Restoration of this 5000: final steps.
All parts having been treated, we reassemble the puzzle: painted elements, zinc-plated screws, polished stainless steel, re-chromed parts.
We reassemble the chassis, slowly and calmly because it's a real puzzle and often requires three hands :)
Once the frame is reassembled and the handlebars fixed, we can hang "the beast," which makes the rest easier: mounting the wheels and accessories.
a beautiful re-chromed original bell….
Small detail of the toolbox, fastened under the seat with 2 springs on the 5000s.
We remake and install the foam that prevents tools from "rattling" when riding…
and then we close it :)
We can then install the seat cushion and seat cover.
The chassis is now finished, it just needs to be tested over 5 kilometers… as usual!
Test feedback: replacement of the free wheel which was too noisy and tightening of the rear hub which was too "loose." This just goes to show that you should never neglect the bicycle part of the Solex.
Meanwhile, the engine has been upgraded to stage 2 for a bit more torque. It now needs to be reattached to the frame.
Then we install the last "plastic" parts: luggage rack end cap, headlight, tank and flywheel cover… and we realize that the engine cover has aged badly… it’s broken.
So we get a new one and paint it so the color matches the Solex perfectly (this is one of the services offered by the Workshop, feel free to contact us to take advantage of it).
and
it’s done!!
A test ride on the bench and then on the road for about thirty kilometers validates the Solex… it just has to join its owner!
A few photos after… to compare with the before ones!
and a short video to enjoy this beautiful atoll under a radiant late September afternoon sun!
See you soon for another restoration!