1978 GL1000 My 1st GL

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FrontRunner
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1978 GL1000 My 1st GL

#1

Post by FrontRunner »

Time to move over here from the Intro section. So far my build is in the tare down stage. My goal is to have the mechanical side of things sorted this summer with 0 intention of riding it until next year. Image
1978 GL1000 My 1st GL Learning experience
2000 Kawasaki Nomad 1500
FrontRunner
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Re: 1978 GL1000 My 1st GL

#2

Post by FrontRunner »

https://photos.app.goo.gl/AtyoC9udNrNqRs5p8 Still working to get pictures to post here. This is a link to a pic of the bike pre tare down.

Right now I've got several parts ordered, Some have come in like the foot pegs, coolant overflow tank, a piston for 1 front brake caliper, and a set of timing belts. Today I ordered a thermostat, radiator cap, radiator hose, oil filter and a set of spark plugs.
I've got an ever growing list of parts I need and also a want list. Needs come 1st, wants are optional of course.
I put on some of the parts I have gotten and have started cleaning and fixing minor things like cleaning up some wiring and finding some long bolts to replace the 3 missing shelter cover hinge pins. I've had the brake calipers off and disassembled but I stuck them back on for now until I get around to rebuilding them. Front and rear fenders are both off as well as the headlight and mirrors. Also those horrible foam grips are gone. The oil is drained and after getting it drained I can now see into the sight glass (I'm guessing the aftermarket dipstick isn't accurate) I'll get around to refilling the oil as a part of my timing belt job which is now waiting on a box of parts. The bike will not be started until the belts are done.
My budget will determine the pace of the build. Unfortunately like clockwork, when I bought the bike overtime became harder to get at work. Prior to that I could work a day or 2 extra whenever I wanted.
Anyway the idea is running, and ride able 1st. Paint and polish second.
I haven't been posting a lot here but I've done plenty of reading and I am thankful to have such a great resource to pull from.
1978 GL1000 My 1st GL Learning experience
2000 Kawasaki Nomad 1500
FrontRunner
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Re: 1978 GL1000 My 1st GL

#3

Post by FrontRunner »

My intention is to build this bike to ride. I have no desire for it to be a restoration. It will be close to stock but I plan some minor customizing with minimal fabrication. My Kawasaki Nomad will still be my long trip bike. The wing will spend her time running day trips and weekend rides mostly with the possibility of a 4-5 day trip now and then but not until I trust it to get me home. The nice part of living in West Virginia is that there aren't too many straight or flat roads around here and after wheeling the heavier Nomad around on those roads for all these years the lighter Wing (most people don't think of a GoldWing as a light bike) should be a nice change.
1978 GL1000 My 1st GL Learning experience
2000 Kawasaki Nomad 1500
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TNTbefree
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Re: 1978 GL1000 My 1st GL

#4

Post by TNTbefree »

For pics: go to "full editor and preview" (button below...)

Look below again, see "attachments." Click that... Then click "add Files" Then select where the image is stored. Click the desired image. Then Open. Then click "Place In Line". Make sure to Preview. Then post. Good luck
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rcmatt007
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Re: 1978 GL1000 My 1st GL

#5

Post by rcmatt007 »

pictures are one of those "termendum mysteriums" of NGW... fortunately now you can do as attachments. Used to be they had to be hosted elsewhere.
-Rodger-
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
79 project, finished, FOR SALE
'86 1200 (Beth's)(FOR SALE) with motorvation sidecar (sidecar sold) , July 2017 BOTM
'17 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's) (FOR SALE). I guess you can say we have MBS
FrontRunner
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Re: 1978 GL1000 My 1st GL

#6

Post by FrontRunner »

20180617_184609.jpg
20180617_184609.jpg (170.48 KiB) Viewed 653 times
34690238_10214304426943281_6751593661944823808_n.jpg
34690238_10214304426943281_6751593661944823808_n.jpg (71.98 KiB) Viewed 653 times
The bottom pic is the night i got it home. The top is more recent.
1978 GL1000 My 1st GL Learning experience
2000 Kawasaki Nomad 1500
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rcmatt007
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Re: 1978 GL1000 My 1st GL

