1982 Honda C70 Passport Build

Last year I picked up my Dad's old Honda scooter, which he originally got for my nephew. Well, Dad gave it to me. I've thought about what I should do with it, original restoration, just get it running, customize it some way. It's actually in very good condition, though not running right now. Gas tank is shot - full of rust, so first things first, sort that out and get it running.

Starting Point

I've decided I am going to make it into a "bobber". Chop it up a bit, cut the rear fender way short, remove the front, lower the handlebars, customer turn signals and lights, etc.

What I haven't yet decided is to the color. I am going to either do a murdered out - all flat black with minor accents in orange or red OR keep the original Monza Red and add a bare metal patina to it and some black accents.

After I get it running I will either do an 88cc race heat kit or buy a Lifan Honda clone engine in 125cc. The 88 race head should get the bike close to the same ballpark as a Lifan 125cc, about 60mph, which is about the limit I would feel comfortable taking these scooters.

Some of my inspiration:

40 Year Old Marlin Glenfield Model 60 .22lr Cleaned For The First Time

I recently picked up my Dad's old 1974 Glenfield Model 60 to get my 14yo shooting. This is the first rifle I ever shot, so it was neat taking my son out to learn to shoot with it. As I recalled from previous use (about 20 yrs ago) it did stovepipe a few rounds, but out of shooting about 150 rounds it did fairly well with only a few ejection issues. Not too bad for having shot thousands of rounds in 40 years and never being truly cleaned. 

So I decided to clean it up since beyond the bore and superficial wipe down it had never been cleaned internally. It was pretty nasty in there...I'll let the pics do the talking. 

Quick video of my 14yo starting out on the .22 before moving on to my AR-15.

Before Pics, pretty gritty stuff:

Dissembly was fairly straight forward and easy. Two screws (take down screws) to remove the stock from the action and two screws to be able to remove the action/bolt from the carrier - excuse my ignorance on the terms if they are incorrect. I had no intention of completely dissembling the internals of the action further. 

Cleaning consisted of essentially Rem Oiling everything, cleaning with bore snake, tooth brush, dental picks and shop cloths. 

The Results:

I feel confident now in my ability to quickly and thoroughly clean this rifle next time around. In fact I might to a full refurbish of it next time around. 

My First AR-15 Build is Complete - Pics and Videos

So a few weeks ago I wrapped up my AR-15 build after buying a Special Ops Tactical Complete Mid-length Upper from AimSurplus.com, along with a couple more PMAGS. i managed to trade the black handguard for a Flat Dark Earth one to match my lower. Prior to that I added to my build a Troy Industries Fixed Rear Battle Sight.

Final Build Consists of:

• GWACS Armory CAV=15 MKII Polymer Lower
• Special Ops Tactical Mid-Length 16" Upper
• Magpul BAD Lever
• BCMGUNFIGHTER Modified Charging Handle
• Troy Industries Fixed Rear Battle Sight
• Several PMAGS and some "surplus" USGI Mags from a local friend in camo

Weight: 6.22lbs

I am amazed at how plug and play the AR-15 platform is. First day at the range with it was great, 1 elevation clip and it was spot on. I was ringing plates at 250yds with iron sights in no time after sighting in at 50yds. Since the build I have taken it to the range twice so far, the second time around teaching my 14yo to shoot. We started on my Dad's old Marlin Glenfield Model 60 .22lr, before moving on to the AR-15.

My First AR Build - beginnings - Complete Lower

Here is the start of my first AR build. A friend is helping advise and build (where applicable). It will be a 16" 5.56x45/.223. The type of upper I will most likely chose is a "mock dissapator" with carbine length gas tube and mid-length rifle sights. The idea is to have a relatively inexpensive hunting rifle/home defense rifle with a high capacity and proven durability using mostly MILSPEC parts. For now I plan to stick with iron sights.

So far I have a GWACS CAV-15 MkII fully populated lower, couple of Magpul 30rd PMAGs, a Gen 2 (with floorplate) and a Gen 3, a BCMGUNFIGHTER Charging Handle Mod 4 and a Magpul BAD lever.

