Swapping Gas tank shelter frame and parts

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Fox
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Swapping Gas tank shelter frame and parts

#1

Post by Fox »

Hey guys, I'm the proud owner of a 79 GL1000 that I'd like to customize. The bike has low mileage and I prefer the wheels of the later models so I bought this one. I don't like the gas tank shelter and gauges of the 78 and 79 however.
I thought I read that you can swap the 75,76 and 77 shelters with this bike?? Is that the case?
Also curious how difficult it is to remove the actual gas tank to clean and line if necessary. What's involved there.
Thanks in advance...I'm anxious to get started!
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delling3
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Re: Swapping Gas tank shelter frame and parts

#2

Post by delling3 »

Just off hand, you are dealing with some wiring changes. The 75-77 models had most wire connections as individual bullet connectors (wire for wire), whereas the 78-79 has a large "junction box" with ganged automotive style connectors. So the main wire harness isn't compatible.

Then there is the gauges. The stock early gauges had a single tank mounted fuel gauge, and the voltmeter and temp gauge was located at the bottom of the tach/speedo, where the later unit has separate gauges mounted in the cluster on the top of the tank.

There are other more subtle difference between early and late GL1000's as well.

If you are relatively handy with a schematic/wiring diagram, and a solder iron and/or crimper, I suppose you could modify the harness, or if you are going really custom, fabricate a custom harness. The actual shelter frame/shelter swaps over easily enough.
delling3

1979 Yamaha XS750SF

Previous:
1978 GL1000 - JUNE 2017 BOTM: Sold
2006 Kawasaki Concours: Sold
1995 Kawasaki Concours: Crashed/totalled.
1976 GL1000: LAST RESTORATION, sold
1981 Honda CB900F Supersport: 3rd restoration, sold.
1979 Yamaha XS-750F: 2nd restoration, sold.
1982 Honda FT-500 Ascot: First (only) new bike. Family forces sale.
1973 CB500 Four: First restoration, long gone.
1972 Suzuki TS-100: First bike, sold.

Only dead fish go with the flow . . .
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Track T 2411
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Re: Swapping Gas tank shelter frame and parts

#3

Post by Track T 2411 »

Removal of the gas tank is relatively straight forward, but time consuming. It requires removal of the seat, rear fender, inner fender, tire, battery box, and rear master cylinder reservoir, off the top of my head. There are several different methods for cleaning and de-rusting the tank, and numerous lining products. Companies like Eastwood and Por15 sell complete kits, as well. Just keep in mind that parts seem to just keep coming off once you get started, lol!
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
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Easter
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Re: Swapping Gas tank shelter frame and parts

#4

Post by Easter »

Hi and welcome. Regarding the gas tank, there is a difference of opinion here about the merits of cleaning and coating vs just cleaning. And there are many strategies for cleaning but if you choose to coat the inside of the tank, be sure it is super clean and the coating is put on right. I have seen several tanks that were gunked up beyond repair by poor coating or relining.
Bikes at present:

83 XL 600r with a 2004 XR650L engine
And a slightly worse for the wear BMW GS adventure bike awaiting repair
83 GL in process :IDTS:
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HOTT
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Re: Swapping Gas tank shelter frame and parts

#5

Post by HOTT »

Easter wrote:Hi and welcome. Regarding the gas tank, there is a difference of opinion here about the merits of cleaning and coating vs just cleaning. And there are many strategies for cleaning but if you choose to coat the inside of the tank, be sure it is super clean and the coating is put on right. I have seen several tanks that were gunked up beyond repair by poor coating or relining.
Yep. What he said. :orange

HOTT
If we can't fix it, we can fix it so no one else can.
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Docvan
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Re: Swapping Gas tank shelter frame and parts

#6

Post by Docvan »

Gas tank cleaning: I tried the white vinegar trick & it worked for me... came out really good. I then rinsed it with a lot of hot water & then stuck a blow dryer into the sending unit hole & heated it till dry.Next I mixed a little gas with some light oil & swished it around in the tank to coat it till I put it back in. Worked out great..... action1
Just one thing :roll: - don't pour out the vinegar on the grass...... :IDTS: took 2 years and a bag of top soil to get the grass back !!!! :lol: :oops:
"Don't take life so seriously,
no one gets out alive anyway."
http://www.docvan.com
1967 CB125 "Domestic" - First Legal bike
CB350s - 3-4 & CB500T
80 CB650 (bought new) Sold but not forgotten
75 GL1000 - 22K - now SgtAusley's Sportwing
80 GL1100 - 27K - sold and missed
83 GL1100 45K on an 81 frame..... "Retread" (Sold 3/22)
83 Aspencade - cold weather rider - active project.... "Aspy"
(Sold 11/21)

