My Big Red Restoration

[BigSkip]

These are some pictures of my BigRed 250ES restoration...I've only had this trike 2 weeks 3 days...but I've made a lot of head way already....new oem tires on the way...will tackle everything on the re-assembly...Don't know what I am going to get into on the final drive..There was NO oil in it...and the pinion bearing was shot....So..........But anyway...making headway...If anyone has any '86,'87 Big Red parts machine or trikes they are parting out...I need a few parts...send me a PM if you have parts for sale...The pictures of this trike complete...is what I had to start with..

[Mr_RPM]

very cool to see another trike brought back to health. good luck and have fun

[aldochina]

looks like you dove right in!! Looks pretty good cosmetically to start. What was wrong with your front end??

[BigSkip]

Well....Honestly...Nothing as far as function goes..The thing was...The original owner had removed the front rack by cutting it off with a hack saw or sawzall and cut the mounting tabs for the rack off the triple tree part of the upper fork assembly and they had welded a black pipe spray boom to the upper part (I think this is called the triple tree...the red painted upper part)...Anyway there was plenty of nasty weld left... I could have taken the four inch grinder and a flapper disc and sanded it smooth, cleaned it up with a 3M scotch pad disc...Welded some fabricated tabs back on...but it was just easier and faster to get that set off of you. I still need quite a few parts...so if you have any other leads on parts let me know...

[BigSkip]

Frame is off to the Blaster/fabricator for cleaning and repair....Then on to the powdercoater....Still looking for someone to do gas tank repair/restoration....and if anyone has good pictures of decal positioning for an '86 250es...greatly appreciated......Also if anyone has any thoughts on engine paint. Will post some more pictures as soon as I get it back.

[Woodsrider]

That looks a LOT bettter than my '85 ES...sounds like you're doing a real nice job on it....can't wait to see it finished. PM me with a list of the parts that you need....I'm picking up a complete parts ES(he says it's an '86...but to me it looks like an '85) tonight....I need a lot of the parts...but I might not need what you need...

[hublake]

Here is a picture of the motor from my 85 BR. I sandblasted the motor and then used either PJ1 or VHT paint. I can't remember which one. The paint was called Nu-Cast Aluminum.

[BigSkip]

That engine turned out pretty nice...I was thinking about sand blasting mine...but was unsure about how it would turn out...One of those paints in a rattle can was considering painting my engine with...

[BigSkip]

Thanks woodsrider..I just pm'd you.

[HONDA_ATC_FREAK]

Looks great to start with way better than by friends 85 anyway. Shouldn't have too hard a time on the resto, that engine paint looks great on their by the way.

[BigSkip]

I haven't had a chance to open up my final drive yet...but know that the pinion bearing is completely wiped out...and there was NO oil...and lots of Mud in the final drive....I have been offered a couple different '85 final drives....I know that the swing arm and axle tubes is different on the '85 models than my '86...Just wondered if I could put an '85 unit in place of my "86 or if they are different units...I don't really know what I have yet...but know that the one I was offered is in good shape..

[BigSkip]

Wow.....Finally got around to dropping some parts off at the Powder Coating Shop.....I know it always costs to go first class.....but next time....I'm taking my own VASELINE. I imagine I'm getting a good deal or at least what ever the local market is bringing....but OUCH. Sure felt like a dry ream at first. Let me say it again to make myself feel a little better.....OUCH. At least I've got 3-4 weaks to recover before my parts get done and I have to peal out the c-notes... Guess I will set this on the back burner for a little while I wait. and go back to shoe horning a Rotax 787 R.A.V.E. into my 1st Generation Sea-doo Hull... Nothing like working Fiberglass in the hot sun and sweat to make you itch real good.....and long for winter time....Following my Beagle Hounds and chasing Bunnies...

[hublake]

I had close to $500.00 in the powdercoating of all the parts on my 85 BR. That included everything that was black metal was blasted and powdercoated. That was 4 years ago.

[Woodsrider]

I'm pretty sure that the rear end is the same for '85 and '86....you should be able to swap one for the other("differential", I mean) and keep the rest of your '86 swingarm stock...if I'm wrong...someone will correct me.....

[BigSkip]

That's good to know...Thanks for the info...I'm going to go ahead and open my up...and will probably end up just putting new bearings and seals in...and be done with it....I was just wondering...I see several on ebay for the '85 units and they vary from $20-$200 bucks....Thanks for the info.

[squirrel1182]

That BR looks good before the resto cant wait to see it done. Your lucky to have the money to do a full resto.

[rbaral233]

i have a spare rear end sitting if you want it. it was for parts thats sitting in the basement, its complete, pm me if u need to

[hang&rattle]

Kudos to you. Big Reds are very difficult and expensive to restore. Way to preserve a major trike.