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I envy you, Kat, and Ian for having the time to work on these projects.
Back around 2009 I started a frame up restoration of my ‘77 Honda 750K. Joyce came home from work and freaked out. Seems she had a problem with my priorities and felt that our house, which had a gutted master bathroom, no flooring (cement slab exposed), a deteriorating kitchen, leaking roof, rooms without drywall and open framing, and other deficiencies should have priority. So ever since I have been remodeling the house instead… major work In every single room. Good news is the house will be finished this year and I get to return to my Honda, which I bought new in 1977.
Regarding engines. When I was ready to remove the engine from the frame, so I could have the frame and other pieces powdered coated, I could remove the engine by myself because it weighs over 200 pounds. The manual says to remove the mounting brackets and pull the engine out the side, which requires special tools and muscle power. What to do?
After a couple days of thought, the answer popped into my head — remove the brackets, lay the assembly on its side and remove the frame, leaving the engine on the floor laying on its side. Took 5 minutes.
A while later I was talking to Craig Vetter about getting some parts for my Vetter Windjammer fairing, Vetter saddle bags and tail trunk. Vetter sold his company in the early ‘70s to a venture capital company and as often happens the company failed and disappeared under new ownership. Telling him what I had done so far, his first question was, “How did you get the engine out?” When I explained, he told me that when he visited the Honda factory back then, the engines came out on the assembly line on their sides, the frames were placed on top of the engine, bolted on, the assemble turned upright, mounting brackets installed on the other side — just the opposite procedure of my removal. However the service manual instructs the way I mentioned earlier. Be thankful for you 90 lb engine :)
I’ll start another and stop hijacking your’s Ken.
Nick,
Not all done by me, but still dozens of hours of my labor, since June:* New HVAC
* New interior doors
* New carpet
* New above stove microwave and fridge
* interior paint
*soffits painted
Before that new flooring throughout the downstairs including tile in kitchen. Remodeled 1/2 bath.
Other than a backpacking trip I took with Doug the first week of July, that sent me to the ER with a bug imbedded in my ear, involved the most god awful bushwhacking I’ve ever done backpacking or in the military, and was my closest encounter with a rattlesnake, I’ve only enjoyed one day off for R&R this summer.
Suffice to say that once things get buttoned up this month, I’m done with large projects for a while.
another solution – buy new house : )
“After a couple days of thought, the answer popped into my head …”
That’s what I like about projects. Coming up with solutions to problems after thinking about it for a while.
Actually, that’s what I used to get paid for
How’s the Vespa coming along? On the road yet?
Just got a few more parts yesterday. With only one day free to work on it a week progress has been a bit slower than I hoped. But the end is in sight. Going to try to get an hour or so in this afternoon. Will post some more photos.
Productive few hours today
nice, piece of cardboard on floor to catch oil drips
Looking, and sounding, good!
Nice work Ken. Does this mean you can now ride it after the tire is remounted?
Ian. The tire is just out of view. I need to set the timing and check the brake adjustment and it is done mechanically. Just a couple little jobs left to do. Getting dark so early cuts into my time. I work till three today so should get at least an hour in later
Good deal Ken. I feel your pain with the daylight. I bought some LED work lights this week so I can work past 430 pm.
Looking forward to seeing the final project
“I need to set the timing”
Engine sounded just a bit rough, like it needs timing adjusted
All the current adjustments were a guess Jerry. Kinda surprised it actually ran as well as it does
Yeah, it sounds good.
Oh the bureaucracy. Went to my DMV appointment today. The Vespa has been out of the system long enough to warrant a vin verification inspection by the CHP. First available appointment?, April 30th. Over a three month backlog. Dissatisfied, disappointed, denied. Geez.
Sorry Ken. That really sucks
Well at least the good riding weather will be then too. You’d think they wouldn’t want such a backlog. Not like they’re going to run out of work.
Maybe they’re not thinking about managing backlog. If it takes three months so what? Not a lot of customer focus.
Still. A great example of our tax dollars at work
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