Just got a Barn Find - Bridgestone 7 50 - what do I do with it?

[utahryan]

I just acquired a Bridgestone7, as you can see from the picture. The kick start is broken off. So I don't know the status of the motor.  Is this project worth the effort to rebuild? Any idea what could the cost get up to?  Can I swap out the motor? I think it's a 1962.?? Part it out?  Sale as is?... Any input would be appreciated

[paul]

Looks complete. Except for the seat.

[paul]

In the manuels/articles section of this web site you can find road test of this model. Is the other side as complete?

[Toystoretom]

You might be able to pull the spark plug and put it in gear and turn the rear wheel to see if the motor is free....

[utahryan]

Other side..

[moonpup]

I just acquired a Bridgestone7, as you can see from the picture. The kick start is broken off. So I don't know the status of the motor.  Is this project worth the effort to rebuild? Any idea what could the cost get up to?  Can I swap out the motor? I think it's a 1962.?? Part it out?  Sale as is?... Any input would be appreciated

If your goal is to make money on the bike, your best shot is to either part it out or try to "flip" it. A full blown restoration will most likely leave you underwater and a nice rehab "might" get you back what you put in to it.  A lot also depends on how much work you farm out.  

[paul]

Is that a sticker/label in front of the speedometer? All signal/tail light lenses intact?

[utahryan]

Update: I wanted to see if the motor was seized (as suggested by Toystoretom), so I pumped up the tires, pushed it and kicked it into gear.  YEAA!! Its not seized, so I decided that I am going to get the motor running.

As the picture shows, I need a kick start shaft (it's broken off).  So I ordered that and a gasket kit.

Should I do anything else while the motor is open?

[OldSwartout]

Just check the main bearings and make certain they aren't too rough or rusty. Clean up the cylinder if needed, decarbon everything if there's much accumulation (a little isn't worth messing with) and make sure the rings are free in their grooves. It's probably a good idea to replace the crankshaft seals, unless they still feel soft and pliable.  If they aren't stiff, they're probably still good.

[utahryan]

OK, I just got my new kick start shaft in the mail to day, so I guess it's time to start on my project.
Step 1 : Remove shifter, side guards
Step 2 : Clean up the motor
Step 3 : set up my work bench so I can work on it, it may take a while... not sure, I never did anything like this before, but I'm excited.

Questions for you all, I printed out the two manuals, the steps don't seem to match, but I'm not to worried. My guess is take everything apart till the kick start comes out...  and remember what I did to put it all back together.

It will be obvious when I start, but...
1. Do I have to remove the piston section of the motor?
2. Do I have to tear apart both sides of the motor?
3. Do I have to remove the engine from the frame?

Thank in advance.

Ryan

[reed]

utahryan,
If the motor is like the Bridgestone 90 or 100.
You will have to take the motor out of the frame.
Clean the engine. take off cylinder head and remove
The piston,then the clutch cover and clutch and fly wheel.
Then you will have to split the crankcases etc.
To remove the the kick start shaft.
If you need any help send me a e mail and i will
give you a call.
Thanks.
Steve.

[utahryan]

Question #1: The cylinder walls are smooth, the piston rings are smooth, but the piston has some scratches on it.   Is it good enough to put back in?
Question #2: If I have to replace it, where do I find one?  Richard (host) seems busy (no response or phone busy).   I can wait, I got time on my hands.
Question #3: How do I clean off the carbon?

[utahryan]

Question #1: The black wheel must be the clutch plate,  how do I CORRECTLY remove it. If needed I can go to harbor freight and buy a tool or two, this is fun.
Question #2: The spring holding something in place through the crank case wall... what it is?

[utahryan]

Found this in the local want adds, anyone want me to grab them and hold them for a while?  Or maybe split them?  I may possibly use some parts off of the older one.

Add says: 1969 & 1965 Bridcestone 100 motorcycles TMX & Sport Parts or restore

[old smokey]

UtahRyan,
Would either of those have titles?
I wouldn't be participating in a purchase, but getting titles might help others decide.

[utahryan]

This is just to much fun.  Tonight I got the whole engine torn apart, here are some pictures to show my journey.
Left side and right side with everything off before opening the case, then ..... the cute little transmission gets some daylight, FIRST TIME IN 50 YEARS!

My new gasket set is in the mail, I hope it gets here soon. I will carefully replace the kick start, clean it all up, and start to put it back together.

[utahryan]

Well, I got the kick start shaft in, quickly tested it, along with going through all gears. Looks like it works just fine.  The only issue is (as marked in the picture by red circles is the spring for the gear shift arm is broken.  I don't know if it was broken before I opened it or if I did it.  I didn't take enough pictures when I opened it. (to excited) It's a tiny little spring compared to all the other things in the engine case. To me it looks like a bad design for the spring.   

[utahryan]

Carb cleaning -CLR® Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover is the best thing to clean a old carb, I noticed that it leaves a film of something, so when it's done soaking, i quickly put it into water before it dries so that film comes off better, I also noticed that if i cover the carb with a little bit of WD-40 it seems to have a better feel.  Like the CLR takes off a bit to much and WD40 makes it happy again.

Also, the frame is getting painted. (Sand Blasted.... Pictures coming soon)

I also taped out the 4 bolts on the fly wheel that hold the funky fan blades.  The old screws are 5 mm x 0.9 pitch and the local bolt store told me to "go somewhere else".  I went to a local machine shop and had them tap them to 6 mm x 1 pitch (a standard size).  Works great.  (The old screws were beyond using again).

Stator still works, put's out a spark.

I found a can of spray paint that looks like chrome, I was shocked how good it looks, photos coming later.
I plan on putting alot of time this weekend. So stay tuned...

 

[reed]

utahryan,
I did these carbs last week, they are off a old 350 Honda they were in a right state when i got them. 
Turned out nice.
Thanks.
Steve.

[utahryan]

Getting Close... Check out the picture