Billys T500

[billy192]

Hi My name is Billy and I live in Gloucester UK. I am working my way through a restore the aim is to get it back to resemble when it left the factory in 1975, well trying to.
Ok so I bought this over a year ago. Its missing a few bits like wrong handle bars front reflectors, steering damper, grab rail and it has a 130 rear tyre which rubs the swing arm all the chrome has been painted silver, badly. Also some nasty rattle can red paint on the tank and panels. The tank was treated with I think a substance called Kreem ?? (old post on here) this was an inch deep at the bottom and falling apart on the sides.

[simmons1]

Looking forward to watching your progress.

[Zunspec4]

Hello Billy,

That's a nice project you have there. A fellow Glouc's Suzuki maestro (Paul Cann) just won Best in Show at Stafford with a T305 so you are in good company:



Both he and myself get a lot of work done at Reality Motorworks in Bristol. Worth a shout for a bunch of restoration services.

Cheers Geoff

[Alan H]

Welcome to the madhouse Billy.

[billy192]

thanks for the replies I don't think my bike will be a show winner

some of the white stuff from the tank.



Wiring is a bit messed up









Lump out

[PHPaul]

Apparently, the same genius that "fixed" the wiring on my GT has been at work on your bike too!

[Zunspec4]

You have a pretty good basis for a sound machine Billy, my 500 was in a rather more shabby state when I got it. The hard to find mudguards look good and can be re-chromed (although chroming is pretty expensive these days). There are good ethanol resistant tank sealers these days but if you are stripping the tank for paint that would be the time to make any repairs (welding the leaks etc.).

Cheers Geoff

[billy192]

Thanks Geoff what can I use to remove the old stuff in the tank? I have tried Acetone but did not budge.

I have striped the bike and sent the frame to powder coat and split all the chrome work into three batches.



Frame




off to powder coat

[Zunspec4]

Hi Billy,

I have never had the need to strip old tank sealant, but, I know a man who will probably have the answer. I'll ask him next time I see him and get back to you.

Cheers Geoff

[billy192]

That would be great Geoff, I have tried most obvious things
Billy

[Zunspec4]

Acetone has been advised, have you tried that yet?. Followed by Caswell's tank sealant which is ethanol resistant (can't say "ethanol proof" as nothing is perfect).

Cheers Geoff

[billy192]

Yes tried Acetone left it for 4 weeks cost me about £35
Billy

[Warehouse1001]

I have had success with Acetone...Takes some time to work however. My painter has also used paint gun cleaner very effectively. As for tank sealers, Caswell is the only one I trust.

[Barry S.]

Looks like Kreem tank sealer, try MEK if you can get it.

[billy192]

Tried MEK, and the Acetone was in there for weeks. hey ho
i have started on the engine



thought i would do some tests, compression was 135 and 140 the did a leak down to check the seals so block off exhaust and intake and pump up to 4.5 psi





stayed there for 3-4 mins so i presume the seals are fine so off with the heads and jugs re-bore to +1