firebricks hotwing

[firebrick]

So I guess you can say Im starting at the beginning. I always wanted an older goldwing and while searching for a naked I picked up this 82i with the thought to make my own naked wing. I ran it for the shortest time ever on a bike before the brakes seized, about 1 mile, thanks PO. The motor actually ran really well and idled great up until the day I started stripping it down. It started with the intention of rebuilding the calipers and replacing the brake lines. Well it kinda spiraled out of control and now Im sitting with an 82 goldwing motor and frame in my garage. Since Ive gone this far I would like to try to build it back right. Ganna need a lot of help. Here it is before......



This is where I should have stopped and just called it good.


But I didn't stop....



And here we are...




My intentions with this bike is to rebuild/refresh/clean everything that I can, using this forums tutorials and people. Its not going to be a show bike I just want to learn how to do it. I will probably keep it naked or a bagger without the front fairing, thats a long ways off.
So now..... I head some different opinions on where I should start. Should I start with the frame? Motor work(belts, water pump, paint)? or start somewhere else...
Going to be a long road here, hopefully it comes together. Thanks, Mark.

[Placerville]

First, I've got to say, that's one of the nicest 82's I've seen. I think I'd be hard pressed to turn that into a naked because it just so pristine. I've got to say, I wouldn't put too much blame on the PO for those brakes. From the looks of this GL, he did a lot to keep it in fine condition. Could be, the brake seize was just going to happen, one way or another. But, enough of that....

Looking at what you're working with, I'd start with the engine. Now that it's out, you've got a prime opportunity to replace all of those items that vex the rest of us when trying to do 'in the frame' repairs. Start with the water pump, fuel pump, radiator and temp sensors, oil screen (was there an oil screen on an '82?), look at the clutch etc. It doesn't look like it needs a paint job in your photos, but that's up to you. I'd then move on to the other items e.g., brakes and lines, fork seals, fuel tank cleaning etc. I looks to me like this won't be a very difficult restoration, unless I'm missing something. If you're dead set on a naked, I'm sure you can get a very healthy sum for the plastic. Have fun!

[Roady]

I agree, a very fine example. Not even any rust on the frame that I can see from here.

If'n it were me ... when they're talking about classic and antique items, it's always recommended that original is the most valuable. Refinishing lowers the value of any well kept item.

So, I'd clean and polish the frame. Touch up the paint where needed.

Clean up the wiring harness. Clean all of the bullet connectors and give them each a dose of dielectric grease. Get the harness back on.

Clean out the tank or send it to Cyclepsycho for a professional job. Get the tank back in.

Then you'll be putting the front end together as you replace seals and every piece of rubber you run into.

I would not polish the fork lowers or covers because they look to be in excellent shape. Again, original finish is best. If it ain't broke, don't fix it (with the exception of the water pump which you should just replace).

How's that for a starting 2¢ worth?

[firebrick]

Sounds good. I'll start on the frame.

[polkadot]

You can't get much better advice than Placer and Roady. When the Wing Gods speak, listen!

[gregforesi]

Well you're sounding much better than you did in the "Help...me..." thread. Sometimes it's all about attitude.
The demolition went really well (and complete!!!). Good luck with your reconstruction.

[HandsomeSteve]

Well you're sounding much better than you did in the "Help...me..." thread. Sometimes it's all about attitude.
The demolition went really well (and complete!!!). Good luck with your reconstruction.

Agreed, so glad to hear you're taking this project on!! Your efforts will be rewarded

[firebrick]

If one is going to sandblast and powder coat the frame, what precautions must be taken, what needs covered? What about the warning stickers and frame plate.

[sunnbobb]

I am usually all for tearing into a wing, but that color and that bike is a real beauty. I'd burn the miles just the way it was, in fact that would be a good restoration project.

[polkadot]

I just had my frame sand blasted and powder coated. It needs to be clean and free of grease. Remove all the bolts and rubber grommets. Your stickers are gone! Mine were available from a guy in Canada. I'm not sure about your year, but just try "goldwing decals" in ebay or google and see what comes up. Your frame plate will have to be removed. If they go through the oven they will be destroyed (according to my guy) Pop the heads off the rivets and get under the plate with an exacto knife. They were also glued on. Your guy should take care of the rest. He will tape off or plug what is not to get coated. Find a guy that comes recommended from someone if possible. I talked to two and visited one before I found my guy. I think it helps if they are familiar with bikes. Good Luck and keep us posted. By the way, I agree with Sunnbob. Keep this bike original and do a restoration. There are not too many as nice as yours.

Edit: a quick search turned up this site: http://kz900.com/decals/decals-honda-goldwing.html I have never used them, maybe someone on the forum has.

[gregforesi]

Most bike and hotrod powdercoaters have a good idea of what they're looking at so most of the stuff that needs to be plugged or taped off will be obvious to them. If you make a sketch of the frame and indicate what areas need to be free from powdercoat they won't have to guess.
The oven will hurt the rubber parts so +1 on removing them all. If you're going to have the swingarm done then the bearings should come out along with the rubber grommet for the left shock.
The guy I use just wants the parts de-greased and clean. He insists on doing the blasting to remove the old finish.

[firebrick]

C'mon guys, if you want a stock bike in my color, I'd gladly sell you the plastics.

[Hal]

Good grief!

Sounds like you posted this on the wrong forum.....oh no, this IS the "Naked Goldwing Club" forum.....

One other thing to replace with the lump out is that tricky little neutral indicator switch, which is a pig to get out with the engine in......

On all the Old Wings I've seen, this glows green all the time, just a little brighter when in neutral.

A new switch and regular oil changes should cure this, as the problem is carbon in the oil building up on the 'points' in the switch, which operate in the common engine/gearbox oil.

I have to add...that is a very tidy and nice looking bagger.....

[firebrick]

LOL, well you never know I may keep the plastics on it, but then Ill to have to to sell it and find a standard to get what I really want. Is there a post showing how to replace the neutral switch? I want to replace anything that I can while the motor is out. Thanks.

[Roady]

Clean and touchup. Reassemble. Sell for major profit. Buy another to hack up.

Just sayin'.