My wheeled projects.
Throughout my journey in life, there's something awry if I don't have a project vehicle that needs attention.
I'm always keeping an eye out for those 'mechanic's special' ads, searching for unique and different cars or bikes.
Currently, I'm driving one of my dream vehicles, a 2-door 1990 Toyota 4-Runner. Yeah, it's old, and I love it!.
Click on an image in the gallery for a larger view.
I'm always keeping an eye out for those 'mechanic's special' ads, searching for unique and different cars or bikes.
Currently, I'm driving one of my dream vehicles, a 2-door 1990 Toyota 4-Runner. Yeah, it's old, and I love it!.
Click on an image in the gallery for a larger view.
Here's the short version of some projects I've tackled:
Suzuki xs1100 Custom: Cafe racer style motorcycle. Custom extended swing-arm with chain drive conversion, sv650 front forks, anodized red accents, tank-swap, custom fiberglass rear fairing, some custom wiring, numerous repairs to carburetors.
Kawasaki 454 LTD: Purchased as is, this bike wasn't running. With some simple diagnostics and repairs, it's now running like a top!
Kawasaki EX250: A super reliable and efficient bike, I purchased this from a trailer park resident, and it was literally crawling with poisonous spiders. A complete tear down to the frame revealed much work had to be done. Ended up replacing many parts, eventually restoring the bike to a like new condition.
Kazuma 200cc: Named the "Cheetah 200", this bike is a Chinese clone of the Honda CTX200. Purchased for $80 as a pile of parts, most parts were broken and had to be repaired, replaced, or modified. Loads of work, but with a fun payoff in the end.
1956 Mercury Monterey: Purchased without a title, without an engine, and with the transmission in the trunk, this mammoth needed more than a little TLC. After installing a period correct engine, and rebuilding the automatic transmission, this behemoth roared to life. Unfortunately, lack of funds and my desire to relocate forced a less than ideal end of life for this classic. But fear not, for it was not dumped into the car crusher, rather, it was sold to a fellow car enthusiast, with the intention of saving this classic.
Suzuku RV 125: A 2-stroke mini bike, with a street-legal title and registration, this little trail bike was an ideal choice for beach towns and campgrounds. The purchase inspired my friends and I to construct a dirt circle mini-track in our backyard, complete with ramps, whoops, and banked turns. Hours of noisy excitement and riding ensued. My neighbors were not as excited!
1990 Yamaha FJ1200: Currently sitting in the garage. Got it cheap and not running. Engine has been bored out to 1350cc, and some minor upgrades here and there. Got it running, poorly though. Still working through the kinks on this one.
Kawasaki 454 LTD: Purchased as is, this bike wasn't running. With some simple diagnostics and repairs, it's now running like a top!
Kawasaki EX250: A super reliable and efficient bike, I purchased this from a trailer park resident, and it was literally crawling with poisonous spiders. A complete tear down to the frame revealed much work had to be done. Ended up replacing many parts, eventually restoring the bike to a like new condition.
Kazuma 200cc: Named the "Cheetah 200", this bike is a Chinese clone of the Honda CTX200. Purchased for $80 as a pile of parts, most parts were broken and had to be repaired, replaced, or modified. Loads of work, but with a fun payoff in the end.
1956 Mercury Monterey: Purchased without a title, without an engine, and with the transmission in the trunk, this mammoth needed more than a little TLC. After installing a period correct engine, and rebuilding the automatic transmission, this behemoth roared to life. Unfortunately, lack of funds and my desire to relocate forced a less than ideal end of life for this classic. But fear not, for it was not dumped into the car crusher, rather, it was sold to a fellow car enthusiast, with the intention of saving this classic.
Suzuku RV 125: A 2-stroke mini bike, with a street-legal title and registration, this little trail bike was an ideal choice for beach towns and campgrounds. The purchase inspired my friends and I to construct a dirt circle mini-track in our backyard, complete with ramps, whoops, and banked turns. Hours of noisy excitement and riding ensued. My neighbors were not as excited!
1990 Yamaha FJ1200: Currently sitting in the garage. Got it cheap and not running. Engine has been bored out to 1350cc, and some minor upgrades here and there. Got it running, poorly though. Still working through the kinks on this one.
