet/dry sandpaper. For the shaving of these forks, I cut them off with a cut off wheel attached to my grinder and then ground them down using a flap wheel. Once they are level, I used 220, 500, 800, 1200, and 2000 grit wet sandpaper and then I used the Tripoli. After I get them shined up, I put the final touch on by using white rouge.
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Wow, that's a lot of sanding, lol. I don't sand too much anymore. I've switched over to using medium, fine, and extra fine 2" Roloc discs in a die grinder. The medium makes short work of removing heavy scratches and gouges, also the casting lines on the fork bottoms and caliper mounts. The fine gets heavy corrosion off, the extra fine just smooths everything more and readies it for buffing. I start my buffing with the coarse black emery compound. Even when I did sand, I usually never went down further than 400 paper. The black emery would remove the scratches left by that.
racerdave
^ Gone not forgotten ^
Last i heard Mr Henry had gotten into a bad dirt track accident and was eventually moved into some rehab? Has he recovered? Did you get the wheel kit recently or had it for a while?
jsmith1107
XS650 Addict
Actually, from what I have heard he still is in rough shape. I purchased this a year and a half ago.
racerdave
^ Gone not forgotten ^
Thats too bad. I talked with him once about buying one of his adapters. He came across as a very nice and smart guy.
jsmith1107
XS650 Addict
The funny part is I ran across a guy on a Facebook site for XS650 owners and he asked about the conversion part and I told him I bought it from Jim Henry. I guess he knew Jim and this guy was selling a bunch of conversion units that Jim had made.
jsmith1107
XS650 Addict
jsmith1107
XS650 Addict
I have one of Jim's kits as well. Omar wasn't making them and I got a kit sent out to me right before his wreck. "Lucky" for me I guess? But you're absolutely correct: he was a very nice guy!!
Nice job on the polishing
Nice job on the polishing
jsmith1107
XS650 Addict
thank you--
jsmith1107
XS650 Addict
jsmith1107
XS650 Addict
Little bit of work done again last night--not enough but getting some things put together finally. I have the engine at TDC and the cam mark on the top as it should be. I also have the front forks put on the frame as well as the back Progressive shocks in place.
I know, I have two things going on at once---would like to focus on one thing but I need to see progress so I had to get those forks on!
I know, I have two things going on at once---would like to focus on one thing but I need to see progress so I had to get those forks on!
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jsmith1107
XS650 Addict
Worked a lot this weekend on the bike. Making good progress. Was able to get her up on her legs---the front and back 19" wheel stance is awesome--I really like the look. Putting it together was really easy with the Jim Henry kit--all the spacers were there and it was a no brainer, even with the conversion to a back disc brake from the drum I started with. I couldn't wait any longer to see it so I put the tank and back seat part on just to see what it is finally going to look like when completed and I like the color combo. I am thinking of getting a short front fender to go over the Hugh's fork brace---not because of the look but because of dirt and water potentially flying up in my face with the lack of one.
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jsmith1107
XS650 Addict
jsmith1107
XS650 Addict
In the above post I said the engine was ready to install into the frame. I am looking to get rid of the electric start.
I have looked at many posts and really want to make sure I am on track---as you can see in the pics, the spot where the gears all go for the electric start are gone---is that correct?
I have looked at many posts and really want to make sure I am on track---as you can see in the pics, the spot where the gears all go for the electric start are gone---is that correct?
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The front mudguard is a good idea, and I think you paint job looks fantastic despite the obvious green connotations.
Re Starter gear removal, the electric start reduction and transfer gears are removed in the first picture. In the second picture the most obvious feature is that the kick start mechanism is removed.
That's ok, but you will have to bump it or use rollers to start, which is a total pain and in my opinion not worth the weight reduction benefit.
On my tracker I removed the electric start, if I was doing it again I would retain the electric start and remove the kick mechanism. (I am not 18 anymore)
Lithium batteries are small, light and sealed and have changed the game for me.
Re Starter gear removal, the electric start reduction and transfer gears are removed in the first picture. In the second picture the most obvious feature is that the kick start mechanism is removed.
That's ok, but you will have to bump it or use rollers to start, which is a total pain and in my opinion not worth the weight reduction benefit.
On my tracker I removed the electric start, if I was doing it again I would retain the electric start and remove the kick mechanism. (I am not 18 anymore)
Lithium batteries are small, light and sealed and have changed the game for me.
