Topics

1

General Discussion / Queensland floods

« on: January 20, 2011, 10:27:06 am »

Having come back from working up in the flood affected areas of SE Qld as part of a NSW USAR team I have had the misfortune to see first hand how these floods have changed not only peoples' lives for ever, but how whole communities have been changed for ever !!!

While most of us on this forum are far from millionaires, and over time we may be slugged with a govt imposed tax or levy to pay for the flood damage these people need help right now from charitable organisations. Instead of buying a slab for the week or some other indulgence consider giving the money to someone who can really use it via a respected charity such as the Salvation Army so long as it is specifically targeting the floods. We saw them at work in the field and they are the best !

I heard Anna Bligh being interviewed on the radio this morning while I was doing a workout and she emphasised that ALL money donated to the Queensland Premiers Fund would go straight to flood victims with administration costs being borne by the Premiers Dept. (I hope that stands scrutiny?)

Do your homework if you must but GIVE SOMETHING !!!

This may give you some idea of what a has happened in Brissy on a grand scale and as we know the towns up in the Lockyer Valley were smashed !!!

http://www.abc.net.au/news/infographics/qld-floods/beforeafter.htm

Dave Mac 

2

Dealers / VAPOUR BLASTING IN SYDNEY

« on: June 23, 2010, 12:28:28 pm »

OK - This is free plug time but hopefully some may find it useful to know, especially people in Sydney.

At EXTREME expense to the management (me, lol) I have set up a vapour blaster that is the bees knees when it comes to removing years of old oxide and crappy paint from non ferrous metals and leaves behind a really nice fine, lustrous finish that id far superior to bead blasting. The machine will blast ferrous items too but it is water based so the steel or iron will go off almost straight after it is taken out of the cabinet (I have done some jobs on tanks and side panels but don't recommend it)

For those of you out there that aren't familiar with what vapour blasting is, put it is simply glass beads suspended in a water stream (along with additives as required) directed in a high volume, moderate pressure at the work being cleaned. It doesn't damage the surface like dry blasting (whether bead or angular), nor does it pose as much as a threat to oil galleries and other pockets where conventional dry blast media can impact and build up but I stress that holes and galleries should still be plugged or taped over. The finish is much cleaner and greasy finger marks can be easily cleaned off without leaving any residue unlike dry finishes. Due to the milder abrasive action dimensional stability is maintained too where dry bead can enlarge bearing bores etc.

Vapour blasting is also far more effective than soda blasting which, while good, usually leaves some oxide behind.

The blaster has a capacity of 105cms x 105cms x 80cms so can handle most jobs with ease.

I work on a one week turn around as a rule and doubt you will be disappointed as being a restorer myself I understand what bike restorers are after (except getting everything for free, lol) and will blast pretty much anything so long as it has been well degreased and crud free.

I am happy to have parts dropped off at my place after hours if required and am also more than happy to have items sent by either Aussie Post or courier as I am in the process of organising couriers to help country and interstate customers. My number is 0416074750 or email [email protected]

If anyone wants to check on the quality of my work ask Firko as I did the head and barrel for his Cheney Yammy just prior to CD7

Cheers

Dave Mac 

3

Tech Talk / VAPOUR BLASTING IN SYDNEY

« on: June 23, 2010, 12:27:01 pm »

OK - This is free plug time but hopefully some may find it useful to know, especially people in Sydney.

At EXTREME expense to the management (me, lol) I have set up a vapour blaster that is the bees knees when it comes to removing years of old oxide and crappy paint from non ferrous metals and leaves behind a really nice fine, lustrous finish that id far superior to bead blasting. The machine will blast ferrous items too but it is water based so the steel or iron will go off almost straight after it is taken out of the cabinet (I have done some jobs on tanks and side panels but don't recommend it)

For those of you out there that aren't familiar with what vapour blasting is, put it is simply glass beads suspended in a water stream (along with additives as required) directed in a high volume, moderate pressure at the work being cleaned. It doesn't damage the surface like dry blasting (whether bead or angular), nor does it pose as much as a threat to oil galleries and other pockets where conventional dry blast media can impact and build up but I stress that holes and galleries should still be plugged or taped over. The finish is much cleaner and greasy finger marks can be easily cleaned off without leaving any residue unlike dry finishes. Due to the milder abrasive action dimensional stability is maintained too where dry bead can enlarge bearing bores etc.

