Tar, Baby!

Is there anything more hateful than tar smeared all over your bike's beautiful paint? This happened to me a few years back. The tarring crew didn't mark their work zone very well and I came through a stretch of fresh tar and pea rock about 90 on my newly purchased custom. Believe me I was hotter than the tar they were pouring! I rode home as fast as possible wondering what I could do to get this stuff off my fender and oil bag. The tar was still gooey but I was afraid to try wiping it off, especially with pea rock embedded. For some reason it occured to me to try Pledge. I sprayed a liberal dose over the tar and the paint, let it set for a few moments and lo-and-behold it wiped off like water!! I was ecstatic to say the least. I haven't had the opportunity to try this on tar that has set up yet, thankfully, but this is the ticket if you can get to it right away. Pledge is also awesome on bugs. Spray it on and wipe them off before and during a wash. This also makes the next batch of insects come off much easier.

Fender Struts

As much as we are ready for warm weather, I'd like a time warp to finish up all the things I expected to get done this winter. Nate, however, got some fender struts manufactured today. Wings nuts coming soon.

Fixing Broken Head Bolts

I found this interesting tidbit from subscriber James Degnitz of Fredonia, Wisconsin, in "Successful Farmer" magazine and thought I'd pass it along since we've had some experiences like this ourselves:

"To replace the exhaust manifold gaskets on an engine when the head bolts broke off, I heated the stud red-hot with a torch and took a candlestick to the stud. As the candle melted, wax was drawn into the thread, lubricating it and pushing the rust out. The bolt turned easily."

My latest obsession....

I've always wanted to make my own motorcycle tool bag and I finally had the guts and took the time to try it. As my second attempt in leather work I'm not too disgusted and it may actually be functional after I make the straps and clasps for it.