Longest resto ever
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- Pony Ruiz
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 1923
- Joined: Sun Oct 25, 2009 7:17 pm
- Location: Seatown - WA
Longest resto ever
I thought I had pics of my progress but this bike wasn't going to be mine so I guess I forgot/didn't think to do it. I picked it up for a co-worker then well it never left my garage.
It started out as your typical blue 78 with a full Vetter setup. Turned over but didn't run. I did a compression test. checked out. loaded it up in my pickup and took it home. My co-worker was interested in gettin a bike. He was going to do some work for me but wanted (needed) $ instead. I had a 78 previously which I missed so I kept it. There were times though during the process I'd tell myself - "you woulda been $ ahead if you had sold it for a loss". doh!
I kinda had an idea but no real vision. I put shorter bars and cables on it. New brake lines, new rect/reg. new tires, gas tank cleaned and redcoated, rebuilt 1100 carbs, led's in dash and turn signals. Lucked out and scored a corbin on another GL site too -that was a high point .
By far the most time consuming was the paint. I had some extra skins so I wanted to paint them. I found a guy on CL that made decals and had the Honda aka triumph decals made. Long story short, I painted with duplicolor and then put 2k clear (a lot) over that. At first i used the two part 2k clear in the can then tried my hand at a proper spray gun then went back to the aerosol. I made a little spray booth but - I had runs, I had dust, I had fish eye, I had it all. In the end I had enough clear on there I could wet sand and buff out.
I made some muffler brackets (with Tbranth's help) and put a set of harley dyna's on it. I'm amazed how good they sound. They look cool too! The headers are from an 1100 exhaust. I cut the mufflers off had adapters welded on. The orig. exhaust was toast.
Cudos to tbranth for encouraging and helping me with a few elec. issues as well. If it wasn't for his smarts I'd probably be stuck back at that stage.
The final go round was getting the carbs working. I mentioned I had another 78 not long I think after I started hereon this forum. It was my first carb rebuild. I had an almost full 1100 rebuild kit and extra carbs so I decided to go for it. It ran good so I decided to do it again. First go round #1 and #4 i think weren't gettin gas to the cylinder. Gas was gettin to the bowl but something was plugged. Spark checked out. So rather than look for the problem I just swapped out the offending carbs. I bolted the new re-re-built rack back on and it runs good.
It is running on points at the moment but I have a choice of either a hondaman unit, a first generation dyna, or a C5 ignition to put in. I'm leaning toward the hondaman at the moment.
The picks I took today. I've had this bike since 2013. 6ys. I wasn't sure I was going to get it done. I had other bikes inbetween, needed inspiration, procrastinated, and did other things. I have since sold off my beloved 83 interstate and abandoned my 80 so I'm pretty happy to get to this point. If your project is draggin just keep doin a little here and there -that is what I did - it will get done. There are a few minor things I need to do but I rode it around the neighborhood today. If all checks out the next couple weeks I'm going to ride it over to the Vashon Island vintage rally in September. Maybe its not the longest restoration ever but it felt like that to me.
Oh and I would have never, ever, have been able to take this journey if it weren't for this forum and its members.
Thanks!
It started out as your typical blue 78 with a full Vetter setup. Turned over but didn't run. I did a compression test. checked out. loaded it up in my pickup and took it home. My co-worker was interested in gettin a bike. He was going to do some work for me but wanted (needed) $ instead. I had a 78 previously which I missed so I kept it. There were times though during the process I'd tell myself - "you woulda been $ ahead if you had sold it for a loss". doh!
I kinda had an idea but no real vision. I put shorter bars and cables on it. New brake lines, new rect/reg. new tires, gas tank cleaned and redcoated, rebuilt 1100 carbs, led's in dash and turn signals. Lucked out and scored a corbin on another GL site too -that was a high point .
By far the most time consuming was the paint. I had some extra skins so I wanted to paint them. I found a guy on CL that made decals and had the Honda aka triumph decals made. Long story short, I painted with duplicolor and then put 2k clear (a lot) over that. At first i used the two part 2k clear in the can then tried my hand at a proper spray gun then went back to the aerosol. I made a little spray booth but - I had runs, I had dust, I had fish eye, I had it all. In the end I had enough clear on there I could wet sand and buff out.
