Swap meet find- 67 Scrambler restore

OldStan · Post by **OldStan** » Sun May 17, 2015 10:38 pm

Took it for as ride, ran like a charm. I did find two more blown bulbs, the instrument light and neutral light. Apparently a disconnected battery ground will let the voltage go wild.

OldStan · Post by **OldStan** » Sun Mar 06, 2016 7:57 pm

Since my last post, everything is working well. Had a hard clutch, but a good lube job on the cable cured it.

The alternator cover has had a hole in it repaired with JB weld for some time. The original cover had a large hole and I'd picked up several used ones in somewhat better condition, but still damaged. I had some time this weekend (due to much needed rain) and decided to try my hand at repairing them with Alumiweld from Harbor Freight.

The first cover had a crack at the bottom, was pretty bent up in that area, and a deep gouge on the other side. Unfortunately I didn't take a before picture.

the second cover was the one that came with the bike. It had a large hole, so I cut a piece out of a donor and welded it in.

The third was the one I was using with the JB weld in the hole. I removed all the JB weld and filled the hole with Alumiweld as well as repairing the damage area nearby.

What I learned in doing this- Preheating can help. I also mounted the part on a piece of sheet metal clamped off the side of a bench and found that worked since there wasn't much heat lost due to a heat sink that way. The type of propane torch makes a difference. I had one that fanned out the flame and it was hard to control the heat. The one that worked best had a central flame point that was larger than the surrounding flame points. This made it easier to control the heat an a spot. After some practice i was able to pinpoint where the material was melting. I also used a stainless steel dentist tool with a hook on the end to spread the material when it was molten.

The biggest drawback to using Alumiweld on these is that when finished there is a difference in the color of the repaired areas. It's not a huge difference, but since this is a polished piece it is noticeable. With the main repairs being on the bottom it's not to glaringly obvious. Hopefully as the material ages it will blend in better.

Steverino · Post by **Steverino** » Mon Mar 07, 2016 10:57 am

Nice work Stan. Now I must learn about this aluminum weld.

G-Man · Post by **G-Man** » Mon Mar 07, 2016 12:05 pm

Lovely work. Isn't it a satisfying feeling when you can restore junk to a thing of beauty! Color matches pretty well IMHO......

G

OldStan · Post by **OldStan** » Mon Mar 07, 2016 8:34 pm

Thanks for the comments guys. The material seems to form a pretty solid bond with the aluminum and when filing seems to be as hard or harder than the original material. Yes it is satisfying, especially when you look at the prices on NOS and good used (if you can find one.) I think I have some extra valve covers that have chewed up heads, I may try repairing them, that is if I can remember where I put them.

G-Man · Post by **G-Man** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 2:23 am

OldStan

That's the bigger problem. Trying to remember where you put the stuff..... :-)

G

OldStan wrote:Thanks for the comments guys. The material seems to form a pretty solid bond with the aluminum and when filing seems to be as hard or harder than the original material. Yes it is satisfying, especially when you look at the prices on NOS and good used (if you can find one.) I think I have some extra valve covers that have chewed up heads, I may try repairing them, that is if I can remember where I put them.

sixtiescycle · Post by **sixtiescycle** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 12:23 pm

G-Man wrote:OldStan

That's the bigger problem. Trying to remember where you put the stuff..... :-)

G

LOL, I usually give up and find it later when I'm not looking for it! :-)