Another One Followed Me Home 84 1200I

[ritalz]

Couple pictures of the body work in progress. Using small strips of plastic and epoxy to bring the pieces together and make the pretty side smooth as possible. I may use some Bondo Glass over the strips for added strength. Once satisfied with the strength I will do some sanding and more Bondo to smooth out the pretty side. Once satisfied with all that I will be roughing up the entire surface for paint. Have not decided on a color yet.

side panel outside view.jpg

side panel inside view.jpg

[Fred Camper]

Be sure to give them some stress before painting. With the seams involved you want to be sure everything is reinforced enough. Way better to do that before paint. But good progress for sure.

[ritalz]

Yes indeed. I made that mistake on a project many years ago. Ended up just like you are thinking. A very nice metallic bronze paint job ruined by cracks.

[NotSoLilCrippseys]

Another milestone reached today. Adapted a pair of fork ears from a previous project. I think they were from one of the gen 1 bikes I parted out. Checked the opening and tube dimensions with a caliper and they were a near perfect fit. Cut them down a bit and they slid right on. I cut the part where the signals mount but I'm sure I can figure out another setup.

Nice and tight.

Can you confirm that by Gen 1 do you mean GL1000? They look like they might be.

If those ears fit easily enough on the 1200 forks, it'd help me make a decision on my '79 build with '83 forks. I'd like to use earlier rounded front signals but don't see the easy path to doing that with the 1100 ears.

[ritalz]

Yes GL1000. Most of my parts stash is from 75 to 77 bikes.

[ritalz]

Not much going the past few days. Wife had to spend 2 days in the hospital to fight an infection. Did manage to put a layer of bondo on the inside of one panel. Feels like a very solid joint. The other panel had a weak spot where the epoxy didn't bond and had to be redone. I'll have to do some shaping and sanding before trying to make the joint pretty. Also still messing with wiring on the right handlebar switch. Haven't yet succeeded in mating the new switch to the old harness.

[Fred Camper]

Prayers to your wife and all caregivers. Sounds like you are on the right path for the shelter repair.

[ritalz]

Thanks Jeff, wife is doing much better since they found the source of the infection. I've had to upgrade my nursing skills in order to maintain a surgical drain. Meanwhile, the bodywork is coming along with touch ups and sanding again and again. Need to pick up some fresh glazing putty to feather the edges and patch minor imperfections. It seems to be going pretty good at this point. I'll do a quick spray with some primer soon and take more pictures to show the work.

[ritalz]

Just a quick update to show the progress. Comparing the project to a 1100 shelter half. I feel like it is looking pretty good.

compare shelters.jpg

[Fred Camper]

shape looks good. You will know for sure with a coat of primer. But that is just a validation step.

[ritalz]

Laid the first layer of primer today and of course there are several spots that need work. All in all I still think it's going pretty good. Still need to buy some glazing putty and will need more primer. I'll be out running errands tomorrow and will pick up more supplies.

1st primer.jpg

[ritalz]

Also thinking about color. Do I want to change the color and endure all the work or match the original color and just paint the shelter. Just painting the shelter has a lot of appeal. I'm not a big fan of red but this has more of a maroon tint. Also, if I keep the red the top box can be added at any time.

[Fred Camper]

You need a color committee if you want to ask color questions. But regarding the finish, do sand it down so you have a clear indication of the low spots and since spot puddy sometimes shrinks do consider another try with bondo before you go there. Good overall shape so looking good.

[Rat]

And then there are those who say you can’t see what it looks like if you’re riding it …

Gord(who, me ?)Jones

[ritalz]

Rat, I like the way you are thinking.