My 78 GL1000

[rcmatt007]

wow a thread started in 2008.... sounds like one of my projects!

[sparkyrasmus]

I use wrenching as my R&R. And even though the old GL1000s are reliable, they continually offer opportunities for tinkering. Gotta love them for it!

[sparkyrasmus]

Give me some time to work on the project! Anybody got some extra they can spare?
So far, new dyna coils, and I discovered a leaky headgasket, so that's next. New timing belts, and a new front brake master ought to do it this year. Oh and for the old seat

OldSeat[1].jpg (26.26 KiB) Viewed 252 times

new seat cover

newseat[1].jpg (45.45 KiB) Viewed 252 times

[desertrefugee]

Hey Sparky, this is one of the things I love about this forum. There are so many projects percolating along on here that get updated as time goes on. Yours is one I hadn't seen and it's a fun one to read. (I just did).

Shoot, you guys are a rotten influence. I just finished bringing my '78 back from the brink last fall, put around 4000 miles on it this past riding season (Phoenix winter) and am already pondering a few ideas for change/improvement.

I enjoyed your dialog - and wish you well with it and whatever else you're cussing over.

[hacksaw1945]

Very nice job on the seat recover

[rcmatt007]

time???? heck it only took me 5 years to do the 79 project.... and Redwoods 1200 is "parts in the garage"

[sparkyrasmus]

My 79 is still having the carbs polished. Did I tell you about the two kittens in the shop that figured out a way to get the lids off the tupperware where the tiny pieces of the carbs were stored? I think I found all of them. I'll let you know when I start putting them together again. I think I started that thread five (or was it six) years ago.
Just found a set of saddle tanks for that project, and am planning to chop the frame like Keith Wright did (See the story here http://ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php? ... ith+wright )
I have dreams of building a boxy bagger out of it. We'll see how long it takes!

[rcmatt007]

yes, I have one of those keith wright frames

[sparkyrasmus]

Update on the 78. I have new dyna coils! Amazing difference in the spark. New timing belts. Also have a new head gasket on the right side, to eliminate the white smoke. But - there is still no life on the right. Carbs are again under suspicion. Is there a port that would feed both right carbs that could be plugged? I had the same trouble a while back on the left side, due to a faulty plenum gasket. I suppose it's time for another cleaning/rebuild anyway. It's been years! Now if I can just locate that old Randakks video...

[sparkyrasmus]

As time goes on ideas change. I hear that there is a Central Run near Lukenbach, TX this year. In preparation, the 78 will get her clothes removed, and all the champagne colors will be replaced with the panels from the 79, which are pristine in the original candy burgundy. Then instead of the Vetter fairing and lowers, she'll get a Slipstreamer windscreen. I have a set of leather bags and a leather dufflebag to take the place of the Vetter bags. Why - because I can, and I like simple. I wasn't going to use the body panels on the 79 build anyway. BTW, I retire in August, so all the parts I have been scrounging up for the 79 may make it into one place, and hopefully on one bike. I am getting eager to get to it. Only 165 days until I get to write my own schedule!

[sparkyrasmus]

Got the carbs cleaned, and fired her up today. It is amazing how much smoother she runs with a hot spark. Now for the cosmetics. I picked up a new (used) rear carrier rack to hang on the back for my duffle. I show you pictures if I could remember how to do it. I'll definitively post pics after I get the transformation done.

[desertrefugee]

New Dyna coils and wires was one of the best things I did to my '78. Get in the wind!

[rcmatt007]

New Dyna coils and wires was one of the best things I did to my '78. Get in the wind!

I need to do that on mine.... now, whenever I am in a heavy rain the bike sputters and runs on less than four cylinders

[sparkyrasmus]

The '78 is returning to its original colors. I still need to set up the new front master cylinder, put on the new headlamp bucket and attach the front signals (Thanks for the front signal mounts coming from cyclepsycho). I'm still looking for new rear signals to match the carrier. But the real problem is matching the color (maroon candy) used only in 78-79. Anybody know where to get a half pint or so? I found some online, but the cost was pretty high. Thought I'd seek your wisdom.

[rcmatt007]

unfortunately getting a match is tough. The only other option might be to take a piece to a jobber to match. the tough things it is a three part system. Base coat, color coat and then clear coat