#7

Post by rcmatt007 »

looks like a front fender off of a GL1100
-Rodger-
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
79 project, finished, FOR SALE
'86 1200 (Beth's)(FOR SALE) with motorvation sidecar (sidecar sold) , July 2017 BOTM
'17 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's) (FOR SALE). I guess you can say we have MBS
FrontRunner
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Re: 1978 GL1000 My 1st GL

#8

Post by FrontRunner »

20180617_184602.jpg
20180617_184602.jpg (184.15 KiB) Viewed 646 times
1 from the other side

Just got my tracking number from Rock Auto for the box of parts coming Friday. :-D Those parts will be what I should need to do the timing belt job. The belts are here. The parts coming are the hose to make radiator hoses from, a thermostat, radiator cap, oil filter and a set of spark plugs. I'll do the valve adjustment at the same time. The only thing I don't have is coolant and that's just a few minutes away. As of right now I'm still under $850 into it including the tank of gas and dinner for my uncle for the 6 hour round trip to haul it home.
1978 GL1000 My 1st GL Learning experience
2000 Kawasaki Nomad 1500
FrontRunner
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Re: 1978 GL1000 My 1st GL

#9

Post by FrontRunner »

rcmatt007 wrote:looks like a front fender off of a GL1100
Yeah I noticed the majority of the pics I've seen of the 78's have a chrome front fender. I'm probably gonna just run this one unless something I like enough to make me want to change it comes along.
1978 GL1000 My 1st GL Learning experience
2000 Kawasaki Nomad 1500
FrontRunner
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Re: 1978 GL1000 My 1st GL

#10

Post by FrontRunner »

The Windjammer is in pretty rough shape and is missing the bracket so I'm probably not gonna use it. Also missing in action are the brackets for the saddlebags which I've already eliminated the wiring for. The stock seat rail is actually attached to the swing arm in the 2nd picture. Of course the bolts for it are broken off inside the mounting studs which will mean I get to drill those out and tap the holes, one of my least favorite tasks.
1978 GL1000 My 1st GL Learning experience
2000 Kawasaki Nomad 1500
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TNTbefree
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Re: 1978 GL1000 My 1st GL

#11

Post by TNTbefree »

Looking good. Seeing as the build cost is so low, you may want to invest in an item that I would not ride my GL without... That item would be a Fork Brace. On these old GL's, I believe a fork brace is a must have. Made mine feel and handle much better and safer. Not cheap. But worth every penny!
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ericheath
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Re: 1978 GL1000 My 1st GL

#12

Post by ericheath »

I agree with the fork brace idea. I like using one from an 1100 or 1200. Just leave the forks attached for a perfect fit. Difference from a 1000 set of forks WITH the brace and a set of 41 mm forks is night and day.
Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
FrontRunner
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Re: 1978 GL1000 My 1st GL

#13

Post by FrontRunner »

I'll add a fork brace to my want list. The list is long but I'll work through it. Today I pulled the radiator and cleaned up some of the associated hardware. I did notice a Napa logo on the top radiator hose but no part number, already cut the new hoses to put back on. Didn't get a lot done but I'm getting close to my my 2 weeks off. Have to work 4 12's then freedom begins starting at 6 PM Tuesday. Parts buying is on hold until I go to Mid Ohio for Vintage Days. I've got all the stuff for the timing belt job and oil change. Plenty of cleaning up to do as well. not going to run out of stuff to do for awhile. Also I will be trying to put some miles on the Nomad since it is riding season.
1978 GL1000 My 1st GL Learning experience
2000 Kawasaki Nomad 1500
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robin1731
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Re: 1978 GL1000 My 1st GL

#14

Post by robin1731 »

FrontRunner wrote:snip...………….. Parts buying is on hold until I go to Mid Ohio for Vintage Days.
Make sure you look for our booth. There will be a few of us there.

.
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
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rcmatt007
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Re: 1978 GL1000 My 1st GL

#15

Post by rcmatt007 »

when is that? I need to get out on two-wheels.... even if it is on Beth's bike
-Rodger-
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
79 project, finished, FOR SALE
'86 1200 (Beth's)(FOR SALE) with motorvation sidecar (sidecar sold) , July 2017 BOTM
'17 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's) (FOR SALE). I guess you can say we have MBS
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