Erector Set/Treasure Hunt aka Benelli Dynamo

[wingless1]

the engine's cleaning up nicely!
Another thing to bear in mind: 2st oils have changed a lot since that bike was built- I wouldn't go as lean as 50:1, but 25:1 would be lots-32:1 with good oil would be lots (and atf in the tranny works great for most 2st).
I'd sandblast those rims-fast, easy, great surface for recoat.

[polkadot]

It has been a rough January for me. Our weather has been brutal, we have been sick and worst of all I lost my Father in Law, Ray, last week. A good man, a good life and a peaceful death. He has been my surrogate father since 1997 when I lost my best friend, my Dad. Lots of stress and burning the candle at both ends had me exhausted. This crazy little project at least gave me something to do. I ordered my first parts the other day: new shocks. Or should I say shock? Did not read the fine print. Realized my mistake when I opened up the package Wednesday and found one really nice shock. Now what do you do with one shock? I laughed at that and myself all night Wednesday. I needed that! Thursday I felt better and ordered the other shock. Anyway, more dis-assembly and cleaning. I got my manual the other day. I believe that I have a Benelli Dynamo Scrambler circa 1970. Not sure but it appears that the parts are pretty interchangeable over the years. I didn't have a chance to read it all, but did see that the oil mix is 20:1. (one quart for 5 gallons). Pics as they happen.

[Roady]

My condolences on your FIL Ray's departure.

It's nice to keep your hands busy with a fun li'l project.

[Rat]

Sorry to hear, thinking about you both.

Gord

[CYBORG]

Sorry to hear that news. I hope you have a lot of good memories to carry you thru these hard times

[Casper]

Cool project, just read the entire thread. Sorry about your loss, I also found that during times of life stress a couple of hours in the shop with some sort of project was always good therapy.

[polkadot]

Last week I got most of the parts de-gunked. Too cold to work in the garage, so that was about all I could do in the basement. I have also had the gas tank filled with vinegar. I have emptied it three times and almost all of the gunk, rust and varnish is gone.





I also had to modify the shocks slightly to fit the bike's studs. (13/32 did the trick).


Today, it was finally above freezing and I could get some work done "outside". I spent about two hours at a friends sand blaster. Then a couple hours at "the wheel" The results were great.

[Oldewing]

Looking great Ern



Master of the Wheel

[polkadot]

Looking great Ern



Master of the Wheel

Thanks for the Love Greg. Of all the things in life for me to master . . . . .

[Roady]

It's really coming along nicely, Ernie.

[polkadot]

I ordered new tires and tubes this morning. I finished with the wheel. Kind of neat to see some parts of the bike coming back together. The brake system looks great. I need a replacement grip/throttle/brake lever. It appears to be like finding hens teeth. Anyway, I have been struggling with what to do with the frame. The paint is not great and I would normally consider having it powder coated, but I think I will keep it the way it is. If I change it, I will lose the very cool chrome gas tank. That is really the Benelli look, so it will stay as is!

[robin1731]

Those brake parts look a lot better. Gotta love a bead blaster. I use mine a lot. A soda blaster comes in handy too.

[Kriss]

Very nice

[polkadot]

Some pre-game assembly.

[Rat]

I think that frame will look great ..... 'patina' .....

Gord