Vapour blasting is also far more effective than soda blasting which, while good, usually leaves some oxide behind.

The blaster has a capacity of 105cms x 105cms x 80cms so can handle most jobs with ease.

I work on a one week turn around as a rule and doubt you will be disappointed as being a restorer myself I understand what bike restorers are after (except getting everything for free, lol) and will blast pretty much anything so long as it has been well degreased and crud free.

I am happy to have parts dropped off at my place after hours if required and am also more than happy to have items sent by either Aussie Post or courier as I am in the process of organising couriers to help country and interstate customers. My number is 0416074750 or email [email protected]

If anyone wants to check on the quality of my work ask Firko as I did the head and barrel for his Cheney Yammy just prior to CD7

Cheers

Dave Mac 

4

Italian (Moto Villa, Beta, SWM etc) / A new Ducati for OZ

« on: December 26, 2009, 11:26:45 pm »

A Cheney Duke in OZ soon

This one is on it's way (well on it's way into a container anyway!!!) - 200415757205

Best looking R/T variant I can think of but still wary of second gear And decibels ?

All being well should have it by March of '10

Dave Mac 

5

Wanted / Old Holden UTE or (windowless) VAN WANTED

« on: September 03, 2009, 10:27:09 am »

OK OK - I know this isn't an Holden car site be it's worth a try !!!

Any help here will be very much appreciated.

Do any of you know of a decent old Holden ute or WINDOWLESS van for sale. I want one as a general VMX hauler and a promo for my blasting business.

Due to preferences I am only interested in FE FC FB EK

Any leads on a good vehicle would be appreciated but pleas it must be a good one and preferably registered with little or no body issues.

Mechanically, so long as it runs and drives reasonably that's OK.

If I enough of you get the shits I'll take the post down, lol, but I am getting desperate.

Cheers guys

Dave Mac   

6

Yamaha / Ebay spotto - Yammy with a strange growth

« on: September 03, 2009, 10:12:53 am »

For you Yammy fans - a fancy pot-plant !

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/YAMAHA-1973-MX250A-VMX-PRE75-READY-FOR-RESTO-NOW_W0QQitemZ230373263007QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Motorcycles?hash=item35a351069f&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Worth a look ?

Dave Mac 

7

Suzuki / Ebay spotto

« on: September 03, 2009, 10:09:30 am »

Might get someone started???

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Suzuki-1976-RM250A_W0QQitemZ140343297227QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Motorcycles?hash=item20ad1cc4cb&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Cheers

Dave Mac 

8

CZ / The now non existant Ji Gantor ???

« on: July 28, 2009, 08:15:30 pm »

I guess Ji Gantor has moved on ?

Pity

Dave Mac

9

General Discussion / WET ABRASIVE BLASTING IN SYDNEY

« on: July 09, 2009, 01:43:34 pm »

Happy Days !!!

For you guys who have been asking me - check out the tech tips section.......................

Dave Mac 

10

Tech Talk / WET ABRASIVE BLASTING IN SYDNEY

« on: July 09, 2009, 01:41:52 pm »

OK Gents (and Ladies of course)

A while back I whetted the appetites of some of you with the mention of me waiting for a wet abrasive blaster to be manufactured and be transported from Qld.

With a fair bit of water under the bridge I am happy to announce the imminent start of a new blasting service based in the North West of Sydney with no small cost to the management (that's me!) After spending what seems to have been a fortune I am one, or maybe two weeks away from getting started (machines are all wired in and airlines are the final 'obstacle' - hopefully being dealt with by the weekend?)

