350X refresh questions

[KASEY]

the XR400 head pipe is a direct fit also its stainless and shorter in the back that is what i have used on several 350x's the original guard is nicer too

[rot box]

^ that one looks killer!

[rot box]

Been busy today taking the mighty 350X down to the frame. ALL motor mounts were compromised in some way—yikes. Thinking I’ll do the swamps gusset kit I like the looks of that one

I’ll try and figure out how to post pics and take you guys along for the ride.

[J!m]

I look forward to your thread!

Here's mine: https://www.3wheelerworld.com/showth...-350X-project)

[Red Rider]

I’ll try and figure out how to post pics and take you guys along for the ride.

I like to go on rides. Bring it on!

[rot box]

Sweet thanks guys! I’m making some nice progress on the ol’ girl. Cleaning off barnacles and clusters of goo/grime from the 1980’s haha.

[rot box]

Anyone have experience upgrading the ball bearings to taper bearings in the steering stem? My ball bearings are in rough shape. Is this truly a bolt in kit or? Trying to wrap my head around how they fit…. Thanks

https://bvctrikes.com/products/taper...ng-bearing-kit

[Red Rider]

I installed a set of All Balls tapered bearings (which is probably what BVC sold you) into an '86 Tecate steering head. It should be very similar on the 350X. Just pound out the old bearing races, from the steering tube, with a drift/. If there isn't enough of a lip on the old races, to catch & push out with the drift, you'll need to carefully cut them out with a dremel/chisel. Once they are removed, clean up the steering tube, then install the new races by pounding them in with a block of hard wood, and a . Do not hit the races directly with the . Always insulate the races, from the blows, with the block of hard wood. Go slowly, and make sure they go in straight, and all the way until they are fully seated in the head tube.

[Red Rider]

I almost forgot. The hardest part of the installation will be getting the steering stem pressed out of the lower triple clamp/bearing. Once removed, the old lower bearing and seal can be swapped out for the new bearing and seal. Then the steering stem will have to be pressed back into the triple clamp/seal/bearing.

[J!m]

Instead of tapping the races, I suggest a length of threaded rod and some washers or a couple blocks of wood with holes drilled for the threaded rod.

[rot box]

Sweet thanks everyone

[rot box]

What’s the best way to clean 40 years worth of barnacles and goo off this engine without damaging the paint? I’ve tried dawn dish soap and a scrub brush but it’s not really doing it…

[J!m]

I'm a fan of Brakleen and a toothbrush personally.

But paints vary, so ALWAYS TEST. But usually, I have very good luck with this on many things...

[GeoD]

Give McKee's 37 engine degreaser or WD-40 Specialist Cleaner & Degreaser a try.

[J!m]

I actually had another thing to add. I recently tried simple green foaming coil cleaner. Designed to clean a/c unit evaporator coils. Spray and wip or spray and wash off. It works well!