Steel tank frame question

[t20sl]

At the very rear of the box section of frame, under the seat I have a tab that welded to the box frame and points to the rear with a 135 degree bend on the end. It is about 1 1/2" wide with a single hole in it.  It is just in front of the 2 small tabs that mount the center portion of the rear fender.  The angle on the end of the tab doesn't match up with the fender.  What does this mount do?

[firstturn]

Ted,
  This is a what year?  I can't picture the hanger you are talking about.

Ron Carbaugh

[t20sl]

Ron:  It is a 1969. It actually hits the rear fender just forward of the 2 tabs which are just forward of the upper shock mounts.

[OUCWBOY]

Ted,
 I have a 69 and a 71 frame sitting in my garage right now. Neither one has anything like you are talking about. The only things I see are the 3 places where the fender attaches. Can you send a photo?


Donny Smith

[Kip Kern]

Ted  If it is the bracket I am thinking about, it is a fender mount but won't work.  I have seen this bracket and also another "goofy" bracket sticking out of the frame right in front of the rear wheel (round Pipe) for a fender mount.  What I have done to use the bracket you mention is to place two rubber washers between the rear fender and bracket (1/2" space) and bolt it up that way. Just don't pull it too tight as it will mess up your fender. You gotta love restoring the old ones, nothing matches up!

[Rain Man]

Kip, I'm glad you said that, Kinda makes me feel better inside.I keep thinking, "its just my techniques" but no, your right, things just don' bolt back together.  Thanks
 Raymond

[Kip Kern]

To be honest, the Penton/KTM is one of the most challenging bikes, for me, to restore.  I have done quite a few 20-30 and have never had one "fall" together.  The Wassell/Mudlark is the original bike from "hell" to restore as it has at least 4 different kinds of thread patterns on it!  I restored a Husky and that was like a vacation as it was so easy and now I am trying a Maico and that is even more easy as everything is rough cast and requires no polishing, plus the parts are cheap even on EvilBay!  I guess I just like a challenge!:D

[Rain Man]

Kip, After 30 years of use, abuse and neglect, Crashes and thrashes, things on the outside are always twisted and bent.  Tell me one thing though, are the insides of the engine more forgiving, as far as aseembling and disassembling the engine?
Raymond

[Kip Kern]

Raymond;  The engines are a little better if they were halfway maintained by the original owner.  After many rebuilds and restorations, I am a little more cautious before I jump to buy any bike/part or engine.  Things to look for when purchasing a used Sachs engines are: Chain being tossed through the right case and ignition area, $100 repair easy (if done properly and not a "cob" job), destroyed crank, $150+ repair, 200 neutrals, $150+ repair and so on.  Very seldom I find a used Sachs that is a total "keeper."  Ktm engines, look for corrosion, anymore, that will stop me as usually if it is bad on the outside, it is worse on the inside, big $$$.  Availability of Clutch Actuators has slowed me down on buying a used KTM engine as well as staying away from the 175cc due to piston availability and broken cylinder sleeve bottoms.  On an average, you can wrap up $500+ in parts to rebuild any engine.  On both style engines, check end play on all shafts before buying as crank bearings are $100 a set.  Clutch plates aren't cheap and some springs aren't available anymore either.  Anymore, I shy away from used engines unless they turn over, kinda shift and aren't broken up on the outside.  I don't mind paying a little more to save a lot of time and money in the long run.  Rebuilding engines is a lot of fun but you have to remember that you are making something 30+ years old go back to work and if not done properly, can be a problem.  If you have the proper technical data, good tools and patience, anyone can rebuild their engine, with help from our parts providers and this forum of excellent people, you will be OK and have a lot of fun doing it. If I can help, drop a line [email protected]  If you are a shopper at any swap hopefully these tips can save you time and also If you insist on buying a "clunker" just for parts, can act as a negotiating factor as far as price, remember, you don't have to buy everything.  There are still some darn good buys out there, you just have to be patient and look carefully!  My daddy always said "son, you can go broke on too many good deals"  Good Luck!;)