From the response I've had I figure I'll be a busy boy and look forward to helping get more bikes out there looking sharp with a process that seems to have eluded most in NSW unless they send their stuff interstate or spend a ridiculous amount of money (from some of the quotes I had while sussing things out you can do that EASILY - even interstate!).
 
For those who aren't familiar with wet abrasive blasting, it is a process that is far superior to dry blasting techniques for a number of reasons and is also known as water blasting and vapour blasting.

Here's are a few good things about the process;
 
* Far superior finish to conventional glass bead blasting - a VERY long lasting finish very similar to the original cast look.

* No impregnation of the job - it is a much more gentle process as the water cushions the blasting media and prevents penetration.

* Minimal residue. While I recommend blocking critical galleries and threads residue build up is all but eliminated in wet blasting and what  remains can easily be removed. Convention blasting allows media to 'pack' and fill holes causing all sorts of issues. With a long background in machining and bike work I won't let anything bad happen to your stuff no matter what blasting method you chose - should galleries, threads etc need attention they WILL get it unlike some others who leave the owner or their mechanic to sort out the mess - please trust me when I say I DO know what I am doing, lol!

* Special low foaming detergents prevent staining.

* Finished surfaces, particularly on alloy are far more resilient to contamination. most oily marks etc wipe right off

* No caustic or other harmful chemicals are used - all it is is blasting media, detergent and water.

* Dimensions are maintained and joint surfaces are not damaged in any way.

* No dust is produced meaning the operator (me) lives a little longer - I hope I have that part right?

* It totally cleans with little if any remaining oxide residue unlike soda blasting (Sodium Bicarbonate in saturated solution) - nor does it cause 'whitening' due to caustic residue after the cases are exposed to water. Although I do recommend protecting ANY alloy if it has been washed and is going to sit around.

* There is nothing bad or dangerous about the process - that is why it is the most advanced and accepted abrasive blasting technique worldwide. it can be used on virtually any metal and I aim to experiment on other things as well, including industrial applications eg mould / die finishing and refurbishment.

Unlike the few others that do the wet blasting I am supplementing the service with a large capacity dry cabinet big enough to take most frames etc. By Having both machines everything is in house and so not only can alloy components be given world class finishes but steel components can be prepared for painting by conventional fine grit blasting. Additionally I will have the advantage of being able to dry bead blast severely contaminated or oxidised components prior to the water processes drastically cutting cabinet time which saves you money (this option would be discussed prior to going ahead of course)

I'm not going to have a website or anything up for a while as I want to get the machine sorted but will keep everyone on the forum posted along with other clubs that are into doing up old bikes and cars, etc. Once I get established I hope to get something on the web and who knows Graeme, I might even be able to earn enough to pay for a sponsors spot eh, lol?

The dimensions of the cabinet is 110cm x 107cm x 80cm so I can blast virtually any bike components and I am proud to say it is an Australian made product from sunny Queensland.

My aim is to provide a reliable and honest service at a fair price. Postal and courier services will be possible to save on fuel costs or if you are too far away.

As soon as I have done the final 'bug sorting' I'll let you know.

Dave Mac 

11

Maico / Step right up - 490 Maico's for sale on Evilpay

« on: June 09, 2009, 12:09:39 pm »

Looks like there are opportunities to get two more Maicos on the race track for those who hanker for a well restored race bike straight up from Ozmaico (you know him Paul  )

Both have had the works and are longing to be blasted around a closed circuit doing what they were designed to do (even if the brakes are 'gentle' in their action)

Ozmaico is known to be a fussy bastard and if any of you have tried building a bike they will know that it costs a shitload to restore or build a bike from scratch - these ones are already finished so go stick some numbers on em and stop saying there are no good bikes out there!

Dave Mac 

12

Competition / Hey - I finally did it !!! CRC Debut !

« on: May 21, 2009, 10:45:34 am »

After years of taking sonny Jim around to race minikarna and assorted MX tracks and TALKING about getting back onto a race track myself I have finally done it !!! This forum is full of guys talking it up and now I can hold my head a bit higher knowing I get out and do it.

