You probably remember when we all started to hear what a great time saver sandblasting was. And it was - on frames that weren’t used as an oil tank.
No matter how well they thought they’d protected the orifices, sand got in. The frame had blasting material in it when I was working on it so knew I had to clean it. I think I had this one blasted again before I welded the subframe up.
So do you think the oil in frames were more vulnerable to particulate damage from the factory? Presumably so, it only takes a couple of grains to leave lasting damage… it’s fascinating what ideas and mishaps go to shape a bikes reputation.
No more so than bikes with oil tanks. The oil in frame bikes tend to get a clean each time the oil is changed. I’ve seen some really 'orrible oil tank bikes.
Personally I like the oil in frame 70s T140s better than the 60s T120 oil in tank bikes. They are just a better design over all IMO.
The late 60s 650s demand a better price due to some thinking they are better looking but…well, whatever, I’ll stick to the hooligans.
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Took me a while to fully re read this… Did you get the book done? And are you doing an Iron’s service manual? 
it’s a good read… now where’s your blackie thread?
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No book. As usual, my great plans mostly not carried out. 
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