Suzuki T350 Restoration Bits

[Just_James]

So I've agreed to help a mate with some restoration work on a 1969 T350.

He's already stripped the bike and unfortunately I don't have any pics of it before he did so but will grab what pics I can as it progresses.

The first bits he's given me to do are the tanks and side panels (ones the 2T tank).


https://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/RS1Rebuild/IMG_6569_zps3eaphpvc.jpg



I'm tackling the tank first and am starting by cleaning up any corrosion underneath.
I also need to remove all the chemical metal and putty that's been smeared all over the rear bracket to see what's lurking under it


https://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/RS1Rebuild/IMG_6571_zps9f8yxphj.jpg

https://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/RS1Rebuild/IMG_6574_zps8vvzceus.jpg

https://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/RS1Rebuild/IMG_6573_zpss6jwnkeu.jpg

https://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/RS1Rebuild/IMG_6572_zpsf8l02qiv.jpg



After some sanding and a blasting with fine crushed glass, the chemical metal and other gunk is removed to reveal... apparently nothing?


https://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/RS1Rebuild/IMG_6576_zpspes5vm6e.jpg

https://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/RS1Rebuild/IMG_6578_zpsaw9dbc0k.jpg



There has obviously been a bit of brazing gone on in the past (nicely done too IMO) but what all that chemical metal was doing there is a mystery to me? I'd assumed it was some bodge to maybe stop some movement in the bracket but the welds are in place and there is no movement in it at all

Very happy with how solid the tank is though! It's been imported from the states so I assume it was somewhere nice and dry!

I'll give the underneath of the tank a final fly over in the blast cabinet before getting it in primer then will start prepping the rest of it.
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Current Bikes / Projects: 1999 Rieju RS1 50
Previous bikes - 1986 DT125R (field bike), 1989 KX250, 1980 KX420 (with 500cc big bore), 1992 YZ250, 1988 KX500, 1989 XR250R, 1988 VFR400R NC24, 1999 Cagiva Mito 125, 2008 Rieju RS2 50 , 1993 Honda NSR 125

[redeem ouzzer]

Nice project, the T350 is a lovely bike, this one looks really early.
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Be a REAL MAN!

[garth]

Interesting, I had a T125 (Stinger) when I was 17, always liked the looks of the hustler too.
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You ain't a has been if you never was

[Just_James]

It is an early one, 1969. Would have looked like this when new


https://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/RS1Rebuild/1969_T350_Rebel_800_zpsuac7yzwn.jpg



Is quite an interesting project to be involved in as it's not the type of bike I'd do myself.... it is a 2T though so I see the appeal

It looks like a straight ivory colour at a glance but the paint is actually a pearl, must have been one of the very first uses of a metallic / pearl on a bike!

Tried to get it to show in a pic, it is a very fine flake that gives it a greenish cast


https://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/RS1Rebuild/IMG_6580_zpsuncxegy9.jpg



After a lot of research we finally got the colour code for it (it's called Ivory Pearl) but then I've not found anyone with a database going back far enough to produce a formula for it!

Could have had it mixed to sample but it's not going to be a concourse show bike anyway (he's actually building it for his missus) so is happy with any colour that's close. After spending some time going through swatches at my local paint shop we found a really close match, a BMW Police bike colour of all things. That was just a straight ivory so have had some pearl added and it's closer to the original than we could have hoped for


https://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/RS1Rebuild/IMG_6581_zpsdy7jj7tp.jpg



Just got the underside of the tank in primer tonight. Guide coat not really necessary as it will just have a quick flat down then will be going matt black.


https://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/RS1Rebuild/IMG_6579_zpsx2ugdwq3.jpg
____________________
Current Bikes / Projects: 1999 Rieju RS1 50
Previous bikes - 1986 DT125R (field bike), 1989 KX250, 1980 KX420 (with 500cc big bore), 1992 YZ250, 1988 KX500, 1989 XR250R, 1988 VFR400R NC24, 1999 Cagiva Mito 125, 2008 Rieju RS2 50 , 1993 Honda NSR 125

[redeem ouzzer]

Following this with interest.
____________________
Be a REAL MAN!

[Just_James]

Gave the primer a flat down and then a heavy coat of matt black tonight (paint was wet in pic). Will need another touch up coat by the time I'm done mauling around with the topside but just wanted to get a good coat on it for now

https://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/RS1Rebuild/IMG_6584_zps3gj68yi4.jpg
____________________
Current Bikes / Projects: 1999 Rieju RS1 50
Previous bikes - 1986 DT125R (field bike), 1989 KX250, 1980 KX420 (with 500cc big bore), 1992 YZ250, 1988 KX500, 1989 XR250R, 1988 VFR400R NC24, 1999 Cagiva Mito 125, 2008 Rieju RS2 50 , 1993 Honda NSR 125

[Tbag]

looks great, very nice colour too. keep up the good work

[Just_James]

I've not been able to spend any time on this while the weathers been so good but as the rain returned this afternoon I took the opportunity to get some more done on the tank.


Now prepped and filled and ready for priming.


https://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/RS1Rebuild/IMG_6585_zpspr2r8auv.jpg

https://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/RS1Rebuild/IMG_6586_zpsb3gumbxk.jpg



I've sanded the battered rough edges of the tank just enough to take any harsh bits out but they're not getting filled or smoothed off anymore (except from the primer and paint) as apparently thats how they were when new? I think the general build quality of Suzukis of the time was rather poor (some of the welds on the bike are shocking) and my mate wants some of that 'character' to remain.



https://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/RS1Rebuild/IMG_6587_zpstv4odxzv.jpg

https://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/RS1Rebuild/IMG_6589_zpsyamexwey.jpg

https://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/RS1Rebuild/IMG_6590_zpslvxqdrgm.jpg
____________________
Current Bikes / Projects: 1999 Rieju RS1 50
Previous bikes - 1986 DT125R (field bike), 1989 KX250, 1980 KX420 (with 500cc big bore), 1992 YZ250, 1988 KX500, 1989 XR250R, 1988 VFR400R NC24, 1999 Cagiva Mito 125, 2008 Rieju RS2 50 , 1993 Honda NSR 125

[redeem ouzzer]

Unfinished edges and Smiler - esque welding are a suzuki staple. My x5 has at least two places where the weld has blown through where a bracket joins the frame. Character innit.
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Be a REAL MAN!

[TheSmiler]