With five and a half months to go before hitting fifty two the mighty MC440T and I hit the dirt and had a f....... ball. Saturday's practice gave me the thrill I was expecting, blasting around on the sweetest old dirt bike I could wish for but sadly the other 440GP I bought from big k died half a lap into another practice round when the gear lever snapped off halfway along it's length and had to be parked for the weekend. From the time I hit the track on Saturday to tying down the bikes on Sunday I had the time of my life as I hadn't raced since I was a kid on a self bought CR125m when I was 17 - bloody fantastic !!!

While most of my riding probably could be classified as requiring substantial improvement, lol, a midfield finish in the Pre 85 made me feel fantastic and has me well and truly hooked. The other races ? - well I was still smiling yesterday so I was a winner either way!

After going along to some of HEAVEN's events over the years I have wanted to be properly involved in the VMX scene and not just a fence sitter and it's a great feeling to be involved with much more to come I hope. While riding the trusty 250EXC in the mountains is a blast racing is even better I reckon.

For all of you guys out there who have talked about getting out there, irrespective of your ability, age, domestic subservience (ie under the thumb, lol) or budget just do it NOW. In my job I see poor buggers who never get to realise whatever dreams they may have had and life is too short.

If your fitness is shit racing will also make sure that gets some attention and it may just extend your life.

Does anyone know how John on the RM370 got on after his little get off and the trip to hospital ? Hopefully he can remember what day it is now 

Dave Mac - Happy as Larry 

13

Tech Talk / Exhaust paint

« on: May 06, 2009, 10:01:11 am »

For those of you who have used and been happy with VHT expansion chamber paint are you aware it is no longer in production in the US due, apparently, to a fire at the factory where a lot of the base ingredients were made (I bet it was one pisser of a fire!). I used it a lot over the years and it did the job very well especially if you cured it before use by putting a heat gun up the pipe for 20 mins or so

The distributor in OZ (Speco Thomas) while helpful couldn't tell me much, short of what he was reading from a catalogue.

So what are most of you using these days that doesn't burn off and look like shit after a few rides - I remember reading way back about $2 rattle can satin enamel etc but figured there must be better stuff than that or am I on the wrong track?

I spoke to Geoff Morris yesterday about a Pursang pipe and he suggested VHT engine enamel in satin which given his knowledge is well worth a try as he knows his stuff but I figured there may be other suppliers too - ideally able provide bulk paint to put through a gun as the rattles are always dearer.

I know this topic was chucked around some time ago but figured we could update the knowledge base !

Dave Mac 

14

Spaniards (Bultaco, Ossa, Montesa etc) / Pursang Mk6 350 Head wanted

« on: May 06, 2009, 09:47:20 am »

Sorry to do a WANTED in the main forum but the relevant section seems useless unless people look in there so I figured I would try this as surely there is a decent spare head out there somewhere.

Not being too well versed in sourcing Bully bits yet, I am after parts for a good original old 104 I just took delivery of, so please if someone has parts for one, especially a cylinder head, I would like to here from them. I also need some help with a set of bottom triples for a 135 Mk8 250 and most likely more stuff as time goes on.

Someone well up on Bultaco's might be able to enlighten me re the capacity of the 104 too. Most stuff I have read says they were a 350 but a VMX spread on Chris Nicholsons' bike stated it was a 325 - were there two capacities or is it the case of the actual capacity was 325cc but the factory thought '350' sounded better?

Any help or leads appreciated

Dave Mac   

15

Wanted / BULTACO M104 CYLINDER HEAD

« on: May 03, 2009, 09:40:14 am »

While the bike has been happy for years without a couple of fins it would be nice to find a better head for the old girl. For some reason only known to a previous owner the left hand side of the head has had part of the casting and the outside fin neatly cut off. It doesn't seem enough to clear a high pipe so stuffed if I know.

Please PM if you can offer me something

Dave Mac