We "Yanks" are spoiled

[Maicojames]

I just read another thread where it appears an Oz racer is having hell getting a bike imported from US. Though I am aware the exchange rate is pretty flat, you pay more for parts, or at least also pay a shitload of shipping-and yet VMX mag is based in Oz, and you see the most passionate enthsuiasts as well-not to mention some of the most beautiful bikes I have seen in pictures....

On top of that, many here refinish plastic parts by what must be weeks of sanding and finally polishing-most plate their own parts-do all their engine work(outside of machining)-and have kick ass resto tips for doing it righ and saving $.
 I just wanted to state that I am aware of the difference, and the hardships-and thanks for all the tips etc. I must be real soft, as some thing I just replace(plastic etc). Anyway-keep it up.
MJ

[DJRacing]

MJ yep you yanks have it good over there. The cost of your bikes(ebay) is cheap, and if I lived over there I'm sure I would have a shit load more bikes . Its the shipping cost that stops allot of us buying them and bringing them home. But then again maybe thats why the down-under vmxers are so passionate about restoring their bikes, because the supply of them isnt as great as over their. Or is it that we are just tighter than a frog's asshole?? Na, I think its probably the way we grew up as young boys having to fix things if we broke 'em.
  Over here (NZ) we have a saying "if it cant be fixed with number-8 wire, then it cant be fixed)

So yeah you maybe spoiled for choice but we are probably spoiled with inventive people.

[Doc]

Yes I all but weep at some prices I see for bikes and parts in the US too DJ but ya get that  MJ as for the restoration of old parts, necessity and isolation, the mother of all creations 

[Maicojames]

Yes I all but weep at some prices I see for bikes and parts in the US too DJ but ya get that  MJ as for the restoration of old parts, necessity and isolation, the mother of all creations 

On my former AW440 I was really bucks down for a few years, so I polished everything I could( Firko-the tank was already polished, I just finished it right)-experimented with various parts restoration methods, etc.-which is where I am now- RM250 is gone but as spring rolls in I am starting my next Maico

Some of the tips here are just outstanding(plastic polishing, home plating, "heating" spray can paint-and baking on, alum tank repair...and on and on).

[DJRacing]

James another tip for you then. Its a heating one again. Use a hot airgun (paint stripper airgun) and use it on your plastics. Never keep it in one place, keep it moving and not to close, and watch the top layer of plastic liquidify as you move it around. Do this after you have finished sanding. It will help remove creases, smooth out the sanding and even start to bring back the gloss of the plastic. A word of warning though, do not over do it. You can easily melt or burn the plastic. To finish off use some clear shoe polish and just rub it over the plastics.

[paul]

  doctor dj ive got a problem with a maico tank  can you help   it a original and i LIKE IT ALOT BETTER THAN THE SHITTY PINK  DC PLASTICS TANK   

the trouble is it got a couple off nicks  at the front and  i woul like to fill these little markd s and clear over the lot is this possible  i will post a pic to show you
cameras flat  stay tuned