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OK, this title may get the prize for "most vague in class"--my apologies in advance. Saga is meant to convey that this will likely be an ongoing onslaught of questions over the coming weeks.
So, my '79 Special was recently damaged somehow, and I've written about that elsewhere. I'm writing this post to ask about some general repair questions that may help me get it up and running again.
1. The left headlight mount was bent quite a bit. I was able to rectify it somewhat, but it's still bent, and the light aims left. Ideas for how to fix (better ways to bend it), or where to find a new mount if that's the preferred route. If Ebay, telling me what exactly that mount is called would be good. The mount is soldered to a cylindrical piece that slides freely around the top of the fork. If there is an easy way to remove it to slide the new one one, that would be good to know as well.
2. The semi-spherical case that the lamp fits in (and in which the wiring resides) was also bent. I mostly fixed that, but the lamp doesn't seem be seated quite right. Maybe I should be looking for damage to that metal assembly that surrounds the lamp?
3. The bolt from the highway pegs punctured the cover to the ignition timing assembly. I've currently filled the hole with silicone, and the venerable James England has very generously sent me a replacement cover. I mention the cover in case it's relevant to mechanical problems down the road.
4. The cable from the front wheel to the speedometer-tachometer console got yanked out of the console (at the handlebars). I've made a quick fix, but I'm not sure it's working properly. Help here is appreciated, but I'll post a more detailed description of the problem as it becomes more clear.
5. Somehow, I think the steering is misaligned. I don't what this is yet. Either the wheel and forks are off rotational alignment with the bike's direction of travel, or the forks were twisted in some way (torsional misalignment within the fork). I'm hoping for the former. The left side of the handlebar might be slightly bent (not sure yet). I'll check soon to see if the brakes are dragging, or if there is any more info I can provide to characterize/diagnose the problem.
6. Minor scratches to the front left turn signal, the left handlebar tip, the clutch lever, etc. Unfortunate, but no egregious cosmetic damage.
7. The engine is idling the same as before, but easing the clutch in can kill it, and didn't use to. Acceleration is patchy. Not sure if this is due to impact with the ground, or if a cable got yanked, or what. Any thoughts, or things to check to make my description more helpful to you all, are welcome.
More things may reveal themselves as the investigation proceeds. The insurance assessor will be coming in the next few days, (perhaps) followed by a trip to the mechanic to get an estimate. Apart from wanting to be able to fix these problems myself if it comes to it, I'd like to be as knowledgeable as possible to avoid being "had".
Thanks so much,
Mendizale
So, my '79 Special was recently damaged somehow, and I've written about that elsewhere. I'm writing this post to ask about some general repair questions that may help me get it up and running again.
1. The left headlight mount was bent quite a bit. I was able to rectify it somewhat, but it's still bent, and the light aims left. Ideas for how to fix (better ways to bend it), or where to find a new mount if that's the preferred route. If Ebay, telling me what exactly that mount is called would be good. The mount is soldered to a cylindrical piece that slides freely around the top of the fork. If there is an easy way to remove it to slide the new one one, that would be good to know as well.
2. The semi-spherical case that the lamp fits in (and in which the wiring resides) was also bent. I mostly fixed that, but the lamp doesn't seem be seated quite right. Maybe I should be looking for damage to that metal assembly that surrounds the lamp?
3. The bolt from the highway pegs punctured the cover to the ignition timing assembly. I've currently filled the hole with silicone, and the venerable James England has very generously sent me a replacement cover. I mention the cover in case it's relevant to mechanical problems down the road.
4. The cable from the front wheel to the speedometer-tachometer console got yanked out of the console (at the handlebars). I've made a quick fix, but I'm not sure it's working properly. Help here is appreciated, but I'll post a more detailed description of the problem as it becomes more clear.
5. Somehow, I think the steering is misaligned. I don't what this is yet. Either the wheel and forks are off rotational alignment with the bike's direction of travel, or the forks were twisted in some way (torsional misalignment within the fork). I'm hoping for the former. The left side of the handlebar might be slightly bent (not sure yet). I'll check soon to see if the brakes are dragging, or if there is any more info I can provide to characterize/diagnose the problem.
6. Minor scratches to the front left turn signal, the left handlebar tip, the clutch lever, etc. Unfortunate, but no egregious cosmetic damage.
7. The engine is idling the same as before, but easing the clutch in can kill it, and didn't use to. Acceleration is patchy. Not sure if this is due to impact with the ground, or if a cable got yanked, or what. Any thoughts, or things to check to make my description more helpful to you all, are welcome.
More things may reveal themselves as the investigation proceeds. The insurance assessor will be coming in the next few days, (perhaps) followed by a trip to the mechanic to get an estimate. Apart from wanting to be able to fix these problems myself if it comes to it, I'd like to be as knowledgeable as possible to avoid being "had".
Thanks so much,
Mendizale
). These bikes are at the time in their lives where DIY is the only method that usually doesn't end up costing more than they're worth...
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