Anyone know of a place that does Motorcycle restorations?

[vontar]

Question, does anyone know if there a place kinda like Rick Dale's http://www.ricksrestorations.com/ much closer to East TN?

 

For those that are curious, I have a 250 1986 Rebel I would like some day to have restored.

 

 

I know it would cost more then it is worth, but this bike does have sentimental value to me.  Got it when I turned 14, made my license on it when I was 16.

 

Long story about what happened to it, I used to keep it up, but then I went away for College for 4 years, it was neglected during such, after college I didn't have time or money to work with it.

 

A full years ago, I did get it started and rode it a few times but it needed work and has been under my carport since.  Trust me under my car port has been better then before I got it here.

 

I have a new seat and Gas Tank for it.  Going to try to get it restarted as the weather gets better.

 

I know the motor isn't locked and I suspect I will get it started this spring as the weather gets nicer.  Beyond that I don't know.  Last time I rode it, I had some trouble shifting gears which it had not had before.  Something felt stuck.

 

If I get it running,  Next will probably be a set of rims/tires  (Tires for sure),

 

I know it is going to need other things, already got a new gas tank as I suspect the one I have won't be useable which is very sad.  Also got new seat as the ones was going to need to be recovered and got a good deal on one at ebay when I got the tank.

Edited January 26, 2015 by vontar

[10-Ring]

I know a guy here in East Tennessee that does custom builds out of old junkers.  It's side work for him.  I'll see if he's interested in taking on another project.  I will vouch that his work is top notch. 

[peejman]

I can't think of a restorer specifically, but I can think of several people who I'd ask for recommendations...

 

Ask Francois or Megan at DST....  http://webstore.dualsporttouring.com/   865-995-9505

 

Ralph at Somethin' Extra Cycles...   https://www.facebook.com/pages/Somethin-Extra-Cycles/146120695432482   (865) 687-3884 

 

Bryan at Willis Cycle Works....  http://williscycleworks.com/   865-249-7601

[TripleGGG]

+1 Bryan at Willis Cycle

[gregintenn]

http://www.cyclemos.com/#!__index/restoration,-repair-&-maintenance

Maybe a bit far west for you, but Cyclemos in Red Boiling Springs, TN does restorations. Their museum is worth a visit while you're there. At least pick up a copy of their Crash Brown DVD. He was a local celebrity and a heck of a bad example.

[Good_Steward]

http://speeddeluxe.com

Soddy Daisy. Owner is a British guy with an awesome touch.

[DaveTN]

Motorcycles are pretty easy to work on. Why not make a “project” out of it? Maybe have someone go through the motor and rebuild the carb if you don’t feel comfortable doing that. Then buy the shop manuals and do the rest yourself.

[Tncobra]

I ditto doing it yourself. Farm out the engine if it doesn't run. I wouldn't start it until I went through the carb. Unless the carb was run dry the jets are clogged and the bowl is full of sludge that will clogg the jets, needle and seat need cleaned/replaced too.

I do one or two restores a year for myself until I retire from my current job. I would certinally try to help you through the hard stuff if needed. I have several motorcycle jacks and you are more than welcome to use one forever.

I'm doing a 79 CBX1000z right now, hope to run it at bonniville next year.

[Fourtyfive]

http://speeddeluxe.com

Soddy Daisy. Owner is a British guy with an awesome touch.

Checked that out , sweet Triumphs ....

[vontar]

Some good suggestions here, plus a couple good PMs.

 

I do plan to get the engine running myself.  However I do suspect the carb will need a rebuilt,  at least it only has 1.

 

I am going to attempt to get it started myself, last I had it running, I had just had the carb rebuilt, then of course didn't have the time or money to do anything else with it.

So it will probably need a rebuild again just because of age and sitting.  Assuming the carb is still OK, I don't believe I will have much issue with getting it started.

 

I will probably have to farm out some help on some things as I am not a very mechanical but can do some of it.  As the weather gets better I am going to get started on it.

Edited January 27, 2015 by vontar

[Tncobra]

Take the plug out and soak the cylinder with WD or something for a few days before turning it over. Turn it over with the plug out, in gear, turning the back wheel.

 

Clean out the fuel bowl, make sure the jets aren't clogged. Clean the needle and seat and check the float level. 

 

Change oil, then change it again after a good hot cycle.

 

If your old tank just has light rust I use a liquid like Metal Rescue. Metal Rescue is a water based liquid you fill the tank with and let it set a day, dump it back out through a coffee filter and reuse the liquid on whatever. 

 

Home Depot has their own brand as do others im sure. 

Edited January 27, 2015 by Tncobra