I made some muffler brackets (with Tbranth's help) and put a set of harley dyna's on it. I'm amazed how good they sound. They look cool too! The headers are from an 1100 exhaust. I cut the mufflers off had adapters welded on. The orig. exhaust was toast.
Cudos to tbranth for encouraging and helping me with a few elec. issues as well. If it wasn't for his smarts I'd probably be stuck back at that stage.
The final go round was getting the carbs working. I mentioned I had another 78 not long I think after I started hereon this forum. It was my first carb rebuild. I had an almost full 1100 rebuild kit and extra carbs so I decided to go for it. It ran good so I decided to do it again. First go round #1 and #4 i think weren't gettin gas to the cylinder. Gas was gettin to the bowl but something was plugged. Spark checked out. So rather than look for the problem I just swapped out the offending carbs. I bolted the new re-re-built rack back on and it runs good.
It is running on points at the moment but I have a choice of either a hondaman unit, a first generation dyna, or a C5 ignition to put in. I'm leaning toward the hondaman at the moment.
The picks I took today. I've had this bike since 2013. 6ys. I wasn't sure I was going to get it done. I had other bikes inbetween, needed inspiration, procrastinated, and did other things. I have since sold off my beloved 83 interstate and abandoned my 80 so I'm pretty happy to get to this point. If your project is draggin just keep doin a little here and there -that is what I did - it will get done. There are a few minor things I need to do but I rode it around the neighborhood today. If all checks out the next couple weeks I'm going to ride it over to the Vashon Island vintage rally in September. Maybe its not the longest restoration ever but it felt like that to me.
Oh and I would have never, ever, have been able to take this journey if it weren't for this forum and its members.
Thanks!
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Last edited by Pony Ruiz on Mon Aug 19, 2019 9:31 am, edited 4 times in total.
1978GL1000 naked - kinda sadly gone. no bike at the moment.
"The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function." Albert A. Bartlett.
"The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function." Albert A. Bartlett.
- Jonesz
- Silver Member
- Posts: 904
- Joined: Mon Apr 24, 2017 9:03 pm
- Location: Manitoba, Canada
Re: Longest resto ever
Pony I like it! Nice work.
Jonesz
1983 GL1100 Aspencade named "Freki" currently undergoing change to a standard. Sold
1999 Valkyrie CT 1500 goes by the moniker "Valerie"
1978 Gl1000 "Loki" new project going to be a Cafe Convertible
1979 Suzuki GS850. Sold
1983 GL1100 Aspencade named "Freki" currently undergoing change to a standard. Sold
1999 Valkyrie CT 1500 goes by the moniker "Valerie"
1978 Gl1000 "Loki" new project going to be a Cafe Convertible
1979 Suzuki GS850. Sold
- JamesPal
- Chrome Member
- Posts: 178
- Joined: Sun Sep 05, 2010 10:57 pm
- Location: Bellevue, Waashington USA
Re: Longest resto ever
Sweet looking bike, nice job!
"If everything is under control you are not going fast enough" - Mairo Andretti
'85 GL1200I
'81 GL1100 STD
'72 CB450
'85 GL1200I
'81 GL1100 STD
'72 CB450
- desertrefugee
- SUPER BIKER!!!!
- Posts: 3947
- Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2011 9:33 pm
- Location: Chandler, AZ, USA
Re: Longest resto ever
Love the color choice!
- Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to ride in the rain.
- Pony Ruiz
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 1923
- Joined: Sun Oct 25, 2009 7:17 pm
- Location: Seatown - WA
Re: Longest resto ever
Thanks!
1978GL1000 naked - kinda sadly gone. no bike at the moment.
"The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function." Albert A. Bartlett.
"The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function." Albert A. Bartlett.
- Sugs
- Gold Member
- Posts: 1069
- Joined: Sun Aug 09, 2015 6:12 pm
- Location: Springfield, MO
Re: Longest resto ever
Nice! Way to persevere and get it done!
_______________________
'79 Honda GL1000 Goldwing
'79 Honda GL1000 Goldwing
- Old Fogey
- Honored Life Member
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- Joined: Mon Aug 27, 2007 11:31 pm
- Location: Glasgow, Scotland
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Re: Longest resto ever
That's a real nice build. Good job!
"Impossible Is Just a Level of Difficulty!..."
If I'd wanted you to understand, I would have explained it better! (Johann Cruyff)
I’d give my right arm to be ambidextrous!
