Project 1974 Puch Texas

Before the restoration.
This moped was a nice complete object.	Does not look that bad, but it can get better...

2004-12-15 - Disassembly.
Disassembling the Puch Texas. Greased, dirty, scratched and dented, but yet a good object. A frame without rust stains is worth a lot.	All the defects starts showing when disassembling the moped. A few surprises like cracks, poor threads or wrong parts always pop up. It is a part of the thrill.

2004-12-17 - Polishing and blasting.
One suspension unit is polished and ready and shines as new. Renovating a suspension unit takes 4 to 5 hours including the polishing.	Blasted parts. Fine-grained blaster sand makes a good surface for the first coat of paint. Use a low pressure to avoid skewing. Then comes straightening and welding of cracks. Defects are easily spotted when the paint is removed and the parts are clean.

2004-12-18 - The seat and the tank.
Reupholstering the dual seat can be a sad surprise. The frame tends to rust, and it is a good idea to check it up before you buy the moped. New dual seats are not available to buy, and used ones are just as rusty. This one is up for a blasting and some painting.	Before blastering all parts it may be a good idea to take some pictures. Sometimes memory fails exactly where that sticker was applied or where the border between two colors where.

2004-12-23 - Seat and parts to be galvanized.
The seat is ready. The frame is blasted and painted twice. To apply the upholstery you need contact-glue, a couple of clamps and patience. You have to stretch the material properly, no wrinkles or bumps are allowed. Then get the rivets to place, and you have a seat in a state like new.	Some of the parts ready for galvanizing. They are brushed, blasted and free from oil and grease. Now they are to be treaded to steel wires and sent to be galvanized. As always, a good result depends on careful preparations.

2005-01-27 - Various parts and the engine.
The parts are now back from galvanizing and are as good as new. A delight to see.	The engine is ready! Renovated, cleaned and polished. Soon it will be on its place.
A fresh polished brake plate. It's the details that count, it takes a couple of hours but it's worth the effort.	Neat and tidy even on the inside. Even of its not visible you know by yourself.

2005-01-28 - The parts are back from painting.
Returned from the painting. Looks nice and soon it's assembly time. Poppy-red and silver, nice isn't it?	Now for the fun part, the assembly. It's important not to scratch the parts. It's hard breaking up at the evenings.

2005-01-30 - Final assembly.
The rear wheel is finished. It is a delight working with fresh parts, for every part that gets mounted the more satisfying it gets.	A beautiful rear view. As this moped is not tuned and in original condition not many gets to admire this sight.
A close look at the engine. Use cable protection tube for the cables not to get squeezed.	Almost ready! You can nearly see the result. Some minor work and a test ride before the moped rolls in to the museum.

The final result.
The test drive is not only fun but also important, there are always a couple of things in need of an adjustment.	The job is not done until it runs perfect and can be started and driven anytime.