Not going to be a breaking the bank resto or anything extravagant, maybe just a bike that I'm not afraid of beating the shit out of and getting dirty. Thanks to Roosty, Rue and gixxerbob for helping fund the build! I'm now accepting cash donations from anyone that thinks this is a cause worth supporting. 
As you can see in the before photos, the subframe was tweaked beyond repair. Well actually, someone repaired it, but forgot to straighten it first. I ended up having to cut the right side downtube off the 85 subframe and put it on the 88 subframe. I didn't do my research before hand, but in the end, it looks respectable. I have the subframe cleaned up and in primer, now working on the frame prep. I was in the process of removing several broken bolts from the frame and found a broken tap as well! 
WTF??? A real bastard to remove, I have tried needlenose and vise grips with no luck, it's broken off flush. Other than trying to shatter it, anyone know of another way to remove it? 
I was hoping to have the frame primered today too, but this is holding me back. I have the engine on the bench, torn down and cleaned up. Cylinder and piston are standard bore and in awesome shape. I ordered new rings just for the hell of it. Bottom end is in great shape too, I really expected it to be neglected judging by the home it came from, but I really don't think the guy ever rode it (since he couldn't start it.) Performed the water pump "refurbishment" with the good ol' JB Weld, and the water pump is getting new seals and bearing while I'm at it. The water inlet was JB Welded to the cylinder and shattered when I removed it. It's the newer style with inlet on the right front, not on the back of the jug. Ordered one of them too, working on cleaning up the mess and will probably have to drill and install heli-coils since the threads are filled with JB too. This one is starting to be more than a "budget restoration", but when the hell can you ever stick to the budget? Hopefully one of my "other" projects sell soon so I carry on with this one. 
(YES, I KNOW) 
). Had to get it, piss on the old frame now, it's a spare. This one's powdercoated, although it's definitely what I'd call orange, nowhere near flash red. I'll post up some pics once something new and exciting starts happening in the ol' man cave. It's GOING to run this weekend, come hell or high water.....
Thanks buddy, I'm trying.Rhino89523 wrote:Looking really nice
Just came in for a break with good and bad news to report of. The good news: I fired her up, started with only 5 kicks. The not so good news: F'n head gasket is bleeding like a sieve. Passed a leakdown test after gooping the reed valve gaskets which were leaking on first attempt. Didn't give it a second thought, and don't like to put sealant on head gaskets unless absolutely necessary. I guess I wasted my time cleaning and sealing the pipe flange yesterday, going to have to start over again. 
No point whining about it....... Upon closer inspection, I found that someone (that was clueless) had their hands where they shouldn't have. They obviously didn't grow up by the rules of my Italian grandmother who always enforced when I was younger: "No touch what no belong to you!!!" Anyway, the wires coming from the stator were contacting the flywheel and rubbed through causing a short. 
Removed the head, cleaned and gooped the gasket and reinstalled. 
Almost put the old one back in, it's the layered steel type which I prefer over the crappy coated fiber or whatever it is. Athena kit was what I ordered, won't use them again, had the same isue with their head gasket on a YZ 80 not too long ago. The beast will live another day. ). Far from perfect, not quite finished, but complete for now. Have new side panels and seat cover to go on, might be a job for tomorrow. Right now, just going to kick back with a cold one and admire the twins. 
amigo!!!! You're my main sponsor, should put "RUE" on the # plates.Rue wrote:Those a bitchn twins!!! Very
Sadly, I will have to sell it if I ever plan to build another. Can't afford keeping 2 85's, although they do look good together. I'm already having separation anxiety. But I'm already on the prowl for the next victim of neglect. 
