1987 ATC250SX rebuild

[Helopilots]

I bought this '87 ATC250SX earlier this year. It was in pretty good shape with nearly 100% original parts present. After riding it a while, I decided to break it down and start a clean-up and restoration job on it. Once I got going, I found that there aren't really a lot of original replacement parts out there in great shape. So, in the midst of the parts search, I started finding other ways to restore this awesome trike. By that, I guess I really mean modify it and update it. I have to admit that I've gone a little further than I wanted and I'm right where I knew I'd end up...knee deep in it and tossing cash out like it was free. Oh well, I'm having a lot of fun and I'm learning a lot about this trike and three wheelers all together. I'm new to 3WW and this is only my second thread to start, so I'd like to keep you guys updated with progress pics and info about how it's going. I've done a lot so far and even employed the help of a couple of members. I'll start by posting these two pics of when I first got it and we'll go from there.

[Helopilots]

Easy enough to get started. It was a typical 30 year old off-road machine. Dirty and rusty. The rear fenders are not in a condition that I want to put them back on (I'll post pics of the new ones later). The gas tank is in great shape. No dents or rust anywhere. It looks like someone previously took it this far and decided to spray paint everything black. They even sprayed the wires, bolts, rear shock, handlebar switches...everything! Just layered it on thick and all over. The fork seals are leaking and the front hub bearings are shot.

[UPNATM]

Plastics aside, your SX looks like its a detail away from being a really nice trike. When you say "modify, and update", what are your plans?

[fabiodriven]

The frig outta the way! Enthusiast coming through!!

[Helopilots]

Update with new plastics, wheels, tires, handlebars, controls, exhaust, etc. Or, if I can't find aftermarket parts in some areas, fabricate a modified solution. Detailing has really brought out a new looking machine. Paying particular attention to and spending extra time on some places have saved me from needing to make any changes. I really wanted to go with a 350X front end. But, I didn't find anything before I came up with a solution. I'm replacing the front wheel with a different size and powder coating the hub for a fresher, more modern look.

[Helopilots]

Plastics aside, your SX looks like its a detail away from being a really nice trike. When you say "modify, and update", what are your plans?

Just looked through your finished SX project thread again. Looks like mine should be very similar to yours when completed. I'm going with different wheels and tires as well. Jim (flyingw) has finished my carb and it's on the way back.

[Helopilots]

I went with the Maier fender and 'fabiodriven' sent some mudflaps he had made. I had a few parts powder coated along with the exhaust (I hope it doesn't peel). I was told to run it long enough to get hot then shut it down and let it cool before going out blasting it down the trail and the pipe should not peel. On the rear wheels, I went with 9x8 rims fitted with 20x11-9 Ambush tires. Also, 1.5 inch spacers. The front wheel is 10x8 fitted with a 22x7-10 Ambush tire. These pics just show things loosely mounted so I could get an idea of what it will look like. I'm waiting on the tank, forks, and other bits and pieces to come back from the powder coater. The carb is on the way as well.

[UPNATM]

Lookin good! Those wheels and tires are going to look good on there.
Where by chance did you get your spacers from? Ive been kicking around the idea of getting some.

[azskateman]

those mudflaps look awesome

[Helopilots]

Lookin good! Those wheels and tires are going to look good on there.
Where by chance did you get your spacers from? Ive been kicking around the idea of getting some.

They're Moose and I ordered through Parts Unlimited

[azskateman]

was 87 the only year of the white tank? Mine is an 86 and has a red tank

[fabiodriven]

86 had the white tank from the factory as well.

Mike while you have the tank off you may want to consider paying some attention to the inside and possibly coat it. My metal tank looked perfect from the outside and looked really good when you looked in, but inside at the bottom of the tank there was rust that I couldn't see and gas bled through eventually and ruined my factory paint.

[captainweezy]

You have got the sickness mike! I will be finding your 350x next! Let me know if you need a set of knobs for the rack.

[Helopilots]

You have got the sickness mike! I will be finding your 350x next! Let me know if you need a set of knobs for the rack.

Thx, Cap'n! I'm gonna keep the rack off this one. Setting all of the stock stuff aside for now. May use it on a future SX or sell.

Next purchase will hopefully be a tree fiddy ex. I'll definitely shout when I'm ready to seriously look.

[Helopilots]

Mike while you have the tank off you may want to consider paying some attention to the inside and possibly coat it. My metal tank looked perfect from the outside and looked really good when you looked in, but inside at the bottom of the tank there was rust that I couldn't see and gas bled through eventually and ruined my factory paint.

You're right. Found three pin holes after blasting. Having the inside coated.