Hi guys - I'm new to the forum. Based in the UK, I have recently acquired a 'partly restored' 1975 DT400. Needless to say, the 'partly' bit was very tongue in cheek, so it's back to the drawing board.
I'm in the fortunate position of being a classic car restorer, so have quite a good background to draw from. However, I'm coming across a couple of issues as I progress, mainly regarding getting hold of parts. I am having the engine cases re-finished, and have noticed that the magneto cover is badly cracked. I need a new or 2nd hand one - any ideas? Also, the bike came with no airbox. I've found one on Ebay, but cant find the inlet rubber from the carb. I've just finished restoring the clocks. The trip reset is held into the speedo with a very fine thread screw which has disintegrated. Anyone know the thread size for this? Lastly, for now, I'm after the Right hand side panel that sits under the oil tank. Any recommendation gratefully received. Cheers. Mark

 from near Salisbury.

I'll need to check, but if the small trip meter reset screw is the same as on my DT/RT models from 1972/3, then I can probably let you have an allen bolt if you want.

I'll copy and paste below a wording that I've cobbled together for those just starting a resto, but you'll probably already be aware of a lot of the info from your car restos. I think that side panels are hard to come by, although some folks might be 3D printing repros now.

Apologies if you know some or all of this already, but here are a few tips for sourcing parts:- 

Familiarise yourself with what the parts actually look like by viewing as many photos of original bikes, brochures etc as you can. A fair few vendors don’t actually know what they’re selling and so often mis-describe them. Also, new old stock (nos) parts may have been taken out of their original packaging, but put back in a different, incorrectly labelled one. 

Don’t limit your search just to parts for your own model. A lot of generic parts (eg indicators) were used on a load of different models. CMSNL (in Holland) and Partzilla (in the US) are good websites for both buying parts and seeing which other models used that part. On either site, if you click on the part number and scroll down, you can see which other bikes that part was fitted to. The slight limitation on this is that their databases are limited to US models. 

If you intend putting the bike back on to the road, seriously consider fitting a 6v voltage regulator. I have attached the Yamaha Bulletin on this subject below. 

Some forum members are able to supply new original or high quality reproduction parts – eg DEET has, amongst many other items, replacement silver/grey sheething that covers the wiring, 6v regulators and I believe that he also makes brand new complete wiring harnesses/looms. Therefore don’t be afraid to ask here for any parts that you need.

Hi Mark
This site is great for help and advise
Regards
Gary
P.S did you get the dent out the pipe?

That's great info. Thanks very much. Help on the Allen screw would be great if the size is correct. Cheers

Hi Gary. Fancy bumping into you on here!
Yes mate. The dent came out pretty good. Air pressure, lots of heat and a hammer.

I have sent a message to you Mark - big green box on top right hand side of screen!

Restored an old DT too, I made a cover from glassfibre, not perfect but better than seeing the air box. I did post the basic build so a quick search should find it.
I also needed the pipe from the carb to the air box and managed to find a perfect remanufactured one from Claus studios in, I think California, postage was very reasonable and super quick delivery, very pleased.

Hi Tim. Great info thanks. Airbox rubber ordered from Claus. I’ll check out you build. Cheers. Mark

Hi Mark

I was wondering how you were getting on with the DT …. Claus studios I’ve used before and are recommended…

im just waiting for my DT parts to be finished at TSR vapour clean and rebore ….

would be good to attend one of Clive’s car meet on the bikes this year!!

cheers
T1

Hi Mark. All going well. Most of my parts are down at the Powder coaters. He does some great work. He has the exhaust and the barrel and head for black ceramic coating. Hubs are blasted and rebuilt. Currently at the wheel builders now waiting for new rims to arrive. Lots of progress really  but won't know how well I'm doing until the frame etc come back. Looking forward to getting started on the build up and getting out on it. 
For sure, we'll have to go to one of the meets.
Catch up soon.