Been mulling around the place trying to get motivated while funds are low. It’s amazing how Christmas will do that to you. This mulling around got me into the garage and barn. It’s been a while since I had been out there and the mice had done a number on the stuff stored out there, but what they didn’t do was fill the space. It’s 26×35 and is water tight. It needs work, but the bones seem sound.

So, I decided it’s time to get it setup so I can start working out there. I cleaned up the majority of the trash, resolved the power issue, and started working on the design of the new shop. It’s going to need a new electrical supply. What’s out there is anemic at best, so I plan on running 100amp service, which means 300′ of #2 URD, a new box, and time. I am planning on redoing the floor from dirt to concrete, even though the ground is pretty solid. Doors, lights, and all that good stuff are needed too.

Here’s the design. Let me know what you think.

We’ve pulled the tank, and started digging into the slipping. The plan is to do some minor sanding on the tank and try to fill it with lead. Once that’s done I think some rubber undercoating across the bottom and about 1/2″ up the sides will look nice, while covering the paint imperfections.

The clutch is another thing entirely. It’s either the pawl or the plates. I’m going to dig into the plates before I mess with the pawl because it’s free, and I need to get a good feeling about how the clutch is.

Wish me luck!

So, there I was, full grin from ear to ear. Throttle replaced, oil drained and refilled, head gasket replaced, and gas in the tank. I was ready man. I pushed down on the kick lever to pull it around, leaned left, turned the gas on, and jumped.

No joy!!!

What!?!?!

The what was due to the hugely uncomfortable slip. There was no “humph” like I would have expected if it was turning over. Nope, it completely slipped. Clutch issues from sitting? Clutch adjustment? Kickstart pawl? I have no idea at the moment.

Just as I was going to try her again I heard it. Yet another sickening sound. Not so much a  drip, more like a subtle pour. Somewhere between putting gas in the tank, and my ill fated kick, the tank began leaking. So the slip was obviously a good thing. I can’t imagine what I would have done had it started and then caught on fire.

Knowing what I do about the guy who did the previous work, I’m not surprised, but I’m still not happy. Life goes on and this too shall pass. I’ll be pulling the tank in the near future to get it blasted and go from there. At the same time I’m going to look into the clutch issue. Really, there’s no reason why there should be a lot more work to do, but I’ll figure that out while I’m trying to get it running.

Let me know what you think of this wallpaper. I made it to be centered on a black background, and not stretched. This was due to some issues I had with my desktop stretch option. Doesn’t really matter to me though, I dig it.

The previous throttle control/tube on the Norton disintegrated. No idea how it happened, but I’m going to need it to be able to ride, so I ordered a new one today. It’s supposed to be NOS, so I’m hoping it works well. It may be an amal or barnett, but it could be something else. I’ll know when it comes in. I’m getting closer to firing it up and finishing up the head torquing. I’m stoked.