PUB’S TROUBLES

I do sympathise with PUB, whose writing I admire, on the problem of advancing years. Even my old Jawa 350 is getting heavier by the day. I’ve found two solutions. One is to put a chair on my newer Jawa. Filtering aside, I find it much more fun to ride and so convenient to throw in extra clothing, etc. I think the PUB Vincent would go well with a chair. At least Jacqueline can adjust the steering geometry which you can’t do on a Jawa.

My second solution is to resurrect my Mobelette but here I hit a snag. My moped had been off the road for four years and I found areas of rust in the tank. At least AJS Mary could remove the tank of her Rex-Acme for treatment but the tank is the frame on the moped so not so easy.

After fruitless poking about, and turning good petrol into woomph mixture for the November 5th bonfire by flushing the tank out, I decided on chemical warfare. I didn’t fancy coating the inside with any of the available treatments as I didn’t think I could get the surface clean enough and I couldn’t see far enough inside to check. Instead I washed it through with hot water and detergent followed by a soak in a citric acid solution.

Having no idea of solution strength required I tried half a kilo of citric acid crystals in a gallon and a half of water. I repeatedly drained the tank, filtered out the rust flakes and put the acid back in. After four days it stopped coughing up rust and I carefully flushed it with the garden hosepipe. I should add that that during the soak I agitated the acid with a large, coarse bottle brush which I extended to reach the bottom of the tank.

After treatment the inside of the tank is rustfree as far as I can see and has a healthy-looking grey surface.

Good luck to AJS Mary Jim Lugsden, member

That tank-flushing routine sounds splendid – do let us know how it works out after you’ve run the Mobylette for a while, Jim. And I reckon you’ve cracked it with a little lightweight; I’m getting on splendidly with my 9.75bhp Honda. I suspect a nice Bantam would suit Jacqueline down to the ground. Wouldn’t it, J? Jacqueline? Hello? Rowena