E: Engine Fuel tank needs cleaning

Albervin

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
I have just gone through the process of fixing a leaky tank. It was causing a massive blister around the LH petrol tap. Lots of "bog" was removed from around the petrol tap boss and under the bog was "Devcon". I decided to completely remove all paint and bog and lo and behold; Eight leaks!!! I used the opportunity to have part of the base replaced by an expert metal fabricator and then had a dry fit on the UFM. Of course it needed tweaking!! Now I had Twelve leaks. Some were fixed with TIG and some were soldered. Now I have no leaks it is time to paint. Luckily I have a couple of spare tanks so no time off the road.
 

Chris.R

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
Current situation is confusion with a number of differing options:

I had this Comet as unmolested, it largely is I suppose. But there are changes I have seen and have now been to the South London chapter of VOC meeting with a recent tranche of photos, thanks fellas for suggestions.

I gather that the ammeter should be Miller; Rear light Miller either the round version with up rated bulbs to LED headlamp bulb could be LED but which one. From 1950 a plastic rear stop tail light with a round top that matched the curve on the #plate was used on many machines which is correct. The horn button is on the left and the dip on the right, I was told they should be other way round, how acceptable would a combined horn/dip switch be? The headlamp shell needs repainting or replacement, the rim needs renewal and the glass which one Miller? I assume it is a sealed unit the reflector is showing its age.

The folding footrest is likely the Ron Kemp Kawasaki conversion, I do not see the benefit of the left footrest folding (unless pushing the bike) however. I was advised get a centre
Folding footrest by Ron Kemp_DSC0403.jpg
stand, the fact that the right side footrest is bent upwards is guessed as the result of being dropped no doubt the dent in the tail of the Burgess silencer is from the same incident well over 25 years ago. I am keeping the 6v electrics which I gather provide a challenge to a sat nav/GPS suggestions for a waterproof bike version welcome. The mudguards are indeed stainless a magnet proved that but they will I guess be of little detriment. Wheels are 19" it is a crime that the tyres are scrap as they have never been on the road apart from ageing cracks look good but as I say scrap. I gather that the wheels should be 20" they need re chroming anyway so should they be replaced with 20 inchers I would like red and black lining so the change might be worth the vast cost Advice as to where to go for all that if new 20" the hubs could be cleaned up before rebuild, would the spokes be replaced....which option is best and which wheelwright and artist for the painting? Can damper service kits be got and where from is it a DIY job. Saddle foam has to be replaced and recovered but I have a friendly upholsterer to do that for me. I will as a result of the Comet standing for so long do an engine flush and oil fil at present there was only enough put in to run the old girl when I went up to buy her. I am intending a rewire some is old rubber wire not all, most looks pvc covered. Immediately I would replace the air, throttle, valve lift, clutch cables, one of the front brake cables is frozen in its sleeve so that pair as well I suppose. Will it be acceptable to aluminium paint bolt heads? How do I paint the recess around the Vincent name on the Timing case?

TVK960 is presently under Sorn off road.

Better go and look for a new crash helmet and bike gear

Chris
 

greg brillus

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
You will find most parts from the Voc spares company. The best new rims which are exact copies of the original Dunlop rims are "Devon rims" either in chrome or stainless, they will supply coach lined black with red pinstripe at extra cost, and I'm sure they could clean up the hubs unless you do it yourself to save some money, re lace in stainless for less maintenance. Most all cables available from Voc again, though you will need to finish off throttle and air/choke cables as these come semi finished due to differing handlebar widths and so on. You can easily upgrade to 12 volts by simply changing the regulator to one that can be used either 6 or 12 volt. The generator will put out 12 volts just the engine needs to rev slightly higher to do this. Not a problem for normal riding and normal power use. It is perfectly acceptable to polish up bolts and so on with a wire buff and paint in spray can engine enamel in aluminium finish, if you are careful with the spanners and don't knock the paint off, it will last a long time............Better than rusty bolts. Most all original hardware was cadmium plated steel not stainless. The clutch cover, you can mask the outer rim off, then paint, let dry properly and then carefully hi light the Vincent logo with some emery tape to expose the clean alloy letters. Good luck..............Greg.
 

bmetcalf

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
Regarding dampers, the original dampers can be rebuilt, the VOCSC seems to do that, but they show "out of stock". Better to get modern dampers, such as the AVO.
 

stumpy lord

Well Known and Active Forum User
Non-VOC Member
Regarding dampers, the original dampers can be rebuilt, the VOCSC seems to do that, but they show "out of stock". Better to get modern dampers, such as the AVO.
Maughan's do a rebuild service of standard dampers, which includes modern seals
 

ClassicBiker

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
I did have my toung in cheek but stranger than fiction it seems that from 1st July you will only get batteries filled by the dealer it will be illegal to hold acid at home
Time to stock up, you've only got four days left.
Steven
 
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