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Helopilots
09-07-2016, 03:49 PM
234655234656I bought this '87 ATC250SX earlier this year. It was in pretty good shape with nearly 100% original parts present. After riding it a while, I decided to break it down and start a clean-up and restoration job on it. Once I got going, I found that there aren't really a lot of original replacement parts out there in great shape. So, in the midst of the parts search, I started finding other ways to restore this awesome trike. By that, I guess I really mean modify it and update it. I have to admit that I've gone a little further than I wanted and I'm right where I knew I'd end up...knee deep in it and tossing cash out like it was free. Oh well, I'm having a lot of fun and I'm learning a lot about this trike and three wheelers all together. I'm new to 3WW and this is only my second thread to start, so I'd like to keep you guys updated with progress pics and info about how it's going. I've done a lot so far and even employed the help of a couple of members. I'll start by posting these two pics of when I first got it and we'll go from there.

Helopilots
09-07-2016, 04:46 PM
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Easy enough to get started. It was a typical 30 year old off-road machine. Dirty and rusty. The rear fenders are not in a condition that I want to put them back on (I'll post pics of the new ones later). The gas tank is in great shape. No dents or rust anywhere. It looks like someone previously took it this far and decided to spray paint everything black. They even sprayed the wires, bolts, rear shock, handlebar switches...everything! Just layered it on thick and all over. The fork seals are leaking and the front hub bearings are shot.

UPNATM
09-07-2016, 04:52 PM
Plastics aside, your SX looks like its a detail away from being a really nice trike. When you say "modify, and update", what are your plans?

fabiodriven
09-07-2016, 04:55 PM
The frig outta the way! Enthusiast coming through!!

Helopilots
09-07-2016, 05:20 PM
Update with new plastics, wheels, tires, handlebars, controls, exhaust, etc. Or, if I can't find aftermarket parts in some areas, fabricate a modified solution. Detailing has really brought out a new looking machine. Paying particular attention to and spending extra time on some places have saved me from needing to make any changes. I really wanted to go with a 350X front end. But, I didn't find anything before I came up with a solution. I'm replacing the front wheel with a different size and powder coating the hub for a fresher, more modern look.

Helopilots
09-07-2016, 05:38 PM
Plastics aside, your SX looks like its a detail away from being a really nice trike. When you say "modify, and update", what are your plans?Just looked through your finished SX project thread again. Looks like mine should be very similar to yours when completed. I'm going with different wheels and tires as well. Jim (flyingw) has finished my carb and it's on the way back.

Helopilots
09-07-2016, 05:51 PM
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I went with the Maier fender and 'fabiodriven' sent some mudflaps he had made. I had a few parts powder coated along with the exhaust (I hope it doesn't peel). I was told to run it long enough to get hot then shut it down and let it cool before going out blasting it down the trail and the pipe should not peel. On the rear wheels, I went with 9x8 rims fitted with 20x11-9 Ambush tires. Also, 1.5 inch spacers. The front wheel is 10x8 fitted with a 22x7-10 Ambush tire. These pics just show things loosely mounted so I could get an idea of what it will look like. I'm waiting on the tank, forks, and other bits and pieces to come back from the powder coater. The carb is on the way as well.

UPNATM
09-07-2016, 06:09 PM
Lookin good! Those wheels and tires are going to look good on there.
Where by chance did you get your spacers from? Ive been kicking around the idea of getting some.

azskateman
09-07-2016, 07:03 PM
those mudflaps look awesome

Helopilots
09-07-2016, 07:11 PM
Lookin good! Those wheels and tires are going to look good on there.
Where by chance did you get your spacers from? Ive been kicking around the idea of getting some.
They're Moose and I ordered through Parts Unlimited

azskateman
09-07-2016, 07:19 PM
was 87 the only year of the white tank? Mine is an 86 and has a red tank

fabiodriven
09-07-2016, 07:41 PM
86 had the white tank from the factory as well.

Mike while you have the tank off you may want to consider paying some attention to the inside and possibly coat it. My metal tank looked perfect from the outside and looked really good when you looked in, but inside at the bottom of the tank there was rust that I couldn't see and gas bled through eventually and ruined my factory paint.

captainweezy
09-08-2016, 12:14 AM
You have got the sickness mike! I will be finding your 350x next! Let me know if you need a set of knobs for the rack.

Helopilots
09-08-2016, 09:08 AM
You have got the sickness mike! I will be finding your 350x next! Let me know if you need a set of knobs for the rack.

Thx, Cap'n! I'm gonna keep the rack off this one. Setting all of the stock stuff aside for now. May use it on a future SX or sell.

Next purchase will hopefully be a tree fiddy ex. I'll definitely shout when I'm ready to seriously look.

Helopilots
09-09-2016, 11:17 AM
Mike while you have the tank off you may want to consider paying some attention to the inside and possibly coat it. My metal tank looked perfect from the outside and looked really good when you looked in, but inside at the bottom of the tank there was rust that I couldn't see and gas bled through eventually and ruined my factory paint.
You're right. Found three pin holes after blasting. Having the inside coated.

oldskool83
09-09-2016, 11:23 AM
They do make plastics tanks. They are normally easier on your knees. I have one one my 200x.

UPNATM
09-09-2016, 01:56 PM
They do make plastics tanks. They are normally easier on your knees. I have one one my 200x.

I second the plastic tanks being easy on the knees. I have an original tank on one of my Sx's and a plastic on my other. After a day of riding my SX with metal tank I always have bruises on the insides of my knees the next day. :(

fabiodriven
09-09-2016, 02:19 PM
That's what I did, went to plastic.

axeman24
09-09-2016, 04:13 PM
when painting the foot pegs what do you do about the springs
do you have to disassemble them and paint separately
im worried about painting over the spring then moving the peg up destroying all the paint on the spring
how is this normally done

fabiodriven
09-09-2016, 04:18 PM
He's powder coating but I'd venture to guess no matter how you go about it the springs will lose their paint/powder if you flip the pegs up.

86125m
09-09-2016, 08:24 PM
If you use epoxy paint for shock springs the paint will not be destroyed by the moving of the spring.

Helopilots
09-12-2016, 10:14 AM
I second the plastic tanks being easy on the knees. I have an original tank on one of my Sx's and a plastic on my other. After a day of riding my SX with metal tank I always have bruises on the insides of my knees the next day. :(

I did look at the plastic tanks back when I started this. Three things that caused me to stick with using the original metal:
The white plastic tank was more expensive than I think it should be and I'm spending much less on restoring the metal tank.
Decals will not sick for long to the plastic because of the fuel inside. Some say to just keep pooping the bubbles that happen and smooth the decal.
And finally, this metal tank is in excellent shape.

Roach21x
09-23-2016, 07:58 PM
Just last week I saw a 1987 250SX on ebay. looked new.
It was listed for $3,550 but the reserve was not met.
My brother had the 85 250sx and I used to ride it. good bike.

brandonlowe2
09-23-2016, 08:07 PM
dude this is a great thread... i am looking forward to seeing more updates. I just bought an '86 250sx and will need to be doing many of the updates you are doing!

Helopilots
09-28-2016, 06:04 PM
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Just about finished. Finally got my tank back. I'll comment more on that thing later.

UPNATM
09-28-2016, 06:13 PM
Lookin good!
Did you get the front wheel situation figured out?

Helopilots
09-28-2016, 06:17 PM
Lookin good!
Did you get the front wheel situation figured out?

Thanks! Haven't done anything different yet. Going to see how it rides. when it came together, it seems to just be a shade off. A triker would notice. Don't think many others would. The only other thing I can think to do is take it off, flip it, and add a spacer.

Helopilots
09-28-2016, 06:21 PM
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The tank has kinda pissed me off. Having the inside coated by a radiator joint, I thought it would be smooth and nicely done. Nope! Looked like garbage and I had to drill the opening for the petcock, knock strands of crap out of the gas cap opening, try to clean out pieces from the inside.

The vent selector on the cap turned out looking like crap with a lot of bubbles.

Helopilots
10-04-2016, 07:34 PM
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The first "test flights" finally happened today! She runs well and has a few adjustments that need to be made. The carb that was rebuilt by FlyingW is spot on! Thanks, dude!!!! The .5 inch offset of the front wheel is absolutely not a factor in the handling, for sure. The 1.5 inch spacers on the rear wheels makes a HUGE difference. This thing tracks like a laser while on pavement. On the dusty trail, I have a grin from ear to ear while stepping the ass out around the corners.

Overall, it's a great build that suits me perfectly.

mollie8000
10-04-2016, 09:19 PM
nice job,great trike, also have 87 to finish.should do same tire deal instead of 85 200x fornt.