Tag Archives: restoration

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EV charging have to be precedence for restored Northern Ireland Assembly

The restoration of the Stormont Assembly is sweet information for Northern Ireland and its folks, however the 24-month break in motion means politicians face a to-do checklist piled as excessive as Everest – and consultants concern that accelerating EV infrastructure development is someplace down within the foothills.

While the variety of fast and ultra-rapid chargers in Northern Ireland has elevated fivefold previously 18 months, the nation can nonetheless declare solely to have round 100 in operation, the bulk situated within the north-east.

As of October 2023, Northern Ireland had the fewest 50kW-plus chargers within the UK, at 2.9

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Restoration of a Yamaha TownMate T90: Transforming a Neglected Bike

The YouTube channel Restoration of Everything specializes in finding rundown bikes in need of some care. Although the channel’s name suggests a focus on sad projects, the process and end results are still satisfying.

One recent restoration project featured an extremely dirty Yamaha TownMate T90 that had clearly seen better days. Judging by the amount of debris surrounding the bike, it had likely been sitting outside for quite some time.

However, the RoE crew took on the challenge and started the restoration process. Despite the lightweight nature of the original TownMate T90, weighing around 222 pounds, this particular bike was missing its seat and likely even lighter. To ensure safety, the crew didn’t rely on just one person to lift it.

Once they brought the bike back to the garage, they began disassembling it to assess the condition. Inside the underbone frame, they found both the wiring harness and a colony of ants curiously emerging (although there could have been worse surprises in a tropical climate).

Unperturbed by the ants, the team calmly dismantled the bike and got to work. They drained the dirty engine oil, fortunately finding no major metal chunks or shavings. Some seized bolts required drilling, but eventually, everything was dismantled for thorough cleaning and examination.

While the engine wasn’t in terrible shape, the cylinder showed enough wear to necessitate a rebore. The team obtained the necessary replacement parts, including some OEM Honda components. After reassembling the engine with proper lubrication, they continued with the restoration process.

Working on the frame, they addressed some rusted metal parts that needed attention. By carefully removing the paint and identifying the areas requiring work, they cut out the damaged sections and skillfully welded in replacement pieces. The next steps included applying body filler, sanding, priming, and painting. Before adding a clear coat, they secured replacement Yamaha TownMate T90 decals.

Although they successfully repaired the steel frame, the plastic leg shield was beyond salvageable. The crew sourced replacement parts to properly rectify that issue and address any other irreparable components. Since the bike was missing a seat, they also acquired a brand new one.

At the end of the project, the once-neglected TownMate T90 had been transformed into a restored and refreshed bike that was ready for a trip to the shops or a ride around town. It now served as a simple and charming means of transportation, saved from becoming scrap thanks to the dedicated efforts of the restoration crew.

Featured

This 1968 Ford Mustang Is A $315,400 Restored Vintage Cruiser

In recent years, the vintage vehicle restoration and modification industry has experienced significant growth. Many builders have emerged, offering their unique interpretations of iconic models. One such builder is Velocity Restorations, known for their impressive work on vehicles like the Ford Bronco. Now, they have turned their attention to the 1968 Ford Mustang, creating a fully restored vintage muscle car that is priced at $315,400.

The 1968 Ford Mustang features a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine, similar to its Bronco sibling. It also comes equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a modernized cabin. While my time behind the wheel of this Mustang was brief, it left me wanting more.

Velocity Restorations Ford Mustang

Although the exterior of this Ford Mustang retains its original ’60s aesthetic, it has been thoroughly updated. Velocity Restorations has replaced the old unibody construction with a new Mustang Spec chassis from Roaster Shop, providing more space in the engine bay and improved suspension geometry. The car also features FOX coilovers, 11-inch Baer four-piston front brakes, 17-inch wheels, and wider Continental Extreme Contact Sport O2 tires for better handling.

While I didn’t have the opportunity to test the Mustang’s performance on a twisty back road, I can say that it cruises comfortably on the 17-Mile Drive in Monterey, CA. Despite its vintage roots, it feels stable and planted, even with its powerful 460-hp engine. The car maintains its iconic shape without excessive rear-end squatting. My first impression of the Signature Series Mustang was positive, and I’m eager to drive it again.

Velocity Restorations Ford Mustang

While the exterior of the Mustang appears relatively unchanged, upon closer inspection, there are some notable updates. The hood now sports twin vents, and the headlights and taillights have been replaced with modern LEDs. This particular car features Neptune Blue exterior paint and chrome accents, all new as part of the recent restoration.

