What a concept - A Girl Bringing Back Her 1966 Super Hawk

[G-Man]

Sara

I can see the therapeutic effect coming through now. When I started my latest batch of projects I was in a great rush. Then I realised that I was doing to preserve my sanity. After that I just took it easy, learned as many new skills as I could and just started to enjoy it more. Painting is an area where you get so much back from your labor.

Re-spoking wheels is also really nice to do. Lately I have been slowly learning some sheet metal skills. I am actually managing to straighten out some damaged chrome tank panels and hope to get them flat enough for re-chroming.

Bringing old bikes back from the dead is good for the soul....


Enjoy!

G

[sarals]

G, I think you've hit on something, there! It certainly is good for the soul (and for the old bike), and it rekindles a bit of childhood by bringing old memories back to life. To me, there is nothing finer.

[sarals]

I started stripping and prepping the gas tank today. It's certainly tedious, but I don't mind. There are but a few minor dings to fill. Other than that, the outside is in good shape. The inside is, too - very little rust, negligible.

[sarals]

When the tank is well along, I'll tackle the frame. I'll need to remove the front suspension, t-stem, etc. I was thinking of "upgrading" the steering stem bearings to a tapered bearing setup, like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/360647895623?_t ... 97.c0.m619

Does anyone have any opinions about them? Is this a straight forward mod?

[G-Man]

Sara

They are good. Just two things to take note of. a) these are universal sets so there will be some kind of spacer(s) at the bottom that sets the clearance between triple clamp and head stock.

Second is that the taper bearing outer races are very slim and if you ever want to remove them, there is very little meat to apply a drift to in order to knock them out. That said it will probably be 50 years before you need to remove them.... :-)

I can see some specification drift (upwards) creeping into your 'freshen up' project....

G

[cknight]

Hi Sara, G-man is quite correct regarding the spacing. Before you disassemble the stock steering clamps, take measurements from the lower triple clamp to the bottom of the steering head on the frame, and also from the lower triple clamp to the upper triple clamp. When reassembling with the roller bearings, come as close as you can to duplicating these measurements for proper geometry. There are extra shims usually in these kits to achieve this. Be sure you use a lower shim with an outer oil seal (the stock shim and seal may also work) to keep the bearing grease from running down on the front fender (and contaminants from coming in). Keeping the upper to lower clamp distance the same will make things easier when assembling the fork tube covers. Regards, Chase

[sarals]

G and Chase - thanks, guys!