Toyotus 7

That's unfortunate, but understandable. I've heard there are a few snowmobile shops that can manage the crank rebuilds, but not many.

Just curious as to how the Saab engine was coming along. I've been enjoying driving the DKW wagon a lot lately. The exhaust note from the two-stroke is formidable as it whips up to about 9000 rpm, while the car fumbles along. Quite a spectacle.

Well, as many of you know, there have been Canadian-based small industry attempts to build lightweight super seven replicas as turnkey and kit forms in the past. The Ontario firm run by George Fejer that build Toyota powered sevens in the 1980s may be the best example. As far as I can tell, the company that produced sevens out of Victoria BC back then was an offshoot of Fejer's work. In BC, at least, these cars were/are registered as "replikits".

Here is an old DKW engine block before going into molasses. And after soaking for two weeks. This is was a mix of 1 part molasses to 9 parts water. As you see, the casting looks virtually brand new.

Massive amounts of talent!

I checked the horrible old rusted DKW crank with the rods that were rusted solid in place that has been soaking in molasses and water for two weeks. The rods now move freely and about 90% of the rust is gone. I gave it a quick rinse and put it back in for another week. I can't believe how well this works.

Ack! I don't know why the link always drops out on me. Just google "molasses rust removal". Lots of videos will come up.

The parts I did were way worse than this guy's wheels, but this video gives you a pretty good idea of how well it works. Actually there are lots of videos about it on the Internet. Check out this video on YouTube: Sent from my iPad

I used 1 part molasses to 6 or 7 parts water. I've seen anywhere from a ratio of 1:4 to 1:10 used. I guess it would depend on how big your parts are and how patient you are. . I've got about 20 gallons of solution now and it cost me about 15 bucks for the molasses at the local feed store.

Coffee Break - You can use it as a fertilizer/compost supplement. I agree that the length of time that it takes to chew through rust, would not be good for the impatient types, but if you've got a zillion projects on the go and are just picking away at them and can plan ahead, then this might be a good option. It seems to be quite popular in Australia, but rarely used in North America. There are videos of guys there soaking whole sections of cars in cattle troughs full of the molasses/water solution. I've got a 3 cylinder 2-stroke crankshaft with rods and bearings seized together soaking in it now. The last stuff turned out amazingly well, so I'm curious to see if it will actually free up the seized parts....not so they can be re-used, but just to see what this process is capable of doing.

Just wanted to draw attention to an environmentally friendly rust removal trick that works unbelievably well, for those folks relying on old rusted parts for their builds. Clean off the grease and loose paint, then soak the part in a solution of molasses and water for a two to three weeks, They come out looking like new metal. I was highly skeptical, so I tried it over Christmas. The result astounded me. Molasses is super cheap at a feed store and is virtually harmless. You can reuse it for ages, then just pour it in your garden. Anyone else ever try this?

We went for a blast along the coast out the highway in Victoria, BC today as well. Happy motoring and merry Christmas to all.

You guys have got nothing on "stig" and Darth Vader in a Porsche Spider cruising Saskatoon Sakatchewan late last month..... Check out this video on YouTube: Sent from my iPad

This may not be the answer that you're looking for, but I believe that several people use the chrome backs of the headlights as convex "side mirrors". Takes a bit of getting used to, but it works and is legal some places..

Wow.

Totally agree, wemtd. I was just rebutting DeanG's "paint is for wimps" mantra.

Totally agree, wemtd. I was just rebutting DeanG's "paint is for wimps" mantra.

Polishing is for cutlery. Just thought I'd throw that in.

I actually prefer the oxydized aluminum look as it allows for a bit natural use wear polish to occur in places where the driver rests their arm, steps into the car, etc. plus I'm super lazy.

Swe7en

I believe I saw a decent Berkeley for sale in Quebec pop up on one of the classifieds pages I frequent.

Yes, the trail-breaker is what I was thinking of. I recall one coming up for sale on Vancouver Island a year or so ago. They were never all that common here, but there were a few around for sure.

Very cool. I think there was a two wheel drive bike that folks used to use in the backcountry in Canada. It looked a bit like that, with the balloon tires, but was far from lightweight.

Just bought a really neat 1960 DKW Junior to go with the wagon. This time, it's in really good condition with 29,000 original miles. I must say that the public reaction to an adorable little car that looks likes a baby '56 ford belching blue smoke can be less than favorable or mixed at best. Some love it, others are disgusted by it. It's not so bad once it warms up, but the first few minutes of driving create some spectacular plumes.

Lovely looking build. Nice one.