A great day of wrenching yesterday. I have decided to give up trying to get her started. I'm just tearing her down so that I can see what she needs. A big parts order is about to be placed! So far I know for sure that the brakes all need to be rebuilt, new tires, new cables, new plugs, wires and just about every rubber part on the bike. Here is what she looks like right now.
Where do you guys get your parts. I would rather get them from one source so long as they are in the ball park on price. I'm also trying to figure out what to on several parts on the bike.
The rear shocks are air. Are these common or a good idea? What do you suggest? I was also looking at a corbin seat. They make one to fit the bike that is kind of a modified one seater. Looks like it has flames stitiched into it. Definatly not stock, but I thought it looked cool. I wondered if anyone had one and whether they were comfortable. I was also wondering about the brake discs. Should I have them turned? I also thought about drilling a hole pattern for better stopping. The shop manual seems to suggest it. Any thoughts? I was also wondering about the radiator. My bike has not been ridden for 6 years. I do not know if there are problems or not. I was thinking of taking it and having it pressure tested. Any thoughts?
Again, thanks for all of your help. I was feeling a little overwhelmed until yesterday. As I took it apart piece by piece, my confidence bagan to grow. I was thinking about buying a Shadow to ride for a few months while the project wore on, but now I think I'll just wait for the Wing to be ready. I've waited 30 years so I guess a few more months won't hurt. Ernie
_________________
Hope for the best, expect the worst and take what comes!
1977 Candy Sirus Blue Wing (gone but not forgotten!):
Ernie's 77 Resto1998 Yellow/Creme Valkyrie:
Valk Redo1976 Sulfur Yellow Wing (sold):
Melloyellow to live again1976 LTD #1353 (my new love!):
And away we go . . . . LTD style1970 CT90:
Had too much time on my hands so . . . 1/4 of 1975 Wing #898:
Team 898 - raised from the ashes
Login
Register
Contact Board Administration
FAQ
Search
Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 4:22 pm 
As you can see, the tank remains. Who was the Japanese engineer that figured out the shape of that tank?! He was obviously having a bad day at the time! Exactly what is the trick? One thing that I found today was odd. Here are pictures of the bike serial number and the engine serial number. 
What gives? An engine built shortly after the bike was installed? Can anyone explain this? If the engine were changed it would have to have been prior to 1982. They are supposed to match, right? Anyway, I'll keep plugging along and keep posting. Ernie
By this weekend I should have the motor out. Then I can start cleaning, repairing and replacing all the parts. Most things look very sound. The frame is good and solid, but some rust will require a paint job. I have the radiator being checked, the gas tank is being sealed, the carbs are on there way to Pistol Pete and the tires are on order. While I have the motor out, I plan on cleaning, replacing seals, replacing the water pump and painting. Are there any things that I should do to the engine while I have it out. Advice here from the experts would be greatly appreciated. I also wanted to thank whomever came up with the "Mr Wizard" de-rusting method. I am just amazed how well it works! It has been a huge time saver! 
I bought some automotive paint at napa but was not happy with the results. It was supposed to be gloss black but it was more like semi gloss. I ordered some engine gloss black from Hirsch and am very happy. Smaller parts are now being painted so they will be ready for assembly. I also cleaned, degreased and power washed the frame and wheels. I'm getting dunlops installed this week. I'll start working on the frame this week. I decided just to paint the frame myself. Powder coating would be nice but my goal is to keep spending REASONABLE! I got the gas tank back this week from being coated. Its alright, but I could have/should have just done it myself. I have an everyday delivery of parts these days. I got a bunch from crescent yesterday. I bought the front m/c rebuild kit and that went very well. The crome and aluminun parts that are off are being polished. Hooked a buffing wheel to and old motor I had and it works great. It is a very messy part of the project, so I'll be glad when its done. It occoured to me tonight that because of the starter not engaging I could not get it started. I have not even gotten to that problem yet! There definetly is an "order" to these projects! I'll keep you posted. Ernie
As you know the last three plus weeks have been disassembly, cleaning and no-brainer repairs and replacements. Here is a picture of my new "home" 
The bike has not been running for 6 years. I tried to get it started, but the starter would not engage the engine. I decided to tear it apart and "do it right". The bike was very clean. Some surface rust, but nothing beyond that. I recently pulled the rear engine cover. I found rust on the top of the ac generator rotor. I removed this to get at the starting clutch. Here is what I found. 
Can I just disassemble and try to clean this with a wire brush etc, or do I need to start looking for a replacement. I can not figure out why this one part seems to be the only one severely affected by the rust. What I can see inside the engine looks good. Do I need to go further in my disassembly , or do I fix this issue and put things back together? Does this indicate that there may be other problems? I am not on a mission to inspect every single part on this bike, but do not want to redo this project. Reading the shop manuals and figuring out how to complete the projects is doable, but I'm not sure how to diagnose. Thanks for your help.
