Well I am finally getting around to doing a full-on refresh of my 250R. It always bugged me that the frame was bent and every time I tried to work on something that bolt was rust/corrosion welded in place. So...I bought a very nice, straight frame along with some other odds n ends from BKM a while back and started amassing some other needed pieces.
I am really undecided on which way to go with this build. On one hand a simple frame swap with a good deep cleaning and lubing would be entirely sufficient. On the other hand why not go all the way and get some powder coat, paint and plating done? I mean...it's already completely disassembled now and I may not want to ever do this again to this bike! What do y'all think?
I may already have a really good (cheap) connection to both a powder coater AND a plater that are both local.That would make the decision a little easier for me. I also now have access to a blasting cabinet and a mobile sand blaster.
As an aside, what would be a good price for a powder coat job on a frame?
A couple of weeks ago I started the tear down and it went pretty well until I started working on the rearend. The brake hub would not move! No amount of Kroil or heat or beating would make it budge so...I cut the dang axle! Voila! Unfortunately, I then had a two-piece axle and a completely jacked up carrier. Fortunately, my bro Brendon came to the rescue with nice replacement axle and rebuilt an eBay carrier that I bought. I say rebuilt, but this thing now looks like an NOS work of art! Thank you sir!
The next problem was (of course) the pivot bolt. It was so badly stuck that when I turned it, the whole swingarm rotated with it. I finally got it spinning w a ton of heat and a borrowed electric impact wrench. My $20 air got it inching in the right direction, then it was back to the 2 lb sledge and a long lag bolt to drive it the rest of the way.
Today I will try to remove the bearings and collars. I saw a thread a while back where one user (roscoew maybe) used all-thread w nuts, washers and sockets to push and pull them out. I will post my results.
Since I completely jacked the pivot bolt nut and also bugered the bolt threads, I am now in need of a replacement pivot bolt and nut. I know that a TRX250R (86-89) bolt will work, but they are eBay pricey. I have heard that a 400EX bolt will work, but what years?
I will start to post some pics of my progress (or lack there of) today or tomorrow. Wish me luck!
Cody
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk