replating at Millenium

[old smokey]

Dropped the cylinders off at Millenium Technologies yesterday.
Each cylinder is going to be the upper limit price range for repair.
Posted repair price range on their site is $200 to $265 each.

http://www.mt-llc.com/Ordering/pricing.html

I hadn't noticed the missing material on an intake port on the right cylinder. It's visible on the right side of the image with the link below.
I knew the left would be maximum repair cost as it had a deep gouge above the exhaust port.

http://bridgestonemotorcycleparts.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=1630

I'll post the final product once they're done.
The bike should turn out faster as the wallet will be lighter...
Old Smokey

[OldSwartout]

That still doesn't seem too bad, considering that plating a good 175 cylinder has been costing $175. They have to weld it up, then set it up and machine it. Still, it's a chunk of change to any one of us.

[old smokey]

I realize with the lack of alternatives it's not too bad of a price to pay.
I could always sell it as a pile of non-running parts and lose on the potential value.
But I'm too stubborn and it has a 32 year history with me, plus it survived the accident with me.
Riding it again on the road will be the final step of recovery and put a big smile on my face.

[reed]

Dave,
They do excellent work at Millennium Technologies i had some cylinders done!!
You wont be disappointed .
Thanks.
Steve.

[rocketman]

Hey Dave, two things come to mind. First, if your bike could talk I'm sure it would tell you how happy it is that you are so determined to put it back on the road. It probably wants to be ridden as much as you want to ride it again. And second, if your train of thought follows through, I should end up a few tenths quicker as I will be paying shipping to have mine done! They are in similar shape. Mark.

[old smokey]

Rocketman,
It might be a pretty close race.
I don't have to pay shipping, but since I'm in the same state as Millenium, I do have to pay state sales tax.

[bsracer]

I've used Millenium for several sets of cylinders for my 175 racer and have been more than satisfied with the quality and service.

paul

[old smokey]

A question for the restorers out there.
As I was dropping off the new pistons at Millenium I was thinking maybe I'd have them clean the heads too so they would match the cleanliness of the cylinders.
The employee said they bead blast the cylinders and could do the heads as well.
Obviously the heads would then match the finish of the cylinders, but is this a good idea?

I'm not trying to go for a pure stock restoration, but would I then want to put some sort of clear finish on the blasted surfaces? I would think the bare blasted surface would really allow dirt and oil to stick to the exterior.

The cylinders will probably be done Wednesday and I'll post photos once they're back.

[rocketman]

Smokey, I understand that a more smudge free surface is one of the benifits to Vapor blasting. My parts are not yet in hand so I cannot personally confirm this, others may be able to. The actual media millenium is using would affect this. I wouldn't think plastic bead would open the surface up. Sand or glass definitely will and then the surface will soak up anything that gets on it if not sealed. Your sure to get more input on this as we have bumped this subject around a bit before.   Mark.

[old smokey]

The employee had another set of cleaned cylinders nearby when I asked the question.
My first impression was it almost looked like a sand blasted surface.

Or maybe I'll consider this option - the cylinders and heads in black might not look so bad.
I am already planning on some black expansion chambers.
I've seen this at the following spot.
and the page listed below also mentions kevlar clutch plates.

http://www.lump-proof.com/CLASSIC/RACER/alb/index.html

[CL-100]

I am fortunate enough to live about 1 1/2 hours away from Rice Relics, the only vapor blaster I know of on the eastern half of the country.  I spent some time with Jonathan to learn about his operation and wouldn't hesitate to use this service in place of other media blasting.  It is nondestructive and puts such a smooth finish service on the metal that gas/oil just wipe off.  The cylinders and side cases I've seen look better than new when done.  I also had some aluminum covers cleaned and it makes the polishing easier, plus the back or underside of the piece gets nice and clean. 

You might want to try a smaller piece first but you won't regret it.

[rocketman]

 Smokey, blacking out components is a popular method of giving things a more competition look. I'm definitely interested in the Kevlar clutch plates. The specs on the road racer say the pipes are by TSR. They look like a set of mildly reworked DG chambers from a Yamaha RD etc. The RD pipes fit remarkably well with little mods anyway. The bike as equipped is a nice reference. Thanks, Mark.

[rocketman]

Thanks for the clarification on the vapor blastings surface CL. It will be a few more weeks or so till I get my lower end picked up.  Thanks, Mark.

[Bikenstein]

Smokey, blackin out the engine and other stuff is a cool idea. It's better than havin to pay the high cost of chrome, whose beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It will still keep the rust away, which is the objective. Why don't you try pressing the forks straight? I have taken bent forks to the shop at the county work camp and had them done for free by the inmates. So far no problems with seals leakin. I tried emailin the guy about the kevlar plates, that post is 2001 I think. If he found a way to rebuild the clutch it should still be available.Thanks

[reed]

Old Smokey,
I can bend your forks straight just let me know.
Thanks.
Steve.

[old smokey]

Geez, how many times have I looked at this old ad and never realized the cylinders are painted black??

Reed, thanks for the offer to straighten the forks. I might look for good original straight ones if my other idea doesn't work.

[rocketman]

Beautiful machines.  Mark.

[Bikenstein]

Geez, how many times have I looked at this old ad and never realized the cylinders are painted black??

Reed, thanks for the offer to straighten the forks. I might look for good original straight ones if my other idea doesn't work.

I think that's just an illusion caused by the shadowing of the fins.

[paul]

I think its the shadow/camera angle

[BS Mechanic]

Th fins in the original photo as it appears in an original Bridgestone advertising sheet are definitely silver, but they are somewhat dark due to shadowing.  This small scanned image isn't a very accurate reproduction of the original brochure, but it's still a great ad!