1985 350x Build Up

[salisbury4573]

I don't have the bike back together yet to test the access to the larger studs, but I will post about my experience and let you know what issues I run into with it. I assume I can always go back and use a helicoil? I think that's what it's called.

[salisbury4573]

Anybody know how to contact harkabusic? Wondering if he would sell me just the collector I need to fab this header.

[knappyfeet]

Kudos for taking it to a shop when you felt overwhelmed. More people should do the same

X2..........

I can't count the things I messed up cause I was too stubborn or stupid to "tap out" when I should have.

[Onetrackmind]

I assume I can always go back and use a helicoil? I think that's what it's called.

I am by no means an expert, but I'm pretty sure an expert would tell you to use a time-sert and not a helicoil in this situation.

[Queef Chief]

I am by no means an expert, but I'm pretty sure an expert would tell you to use a time-sert and not a helicoil in this situation.

Yes, Helicoils are junk and i have seen many of them pulled. Solid thread inserts are far superior.


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[wonderboy]

I disagree that helicoils are junk. I know we are talking about opinions here, so let me share my experience with them.

They are used not only in repair of old products, but on new production in many industries (automotive and aerospace to name a few). Both types of inserts (heli-coils or timeserts) are good products. I've used dozens of heli-coil type (not always the name brand heli-coil as there are generic offerings) repairs from M2.5 up to M14 and had excellent results. I've never had one fail or pull the threads out.

[Queef Chief]

I disagree that helicoils are junk. I know we are talking about opinions here, so let me share my experience with them.

They are used not only in repair of old products, but on new production in many industries (automotive and aerospace to name a few). Both types of inserts (heli-coils or timeserts) are good products. I've used dozens of heli-coil type (not always the name brand heli-coil as there are generic offerings) repairs from M2.5 up to M14 and had excellent results. I've never had one fail or pull the threads out.

I'm basing my opinion based on my time on the bench as a Tool & Die Maker/Machinist for 19yrs, before moving into engineering. I have seen both types fail, then brought to me to repair. I can say from personal experience that the Helicoil type pull loose far more often than the hardened/solid inserts, and are frowned upon from the guys I have worked with in the trade.
This is just my opinion based on what I have personally seen, and by no means trying to start a "this is better than that" war.


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[salisbury4573]

Working on cosmetic stuff while waiting on header to arrive

[oscarmayer]

What header? You can go on eBay and for less than $120 get a SS fatty for a XR400R and it bolts on.

Well just checked prices gone up. Anyway the one you want should have springs on the down tubes for adjustment and EZ fit to the 350x head.

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[salisbury4573]

Been a while since last update. Many things happening that put the project on hold, but all good things. I got the TPC gusset kit and got it welded in. Sent the frame off for blast and powdercoat. Thanks Clark's Powder coat in Lucasville, OH.

Cleaned up the forks, installed new seals and dust seals, now in the process of installing AllBalls Tapered neck bearings. Will post more pics of the bearings and front end back on the bike soon, but in the meantime, here are a few pics.

Once the front end is back together, I am going to tear into the swingarm.

I know eventually I will have to repair the gas tank on this bike, it has the common pinhole rust in the bottom corner of the tank that someone tried to patch with JB Weld. I want it fixed and fixed permanently, so I am open to suggestions. I am thinking cut out the old rusty area, TIG weld in new metal, blast and powdercoat the tank. I may just go with a Clarke tank though. Kinda on the fence with this one.

[salisbury4573]

[salisbury4573]

Repairing this tank would be my first attempt. But I am willing to try. If I fail or further damage the tank, I can always go plastic.

[sittinguy]

Fun to watch another 350X come back to life. They can become money pits. Iv'e built 4 of them over the years. My best advice is put a 36t sprocket on the rear, Alot more top end. For trail riding 20in rear tires are the best. that will take off some top speed but the 36t will help compensate. The old 250r tires where the BEST, if you can find them. Along those lines, find a lightweight rear tire. 2 ply if possible. The ones that are on it look pretty good, the lighter the better.
I have some new Trail Hawk fronts if your interested. Its the only true 24in front. Most all others are 23.5in.
For quick cheap power boost, a 12-1 piston makes a big difference. I did alot of fancy mods to one of mine a long time ago, and my buddy just slapped a piston in his and beat me. I went insane, rebuilt, and could outrun my other buddies 250r when I got done with it.

Enjoy the build.

[jakep53]

Are you aware of the Cheetah 250r replicas?

I have been emailing these guys and twice now I have been told that they dont have any rear tyres in stock? i want to get some is there anywhere else i can get them from??

[salisbury4573]

Got the front end mostly back together tonight.

In regards to the 20in rear tire recommendation, I was thinking 22in, but thats solely based on my intention to ride mostly in the woods and I want the little extra ground clearance. Not 100% mind made up, I am open to all suggestions. Just want a good "all around" bike when finished.