1982 Honda ATC 185S Resurrection

[FLynes]

I decided to finally stop putting off looking at the tank.....what a wreck! The PO left gobs of MIG welds on it, something that looks like some type of sealer that was cracking and lots of rust on the inside. I took the petcock off and it too was a mess, so off to eBay to find another tank. One seller had two tanks, a 1982 185S, which is what I need and a 1983/1984 200S tank. The 185S tank was a bit beat up, but the 200S tank was in immaculate shape, no dings but it is painted white....no biggie, since I'm going to sand it and paint it with the Krylon Fusion Red Pepper, so that everything matches color-wise with the plastic and forks.

Here's a pic of the new tank. I'll take a pic of the old tank later, so you can see how FUBAR it is.

[Big G]

Metal tanks are the only way to go! Good to see you're taking the extra time to re-furbish. Looking forward to seeing how the red color turns out!

[FLynes]

Thanks! My OCD is kicking in just a little, since the tank isn't from a 1982, but I can get over that, given the condition it's in Once I paint it and put the '82 decals on it, I'll be happy. Most of the metal tanks I've seen are either badly rusted or look like they've been in a rollover.

I've had bad luck with plastic tanks in the past. I don't know if the method of fabrication has improved, but the two plastic tanks I had cracked on me. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

[1982-Honda-185S]

I just read the whole post and What a great job you've done so far man!! Do you have any more pics of the Engine Re-build? And what did you all replace? I'm planning to do everything you've done to yours to mine this Spring/Summer but I'm Debating if i should tear into my Motor and Trans or not. It runs fine as it is, And shifts great. I may re-build the carb though, but Like i said above, Excellent work man!! Cant wait to see the tank all done!!

[FLynes]

I just read the whole post and What a great job you've done so far man!! Do you have any more pics of the Engine Re-build? And what did you all replace? I'm planning to do everything you've done to yours to mine this Spring/Summer but I'm Debating if i should tear into my Motor and Trans or not. It runs fine as it is, And shifts great. I may re-build the carb though, but Like i said above, Excellent work man!! Cant wait to see the tank all done!!

Austin, I have not done the engine rebuild yet, just torn it down to the case, cleaned all the parts and repainted the case. So far, the only thing I've replaced is the seat and the front brake drum. I bought brake handles, because they were missing from mine. Everything else I've cleaned and painted. If your engine works, I would run a compression test on it to make sure that it is within specs, clean it and paint it. Another member here has been kind enough to offer me parts to get me running again, so we can ride.

Thanks for the encouraging words, it really does keep me motivated!

[1982-Honda-185S]

Thanks for the encouraging words, it really does keep me motivated!

And okay, I musta missed it that you didn't actually tear it apart!

[FLynes]

And okay, I musta missed it that you didn't actually tear it apart!

Oh, the engine is torn apart, I just haven't put it back together again with parts in it!

[sstark82]

Rustoleum Red Engine Enamel worked good for me, if you havent picked your paint yet.

[FLynes]

Rustoleum Red Engine Enamel worked good for me, if you havent picked your paint yet.

I've had incredible luck with Krylon Fusion Red Pepper; it's real close to the red that Honda used in '82.

Went over to Phil Gipson's house today; he and his wife graciously accepted us into their lovely home. Phil and I shot the stuff for a bit and he gave me a bunch of parts to help me with my project, including a 185 engine. All I can say is that it is so great to see people who are this giving; I can only hope to pay it forward as he did some day.

Thanks, Phil!

[philgipson]

the pleasure was all mine.i also found the cd and the holder.pm your address an i will send it thursday when i go into the settlement.

[FLynes]

Got my gas tank this morning.....couldn't wait for UPS to deliver it tomorrow, so I went over there and picked it up. It has ZERO dents on it, but I will sand it and paint it back to the original red color. Then I'll get the 1982 tank decals for it, even though it's from a 1983 200s.

I also put the engine in that phil gipson gave me....I'm still waiting on the eBay vendor to send me the complete gasket kit, but in the meantime I got practice putting it together, tearing it back down and then putting it together again.

Here's a pic of everything mocked up.

[FLynes]

$634.90 later and I have damn-near every single part I need to finish the ATC.

Phil, if it's okay with you, I'd like to come over with Brooke (that way she and Nancy can bond more), and you can supervise me, while I put this beast together again.


I can't wait to fire her up again.....

[philgipson]

sure,just let me know when.i dont know about supervising but i bet two of us with a shop manual can figure it out.the only time i cant do it is the week end of the 12th next month.

[FLynes]

It's Christmas in the Lynes household! I got the first of many pieces needed to finish my trike....the complete gasket kit arrived today, WOOHOO!!!!!

[honda200xguy]

she looks nice!