Current progress with my build

[waffey]

So I thought I update you all with my current progress of my 400 build.

Let say first that I didn't expect it to be cheap but for crying out loud, it's expensive!

So in no particular order.

Frame powder coated plus a few other bits
New wiring loom on
Tapered head bearings in
New steering lock (now doesn't lock after attaching the revit!
New rear shocks attached.
Lots of bolts gone for zinc plating hence why the swing arm is not on
Headlight rims, rear brake, rear mudguard and some bots gone for chroming (damn that's expensive)
Front wheel has new rim and spokes and all together after 5 attempts. Now ready for tube, tyre etc
Clocks are stripped, and surrounds painted. Debating whether to leave the faces as are and just put back together again.
Fork tubes need grinding and re-chroming then  I build them up.
Rear wheel needs stripping and rebuild
engine, fully dismantled. All cases painted expect engine block. Its still to dirty so I'll get it vapour blasted.
Cam bolt adjusted drilled out and new fitted
Some engine parts bought in readiness but there is a substantial amount to do and spend yet
One side panel needs repair before painting same as the tank
The handle bar I'll by a reproduction as its £70 to get it re chrome
I need to source seat, head lamp holder, indicator brackets, air filter grill, gear lever  (re chroming makes not viable)
I need to get the front mudguard re chromed
front brake needs to be refurbishment
Mirrors, transfers and host of other things I've not mentioned or though of yet!

[Johnwebley]

Sounds about right.

The bike is heading towards 50years old.

I doubt its been cosseted.

But you will enjoy the rebuild.

And the satisfaction when you ride it.

I was going to say finish. But you never really finish

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[Nurse Julie]

It sounds like you are doing very well, keep up the good work. They can be real money pits but we have an expensive hobby, so not surprising really. One question, why have you chosen to have the headlight rim and front mudguard rechromed, I'm sure it's cheaper to buy new and the rear 🤔🤔 front guards may not be available at the moment now I come to think about it.

[waffey]

Nurse Julie, I thought it was the right thing to do, use the original parts but I am slowly learning. Next time!

ps. rear mudguard repo is £150 I found. They quoted that to rechrome it, the original is better I guess

[Nurse Julie]

Nurse Julie, I thought it was the right thing to do, use the original parts but I am slowly learning. Next time!

ps. rear mudguard repo is £150 I found. They quoted that to rechrome it, the original is better I guess

Oh yes, if course, if the original of any part is salvageable at a similar price to buying a non original replacement, then it's always worth doing. Sometimes the cost of repair / refurb is not economical at all and that's when you have to think do I really want/ need original or will a new replacement be OK. It all comes down to money at the end of the day.

[Nurse Julie]

I think it depends which bike and which parts need replacing or refurbing Ken. On my 400/4 I'm happy with any replacement parts if it's better than what I have. Now, on some of Grahams restorations, he likes to retain as many of the original parts as he possibly can, not because he doesn't want to spend the money on new parts but because they are the original parts and belong to that bike, even if they aren't quite 100% perfect.