First post fun!!!!

This blog with be used to document the 'restoration' of my 1951 Automoto AV125. I say 'restoration' because I'm not doing what you'd call a proper restoration, I'm only going to go through making it run and function correctly and safely with the aim of not changing the aesthetics at all. Why you might ask? Because it looks awesome how it is now, behold:

Obviously the bike has been stood for a significant period of time so will need quite a bit of work, off the top of my head here are the things I want to look at:

• Engine - rebuild with new gaskets, seals, clutch corks and any other parts required
• Carb - strip and clean
• Petrol Tank - get rid of the rust from the inside (it's not too bad and there is a filter in the carb but better safe than sorry) and sort a new seal for the filler cap
• Front suspension - strip and clean the axles and shock, regrease and reassemble
• Rear suspension - strip the shocks and (ideally) replace the seals/bushes/whatever I can. This is probably the part of the bike I'm most concerned about
• Saddle suspension (yes really!) - strip and clean
• Chain - not too sure here but probably just a really good clean
• Left foot rest - reattach!
• Stand - acquire/design and make one as there is nothing there at the moment!
• Wheels - check condition of bearings and brake shoes
• New tyres and tubes
• New cables for throttle, choke, front brake and clutch
• Get it insured and registered with DVLA
• RIDE!

Now some of those are easier than others, for example I've already removed the tank and with a good shake I managed to get this lot out

I've found a product called Deox-c which is a water soluble crystal that removes rust. Basically I will fill the tank with it and leave it for three days and that should remove all the rust, leaving a nice clean tank and nothing to clog my carb.

Speaking of the carb, I've already taken it off off, stripped it, cleaned it and it's ready to go back on, sorry, no pics of that process.

I've also placed an order for a load of parts for the engine and hopefully they will arrive later this week so I can have a peak in the engine at the weekend.

I've set myself a target of having the bike running for the Distinguished Gentlemans Ride on Sunday September 28th. Having just looked at the website that only gives me 11 days! I'm only aiming to get the bike to a point where it will sit on the old tyres, but inflated, and run. It will not be road legal at this point, but at least it gives me a target to get something done by.