Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1139140
34 Trail Rider Owen, a lover of all things vintage, dove into the project, stripping it to the frame and cleaning all components, but he soon lost interest when a big bore project took priority. With a couple tubs of parts, wheel sets and a bare frame, I set out to build another Penton. The frame and swing arm were sent out for sandblas ng and powder coa ng. The forks were sent to our buddy Drew Smith at Works Enduro Rider for rebuild. A hoarder of all things Penton, I found a mint set of original Marzocchi "Piggy Backs" on the shelf just wai ng for a bike. Within a couple weeks, we had enough parts to begin the build. Let's be clear, this ain't no restora on. In fact, I loathe the word as it's so over-used and subject to interpreta on. Resurrec on is the name of our game. We've got no room for museum pieces here. Dirt bikes were made to be ridden and enjoyed. During the assembly process, all consumable components were inspected and replaced as needed. Our Kauritmoto TMT5 re machine made short work of removing the original petrified Metzel- ers. As for the wheel sets, the huge bonus was the original Sun rims were dent-free and straight as an arrow. Vee Rubber's VRM 109 vintage pa ern knobbies were mounted up along with fresh tubes. We've grown fond of the VRM 109 as they not only look period-correct (we're told they're from the same molds as the old Dunlop Sports from back in the day), they're on the gummy side and s ck to our New England rocks and roots like glue. Wheel bearings, brake shoes, cables and all other rubber bits, including a new air box boot and seat cover, all were sourced from Penton parts guru Al Buehner of Penton Parts USA.