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Billys T500

Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2015 8:44 am
by 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.


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Re: Billys T500

Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2015 12:28 pm
by simmons1
Looking forward to watching your progress.

Re: Billys T500

Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2015 6:36 pm
by 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:

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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

Re: Billys T500

Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 1:37 am
by Alan H
Welcome to the madhouse Billy.

Re: Billys T500

Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 2:18 am
by billy192
thanks for the replies I don't think my bike will be a show winner

some of the white stuff from the tank.

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Wiring is a bit messed up

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Lump out
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Re: Billys T500

Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 5:31 am
by PHPaul
Apparently, the same genius that "fixed" the wiring on my GT has been at work on your bike too! :shock:

Re: Billys T500

Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 5:34 am
by 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

Re: Billys T500

Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 4:02 pm
by 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.



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off to powder coat

Re: Billys T500

Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 5:09 pm
by 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

Re: Billys T500

Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2015 3:15 am
by billy192
That would be great Geoff, I have tried most obvious things
Billy

Re: Billys T500

Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2015 6:12 am
by 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

Re: Billys T500

Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2015 11:42 am
by billy192
Yes tried Acetone left it for 4 weeks cost me about £35 :cry:
Billy

Re: Billys T500

Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2015 6:42 pm
by 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.

Re: Billys T500

Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2015 11:18 am
by Barry S.
Looks like Kreem tank sealer, try MEK if you can get it.

Re: Billys T500

Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2015 1:30 pm
by billy192
Tried MEK, and the Acetone was in there for weeks. hey ho
i have started on the engine

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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

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

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