Hydrolock update (and stuff)

[elraque]

I took the thick chick to the mechanic last week, before leaving on vacation. 

Ya'll are brilliant! The mechanic was guessing that the starter clutch was damaged by the hydrolock. He was wrong, ya'll were right  -- a couple of the gear teeth had sheared off. That's actually good news because the gears are cheaper than the starter clutch.

He also told me that BOTH fork tubes were bent, probably the result of a front-end collision.  >:(Dealer price is $495 each (parts only) plus labor to install the fork tubes . I told him I thought that was pretty high and that I'd see if I could find another source... looking through the archives here I found http://www.fastfromthepast.com who seem to have parts that would work. Has anyone had any experience with their fork tubes?

It also appears that the rear fender portion has been "tweaked" (probably because of either the same or a different collision).  >:(That explains why I can't get the "Beetle Bags" to mount properly . I'm pretty sure I'll be able to find a black rear fender portion on evil-bay (or in the Valk classifieds). No big hurry about the fender replacement.

Mechanic also told me that the starter "had been hot enough to melt some of the plastic insulation in the starter.  Replacement starter: about $700.  >:(I told him I'd find one on e-bay for about $50.

He was okay with me shopping elsewhere for parts.

Does anybody have any comments or advice about my "dealer/mechanic?" How about just some sympathy. Or donations $$??

[X Ring]

Go to ebay and check Pinwall.  They're running a 20% off sale.  You might be able to find all your parts there including complete forks.

Marty

[Robert]

Every part you mentioned is on ebay at Pinwalls site and for a heck of alot cheaper pricing than what the dealer wants. It sounds like hes pretty thorough and if he does good work then he may be a keeper. The only thing I really question is the starter deal, if it works then its not necessary to replace. It can be done later without a major problem. But that too is on Pinwalls site. Look he makes money off of the parts he replaces and if he will work with you and allow you to get the parts then that is pretty good.