Parts:
30 rd Gen 3 PMAG
30 rd Gen 2 PMAG
Magpul Ranger floor plate (for the Gen 2)
Magpul BAD lever
BCMGUNFIGHTER Mod 4 charging handle
GWACS CAV-15 MkII complete lower (with QD sling mount added)

More on the lower, GWACS Product Description:

Light Weight single piece polymer AR-15 lower receiver. Fully populated CAV15 includes carbine buffer, Carbine buffer spring and complete lower part kit installed. This is a Polymer AR-15 lower with lifetime warranty*. Includes take down pins, MILSPEC trigger group, buffer, and buffer spring installed and tested. A1 Length Integral Stock (5/8" shorter than A2) with sling loop. 13" Length of Pull. Receiver weight (complete) is 1 full pound lighter than a complete aluminum receiver with an A2 stock.

Wider magazine well accepts unmodified, submachine gun magazines in pistol calibers. With caliber conversion upper receivers and magazine blocks, standard AR15 magazines can be used without modifications. As well, any M16 magazine can be used with easier reloading than aluminum receivers.
It has a longer service life, as Nylon6 resists impacts and wear better than aluminum. The integrated buffer tube, pistol grip and fixed stock give this design its strength.

Enough will all that, now the good stuff...

WCAD Map of 1431/Parmer and Brushy Creek

According to WCAD (Williamson County Appraisal District) the green areas are City of Cedar Park GREENSPACE - not intended for commercial or residential development. I plan to create some single track in the area. I'll put enough in to make it more interesting that just a way to get from 1431 to Parmer (via Ranch Trails Ct) on dirt. My house is highlighted in purple, so I might try to create a short trail right along the creek (my red pen line) to access the greenspace from the end of Raley. I know the owners of both properties it would be on and will ask them.

VIDEO: Paleo and HIIT

I'll start out with my recent HIIT workout video. This was my second HIIT of the week and the first time in 371 days that I did HIIT workouts! Yes, 371 days with HIIT workouts, much of that time was spent recovering from shoulder surgery, the rest was spent on mountain biking, trail running and some strength training...I put this video together mainly to document my (re)beginning, gauge where I am and hold myself accountable.

On top of HIIT I am going to start eating Paleo (for Athletes and Real Life) - meaning Paleo with the right carbs centered around workouts and some concessions for living a rich love of the food I love. Last night my paleo dinner was grilled chicken breast (seasoned with lemon, basil, garlic salt and pepper) and large serving of roasted zucchini (olive oil, rosemary and garlic salt).

A few words about HIIT. I love HIIT. It's great for shedding fat and getting into very good practical fit shape. I won't do HIIT exclusively, I'll do some pure strength work, CrossFit and of course endurance events (MTB rides, runs, road rides and races).

Monday night's HIIT consisted of 10 sets - tire slips and sledge hammer strikes, within the workout I completed 69 tire flips and countless (200?) hammer strikes.

Paleo Breakfast at Taco Cabana

I am starting Paleo again (as of dinner last night). I had great success achieving my six-pack along with great fitness last year...until shoulder surgery stopped me in my tracks (again). Last night I was lazy and I did not prepare my Paleo meals for today, so I was need something Paleo on the go this morning.

Taco Cabana came to mind - Order the Steak and Eggs with side of guacamole. You can tell them to keep the beans and tortillas, but it confuses them. Without the beans and tortillas you are probably looking at 30-45 grams of good protein - this is dependent greatly on how generous they are with your serving.

While you wait for the beef and eggs load up on the salsa bar, esp cilantro, onions and salsa - very alkaline. When your food arrives just toss the salsa bar items on along with the guac and eat up - skipping the beans and tortillas of course (this was painful).

Pretty good stuff and an easy way to stay Paleo on the go for breakfast - at least for us Texans with access to TC.

TC trivia - they are open 24hrs because in the early days at the original location in San Antonio the outdoor furniture kept getting stolen, so they decided to stay open 24/7.