I've been thinking about this for a while now. I guess the next logical step is to think about getting the engine running since it would be a great boost to the project. I know that some point in the future I will need to do some welding to the chassis and this could have an impact on what I do next.
To run the engine I will not only need to sort the electrics, hopefully not too difficult, but also put fuel in the tank. Here lies the problem. I don't fancy welding when there has been fuel about. I know that its contained but I also know that welding produces a lot of sparks and I don't fancy the two coming together.
I know I should have done any welding before I started refitting the engine. My excuse is that I was so impressed with the paint finish I overlooked the fact that there were bits missing. I have accepted that I will end up with the reworked areas touched up to prevent it looking too much of a mess. I now realise that I will have to strip the scooter once it's completed if I want to make a good finish of the paint and chrome. I tell myself that this phase will be a doddle compared with getting it to that stage, I hope I'm right.
The bits of welding I have in mind are the fixing lugs that secure the side panel sealing strips to the body and the battery carrier.
This is the fixing point at the off side rear of the scooter, just below the panel latch fixing. The dealing strip is at the top of the picture.
The securing finger has been broken off, probably because it had rusted through. I will have to weld a short length to what is remaining. It will have to be long enough to bend round the edge of the sealing strip. There is not much of a flange to the sealing strip so there only needs to be sufficient to trap the flange and yet not wrap too far round to become involved with the side panel.
There are four securing points in total, two at the back and two at the front. These secure the ends of the sealing strip, the rest of the length is held in position by the shape of the strip.
This is the front securing point. All four points are similar to this and will require a section welded.
This is the battery carrier. Again I guess it was in a rough state either due to battery acid or rust and so the securing parts have been removed.
I don't think I will go to the expense of fitting a batterysince they were only used to provide power for the parking lights. It would be nice to have the parts fitted, just in case I change my mind.
This is a section taken from the parts list showing the battery assembly. This gives the impression that the support tray is a piece part where as mine is welded to the frame. I can see where the two arms have been cut off, and I do have item 14 - the felt for the battery only mine is rubber!
Whilst I know I can replicate the parts required to secure the battery I have no idea of the size. Another little challenge I think.
During the welding process it will be necessary to protect the units already fitted e.g. the engine the tyres the cables. Perhaps wet cardboard will do the trick. I will also have to establish a good earth for welding so more paint will have to be removed.
So how do I see making progress? I think I will investigate the battery situation with a view to making the necessary parts and sort out extending the seal clamps. In the mean time I can start to think about fiting the engine cowling. A Plan?
