The Dart

8. September 2010:

A short entry just to make sure that something IS happening around here.

Last weekend I went to visit Ejvin. When (almost) grown up boys are having a play date there has to be some excuse, and the one that came up was that I was going to have a look at his old damaged Dart fairing parts to see if they were of any use to me.

Besdes looking at the parts I had the honor of riding the most beautiful Morini in Denmark. Ejvin shoved me around and I must admit that the area is beautiful up there - and nice roads as well! Except for being far away in my world I'll never speak evil about Northern Jutland again. Very beautiful!
We also went to Hedebo Strandcamping. The owner of the site, Bendt Christensen, has a large and very interesting collection of motorcycles whch includes two 3½. We had the fortune to see the collection and Bendt told us a little about it. If you ever come nearby, check it out.

Well, bac to the Dart! The fairing parts Ejvin had were in fairly decent condition - better than expected from what I had percepted according to the descriptions. I therefore was very happy driving home with the parts in the back of the Fiat 127. I had expected large cracks and splintered parts, but they only need a little handywork with some fibre glass, some spackel and of course paint.

The damaged areas have been ground paper thin and a couple of layers of fibre glass has been stuck on to it. After hardening the backside will get the same treament, so all of the damaged fibres are gone.

I have also bought a front fender from a Freccia C10/C12. It's a bit smaller than the original Dart fender, but it'll suit the look I'm going after, I think. I want a more open, "airy" look on the Dart, so I also have decided not to have a hugger. Instead I'm going to make fender underneath the seat that also covers the battery. This fender is therefore going to be completly hidden

The last parts I'm missing - headlights, instruments, pillion handle and fairing brackets Paul Compton has promised to provide. They should be here in a short period of time.

This saturday the annual meeting Bella Italia is taking place and Charlotte is coming with the Dart. She has choosen to call it the end of the season, so I will get the Dart back home again and will really have the possibility to work on it.