Electra - general advice

I have a work stand similar this one;

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/cml3-hydraulic-motorcylce-lift/

Not cheap but strong and stable.  I've found a vice bolted to one end a useful addition.  Although there is a clamp to hold a wheel I sometimes use a ratchet strap for additional security.  Also use a strap to pull the bike down on to the back wheel if I'm working on the front end.

I was fortunate in acquiring mine, I won it in a competition!

I'll second John's choice. Machine Mart was the best value, (Under £300) when I got it many years ago. Nothing else came close. Very solid and stable. Think long term, you might do another bike, and then another.... like I have done.

Buy a Hydraulic Bench if you have room ,as you get older working at ground level becomes impossible  ,and getting up from low level painfull. A bench will extend the years for  your ability to enjoy your hobby.You are going to HAVE to get one someday ,so get some use out of it NOW. 

hello now I have a side Hydraulic lift from Ebay and only cost 68 quid its  great to get the bike upin the air and work on the wheels at both ends or work on the engine or gearbox or clutch and when not in use can be hung on the side of your shed out of the way, now the best way of a restoration is do things in sections one at a time if you doing the paint job your self try to get tins of tecoloyd made by ICI you can brush paint or spray paint this on but it dose have a special   thinners and some paints you may need a tin of harder to add to the paint  as this is a synthetic paint base and you need a bit of heat too around 70F constant  temperature  but you can have a word or two with the guys at Nu-agene paint Bedford  you find them on ebay or there own web site  these guys are some of the best  yes you electra will look great in black gloss and a nice red tank just like the Atlas  now all the best  yours anna j

Hi Dave, I'm also embarking on an Electra, like you I've had it 45 years, again dont ask- except mine is and always was a pile of boxes of bits. So I'm looking down the opposite end of the telescope to your whole bike! If poss I would like to collaborate and share our experiences. I'm in W London, near Heathrow.

Best regards

Mike

I don't know where Dave is located but I bought this lift from Retford, Notts and it is good value for money. 

https://martynsbargains.co.uk/1000lbs-hydraulic-motorbike-lift-ramp-883-p.asp

The 800lb scissor lift also for sale would take up less room and is cheaper.

The 1000lb lift in the link requires about 3 feet of extra length as it rises up.

Dennis

Bought mine from Retford too, same place as Dennis. I'm just up the road in Doncaster and it fitted in a Transit van no problem as it comes flat pack.

Had it 3 years now and at 76 years old I couldn't have rebuilt my Dominator without it.

The wheel clamp and price are the only differences between this one and Machine Mart's.

I have an RS Joist directly above it and when I put the engine in I just placed it on the lift alongside the bike then tied it to the joist with a ratchet strap through the featherbed. Then all I had to do was lower the lift away from the engine until it was at the right height to swing it into the frame then ease the lift back up and fit the bolts. Simples as they say

The photo's were just a trial assembly prior to the respray.

Regards

Dick