painter

Your's are definitely cool. They run.

There is a moisture cure urethane sealer called POR-15 which I prefer over the epoxies for steel tanks. It requires the rust be removed before application. Having been in the painting trade for 30+ years the Caswell recommendation to just cover up the rust with the sealer goes against my grain. You are correct about the epoxy not sticking to polyethylene. Caswell even states that on their site.

Old thread, but the problem still exists. The Caswell tank sealer works best if you reduce it. It seems to stick to most plastics except Polyethylene. The product was designed to repair perforated steel tanks and is as thick a natural peanut butter as packaged. It makes it tough to get good coverage. Polyethylene also allows fuel to bleed through which causes paint adhesion issues. All the tanks made by Acerbis are PA-6 nylon and have real problems with deformation from water absorption. The street bike market has had real issues also with Ducati losing a class action suit recently and most other manufacturers going back to steel, or using PA-6 with skins to hide the issue. I'll be coating my Cota tank as part of the refurb.

It's a '72. The seat will go bye bye along with the pillion pegs and the exhaust extension. LOL The original seat pan is under all that mess, and I'll use it to fabricate some sort of seat. I've seen repro seats on line, but they're pricey, and I'd rather put the money into wheels. The airbox would be nice, but not absolutely necessary for my initial purposes I paint motorcycles for a living, so the beautification part of the job is no problem. I also worked in a shop for years in the 70's and was the OSSA trained tech. The Montesa appears to hold no real surprises. As to progress, I've freed up the motor from it's fuel bath and subsequent varnish seizing. I'll probably replace the loose needles with a caged needle, put it back together, see if it will run, and go from there. If I could only score some wheels. Again, if anyone has info as to what might fit it would be much appreciated.

I only wish it were a photoshop. I've dismantled that 'mod' and found the original seat pan underneath. I think I'll make a new one a bit smaller...and remove the passenger pegs. ...and probably remove the silencer extension on the other side.

Not much to look at... a 1972 Cota 123 recently rescued from underneath a barn in Vermont

I was just given a 1972 Cota 123. A friend bought it years ago with the idea of restoring it and has lost his ambition. I'm looking to make it a decent rider and not much more. I've never ridden trials and I'm not intending on competing and don't want to put the cost of a modern bike into this project. It will make a decent put around bike for my 6 year old if he gets interested and I lose interest. I know that parts are scarce, but this one is pretty complete, and I'm confident I can make it run. I have learned in my research that tires are impossible to find. I've also learned that other model wheels can be used with some swingarm modifications. Can anyone tell me what models used the same hubs, but with 21 and 18 inch hoops, or alternatively a source for correctly drilled rims cheaper than at Buchanan's in Cali? I've heard that Cota 247 wheels of similar vintage are one candidate. Thanks in advance. Nate edit...almost forgot...everyone like pictures.

I'm more of a pavement track guy and street rider, but I'm getting older and probably should find a slower means to get my kicks. The pavement is getting harder as I age, and I fall off occaisionally. I was just given a 1972 Montesa Cota 123...yeah I know parts are scarce and I'll have to re-wheel it, but I have nothing invested so far except for a parts manual. I've never ridden trials, and have very little dirt experience, but I'm looking forward to getting it going and having some fun with it. I'll head over to the Montesa forum and see if I can get some sage advice. Cheers, Nate