Diagnosed with Sciatica - Sold all - then found 83 GL TRIKE (4/22) ! .... Here we go again

2 - 81 ? projects -Stored for now... (Sold 3/22)
MBS Strikes again - WAY TOO MANY projects......
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mopehead440
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Re: Swapping Gas tank shelter frame and parts

#7

Post by mopehead440 »

Dang....Ya'll made a quick switch from "Gas Tank Shelter" to removing and cleaning the gas tank!! Or maybe I've had too much to drink!
1975 GL1000 Red
1975 GL1000 Blue/Green
1976 GL1000 LTD
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow
1997 Valkyrie Custom
1999 Valkyrie Interstate Trike
2001 Valkyrie IS
2012 GL1800
2014 Indian Vintage Chief
2015 Indian Scout
2016 Indian Jack Daniels Limited Springfield
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HOTT
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Re: Swapping Gas tank shelter frame and parts

#8

Post by HOTT »

Fox wrote: Also curious how difficult it is to remove the actual gas tank to clean and line if necessary. What's involved there.
I think it was right around here..... anim-cheers1

HOTT
If we can't fix it, we can fix it so no one else can.
the Condor BOTY 2011
Ol' Sparky BOTM Dec. 2011
Lucky #13 BOTY 2018
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Easter
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Re: Swapping Gas tank shelter frame and parts

#9

Post by Easter »

Fox wrote: Also curious how difficult it is to remove the actual gas tank to clean and line if necessary. What's involved there.
Thanks in advance...I'm anxious to get started!
:-D
Bikes at present:

83 XL 600r with a 2004 XR650L engine
And a slightly worse for the wear BMW GS adventure bike awaiting repair
83 GL in process :IDTS:
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Easter
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Re: Swapping Gas tank shelter frame and parts

#10

Post by Easter »

Hott, you beat me to the punch!
Bikes at present:

83 XL 600r with a 2004 XR650L engine
And a slightly worse for the wear BMW GS adventure bike awaiting repair
83 GL in process :IDTS:
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Rat
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Re: Swapping Gas tank shelter frame and parts

#11

Post by Rat »

Well .... ther's also the title of the thread .... I want some of what you're drinking ....

Gord anim-cheers1
"I'd rather Ride than Shine"
‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
‘84 GL1200i ‘R2B6' (Rat to Be 6, the last, adopted by twowings)
My Original 'RAT' was a hybrid '82 CB900/1100F
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Docvan
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Re: Swapping Gas tank shelter frame and parts

#12

Post by Docvan »

Well, I couldn't help with the shelter but did do a cleaning so........
what da hey.... :lol: :lol: anim-cheers1 dancr
"Don't take life so seriously,
no one gets out alive anyway."
http://www.docvan.com
1967 CB125 "Domestic" - First Legal bike
CB350s - 3-4 & CB500T
80 CB650 (bought new) Sold but not forgotten
75 GL1000 - 22K - now SgtAusley's Sportwing
80 GL1100 - 27K - sold and missed
83 GL1100 45K on an 81 frame..... "Retread" (Sold 3/22)
83 Aspencade - cold weather rider - active project.... "Aspy"
(Sold 11/21)

Diagnosed with Sciatica - Sold all - then found 83 GL TRIKE (4/22) ! .... Here we go again

2 - 81 ? projects -Stored for now... (Sold 3/22)
MBS Strikes again - WAY TOO MANY projects......
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RB
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Re: Swapping Gas tank shelter frame and parts

#13

Post by RB »

Tank clean lots of varying opinion I like muractic acid..fast cheap easy, radiator shop, electrolysis and last vinegar..POR15 seesm to be the coating of choice if you are going to coat...but opinions vary on whether to or not..too!!! then there is all this
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=63730
my method is in there..

Getting the tank out is not too hard..but rear wheel has to come off, battery box too and and shocks doesn't hurt either, all lines disconnected and usually a little pry from the front helps to pop it loose it is a tight fit.
98 1500 SE..
99 1500 SE SOLD
97 SE 1500 SOLD
83 SOLD
82 REBUILT sold!!!
81 DAILY RIDER sold her :(((!
81 REBUILT SOLD!!!
81 REBUILT SOLD!!
80 REBUILT SOLD
79 IN BASKET PARTS FOR SALE
79 CLEANED UP AND SOLD
78 REBUILT SOLD
77 REBUILT SOLD
76 SOLD/PARTIAL REBUILD
76 REBUILT AND SOLD
75 REBUILT SOLD
75 REBUILT SOLD
75 REBUILD SOLD


FAIR WINDS,
RB
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