If I'd wanted you to understand, I would have explained it better! (Johann Cruyff)
I’d give my right arm to be ambidextrous!
- 5speed
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 5311
- Joined: Sat Jul 11, 2015 2:37 pm
- Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Re: Longest resto ever
that is sweet and reconfirms that the 78-79 wings are the best looking.
ETA..any reason you went with red reflectors on the forks?
ETA..any reason you went with red reflectors on the forks?
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
- Pony Ruiz
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 1923
- Joined: Sun Oct 25, 2009 7:17 pm
- Location: Seatown - WA
Re: Longest resto ever
Thanks Everyone!
I really appreciate it.
I love the lines on a 78. Its a classic.
I have some of those knee banger engine guards I am debating putting on. I like the looks without them but knowing I have forgotten to put the kickstand down at least once on a bike and not wanting to get pinned under it in the event of a get off, maybe they should get put on. I know you can't plan a get off - sheesh might get pinned under the crash bars; I'll at least keep it from getting scratched if I do drop it.
For the moment I like the looks of it without them.
I really appreciate it.
I love the lines on a 78. Its a classic.
I have some of those knee banger engine guards I am debating putting on. I like the looks without them but knowing I have forgotten to put the kickstand down at least once on a bike and not wanting to get pinned under it in the event of a get off, maybe they should get put on. I know you can't plan a get off - sheesh might get pinned under the crash bars; I'll at least keep it from getting scratched if I do drop it.
For the moment I like the looks of it without them.
1978GL1000 naked - kinda sadly gone. no bike at the moment.
"The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function." Albert A. Bartlett.
"The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function." Albert A. Bartlett.
- Pony Ruiz
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 1923
- Joined: Sun Oct 25, 2009 7:17 pm
- Location: Seatown - WA
Re: Longest resto ever
5 speed. good eye.
to be honest I never noticed they weren't orange. They were some I had layin about and they were round. I think I had some not so attractive square ones on there before that. They were probably orange. Maybe I should correct that one of these days.
to be honest I never noticed they weren't orange. They were some I had layin about and they were round. I think I had some not so attractive square ones on there before that. They were probably orange. Maybe I should correct that one of these days.
I think so too.!the 78-79 wings are the best looking.
1978GL1000 naked - kinda sadly gone. no bike at the moment.
"The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function." Albert A. Bartlett.
"The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function." Albert A. Bartlett.
- 77Gowing
- True Blue Steel Biker
- Posts: 2724
- Joined: Wed Jul 22, 2015 4:31 pm
- Location: San Angelo, Texas
Re: Longest resto ever
Nice job pony, she looks great.
It took me 3 1/2 years on mine, but I dallied a bit too much.
All the best.
It took me 3 1/2 years on mine, but I dallied a bit too much.
All the best.
"Less is More" Anonymous
77Gowing
1977 GL1000 "O'le Blue." (sold )
2014 Yamaha 950 V Star (sold)
2017 Indian Scout Std w/ABS (sold)
2009 Honda VTX1300R "Me Brudder's" (sold)
1984 Honda Interstate "84' 2outa4." Gone
1982 Honda GL1100 "After thought." Gone
77Gowing
1977 GL1000 "O'le Blue." (sold )
2014 Yamaha 950 V Star (sold)
2017 Indian Scout Std w/ABS (sold)
2009 Honda VTX1300R "Me Brudder's" (sold)
1984 Honda Interstate "84' 2outa4." Gone
1982 Honda GL1100 "After thought." Gone
- Track T 2411
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Re: Longest resto ever
Very nice! I like the color choice!
"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.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
"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.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
-
- Silver Member
- Posts: 569
- Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2017 5:00 pm
- Location: Canton, Ohio
Re: Longest resto ever
I love the color too. What is it?
- tlbranth
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 1636
- Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2008 12:16 am
- Location: carnation, wa
Re: Longest resto ever
BOTM, no doubt.
Terry
Don't own a Vanagon
Don't work at Boeing
Life is good
1999 GL1500 SE
2002 Honda VT750 "ACE"
1975 GL1000
1970 CB750
Don't own a Vanagon
Don't work at Boeing
Life is good
1999 GL1500 SE
2002 Honda VT750 "ACE"
1975 GL1000
1970 CB750
-
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