The exterior enhancements on this Mustang are tastefully executed. Despite offering plenty of customization options, Velocity Restorations has managed to maintain the original look of the 60s Mustang, rather than completely transforming it. The result is a car that maintains its iconic shape while benefitting from modern upgrades.

Velocity Restorations Ford Mustang

The cabin of this Mustang has also been reworked, but it still maintains an original appearance. Upgraded materials, Procar bucket seats, and a Dakota gauge cluster have been added. For entertainment, there is a retro-style head unit that matches the rest of the interior. It’s a nice touch that brings a vintage vibe to the modernized cabin.

The Signature Series Ford Mustang Fastback starts at $299,900, while the test car with optional extras comes in at $315,400. For those seeking a more aggressive version, the Street Series starts at $369,900 and includes larger wheels, Recaro bucket seats, and a sportier suspension setup. The range-topping model also receives additional interior and cosmetic upgrades.

While I wasn’t able to extensively test the Signature Series Mustang, my initial impression is that it is a well-executed restoration that successfully preserves the car’s vintage look and feel. Its performance on the road was promising, and I eagerly await the opportunity to drive it again.

Featured

Porsche South Orlando Wins Regional Restoration Challenge

Porsche South Orlando recently participated in the Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge and presented an impressive entry: a 1997 Porsche 911 Carrera transformed into a Porsche 911 Carrera “RSR Tribute” through a series of modifications. Unlike traditional restoration or preservation projects, this restomodded car competed in the Individualization category of the challenge, allowing contestants to showcase their creativity and unique visions while embracing the “Sonderwunsch” aspect of the Porsche brand.

With 75 years of Porsche history to draw inspiration from, the possibilities were endless. In the regional competition, the stunning Porsche 911 Carrera RSR Tribute won first place in the Individualization category and will advance to the national level soon.

This year’s competition introduced the Individualization category, which has brought forth a wave of new, unique, and creative submissions celebrating Porsche’s rich history, alongside the Preservation and Restoration projects. The winning finalists in each category – Preservation, Restoration, and Individualization – will be honored at Porsche’s highly anticipated Rennsport Reunion 7, scheduled to take place at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca from September 28 to October 1.

If you’re interested in exploring more cars for sale from Porsche South Orlando, you can view all cars for sale here.

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AEO POWERSPORTS CR500 PROJECT: 2-STROKE TUESDAY

AEO Powersports has restored a 1992 Honda CR500 and it is the focus of this week’s Two-Stroke Tuesday. The restoration project involved using products from top companies like Works Connection, Hinson, Dunlop, ODI, Motion Pro, Dubya USA, and FMF. The finished CR500 is truly captivating and surpasses what can be captured in pictures alone.

Works Connection’s aluminum skid plates, which have a classic motocross design, are still available for the CR500. Works Connection’s long-standing products continue to be produced even after many years.

The CR500 power plant, complete with Nickel Wurks fastener kits from Specbolt, is a true masterpiece.

Dubya USA offers a variety of wheel combinations that can fit any dirt bike, and they can also refurbish OEM sets to make them better than new. The AEO CR500 wheel set features black HAAN hubs with stainless steel spokes and gold DID Dirtstar STX-X rims built at Dubya USA’s headquarters in Southern California.

The ODI CFT Handlebars are mounted on new top clamp systems, and Motion Pro offers a selection of replacement throttle assemblies for various machines. The Vortex SE replaces OEM throttles on many Japanese 2-strokes and can be used with ODI grips with cam “C” or the new style lock-on ODI grips.

The REP/AEO suspension team installed a modern WP Cone Valve Fork on the front of the CR500 and reworked the rear shock to match. The installation of the WP components is so clean that it looks factory-made.

FMF has been making pipes for the Honda CR500 since the 90s. The Gold Series Fatty and Power Core 2 silencer combination is just as classic as the CR500 itself.

The Sunstar Works Triplestar aluminum sprocket, made of 7075 T6 construction with hard anodized coating, offers extra strength. The DID ERT3 gold chain is designed to be lightweight and withstand abuse.

The aluminum tank on the 90s era machine is a standout feature. XFUN in Europe handmakes the tank to original OEM Honda specifications. For US customers, aluminum tanks for various two-stroke machines can be purchased through www.motomandistributing.com.

Overall, the CR500 restoration by AEO Powersports is a true work of art.