Making a Tiger Roar Again

Hi Guys.

I did say I would keep you posted as I work on the Steamer. Well. I have set up a dedicated website....... and done bugger all with it. Thought'd I should let you know what I've been up too.

This is the current situation.

Replaced choke and throttle cable and what do you know. She only went and started. And she sounds good.

Whipped off the carbs and air filter. Gave them a good clean and replaced them. Then she failed start. Lots of swearing later I realised I'd run out of fuel. Doh!

Currently working on the brakes. Once they're sorted I can giver her a quick test ride and decide where to go next. I have found acetone is great for getting the old paint off the tank. Have run out, so more is on order. Anyone had any experience of replacing the petrol breather tube ? Mine seems to be blocked with a white power. I assume it's ali corrosion..... Is it a case of ordering up a part ? Looks like the fitting is moulded into the tank. Did think of replacing the fuel cap with one with a breather instead. Not sure there.

So. The next question is going to be should I replace the plastics ? (Looking at about £200 for the plastics, bracket and headlights on ebay.) or should I go for something a bit different. Was thinking about trying to make up some angular ali panels, possibly with some large rivets and a few "rough edges" and dents. Might be going a bit to "Mad Max". Not sure.

Anyway. Apologies for the lack of updates. Itching to finish the brakes now and have a quick run.

 

Ha ha. I do like the Mad Max look on some bikes. Not sure I want to align myself with Mr Gibson though.

The bike looks a bit rough currently so thought that might be a way to bring her back to looking something, but tbh I think I'm talking myself into some original plastics and the twin head lights. Would be nice to get back to original. Regarding the breather pipe, I did start cleaning with a piece of wire but didn't want to poke a hole in the tube inside the tank. I'll have another crack at it and take it easy. Maybe round the end of the wire a bit. I'll let you know how I get on.

Hopefully if my bit's get here I should get to have a quick ride this weekend and I can see what I have brought.

 

Got some plastics for the old girl. And the twin headlights. It'll need a respray as the paint is flaky and a bit of bodywork here and there but she looks so much better.

I'm missing a bracket to hold the headlights but got a bit handy with some strip metal and have got them mounted. Just need to wire them up.

Currently the plastics are held on with a couple of bolts and some zip ties. Need to source a full set of fixings.

Anyway. Check out the current pic's.



Spot the original fixings. I'll give you a clue. There are 3. Or 4 if you count the tank mount washer........

Ignore the old towel hanging out of the fairing. That has now been replaced with brackets and bolts.

 

I'm not a fan of the spangly and new. I like something with a bit of character. I plan to building a chopper next. Long, low and very little in the way of plastics/composites etc. Might need a bit more than just zip ties though. I'll need to tool up for that one.

Went shopping for a new lid. Avoiding carbon fibre here was quite tricky. Don't think I'm 'dynamic' enough for carbon fibre.

Finally had a quick run down the road and she pulls really well. The engine sounds a little agricultural at low idle. Seems to be lots of mechanical noise. Not sure if this is standard with a steamer.

Should have my mate round tomorrow to talk respray. Want the old girl looking good. This started as a "Get an MOT on her" project. Now I seem to moving a bit towards restoration. As long as I keep an eye on the bottom line I should be ok I think.

Must admit. This has been fun so far. It's been a while since I worked on a bike, and the funding was a LOT tighter then. 20 years and a little more cash makes the whole experience much more fun. Can't wait for next one.

 

That's good news. I must admit, I quite like it. It sounds busy.

There are currently a couple of Steamers on ebay of a similar year. I'm keeping my eye on them to see what a decent one is worth. One is very nice with all the boxes etc.

I seem to have a leaky float valve on one carb so that needs sorting. (Fuel draining out of the air box. Not good)
Just got a fixings kit for the plastics.
I hated seeing a huge hole behind the plastics......... so a set of clocks are in the post.
Oh. And I should be off to pick up a new toy for the shed on Saturday.
That's my spending for this month. Only four weeks to pay day.

Hopefully I should be wiring in the clocks over the weekend if they get here in time.
Might also be playing with the new toy.

 

Another late update and a question.

First, the update.
The clocks are fitted. The plastics have been on, then taken off again....... She seems to be running ok and, the BIG news, I think she may be going for an MOT this week end. I have managed to remove most of the nasty paint from the tank. I'll give it a couple of light coats from a rattle can before the MOT. Make sure she looks cared for. A proper paint job can wait until later. I want to get out on the road while the weather is good. BUT,

I seem to have an electrical problem somewhere. I did a bit of rewiring on the headlights. Removed the old single light and replaced it with the original twin set. I think this is ok. I followed the Haynes manual diagram (Simple circuit with 2 relays, one for each main beam). There was also a bit of heavy rain...... Now, when I turn on the ignition, the bike draws about 1.5 Amps with no lights etc on. Just the neutral light showing. This seems like a lot to me. I suspect I have a water/wiring problem somewhere.
Anyone have any ideas ?

Anyway, getting excited now. Just an MOT and insurance to sort and I can hit the road on the Steamer.