Swingarm and Carbs
This weekend presented the first significant problem of the project - trying to get the swingarm bearings out. I borrowed a bearing puller from a local auto parts store but had a hard time figuring out how to position the puller to get enough leverage to get the bearings to move. I ended up using my motorcycle jack to hold the swing arm in an upright position and an old brake disk as a platform for the puller's arms. Even with this very stable and sturdy setup the bearings didn't want to come out. I had to use a propane torch to heat the swingarm so it would expand. I was finally successful but the bearings were totally destroyed in the process, coming out in pieces - little needles everywhere.
Anyway, everythings now ready for powdercoating. If anyone has any recommendation about a good powdercoater in the Baltimore area, please let me know.
I also started the rebuild of the carbs. Tearing them down was pretty easy and held no unpleasant surp
ises. Some hand cleaning with s
pray carb cleaner and a stiff nylon brush before a 30 minute soaking in Berryman B-9 Chem-Dip produced a nice clean carb body. A hour or so of polishing produces a very nice shine. I used Blue Magic Metal Polish Cream, a Dremel, an Oral-B battery powered toothbrush, Q-Tips, a bag of cotton rags and lots of patience. Two down and two to go. Once that's done, thecarbs will go back together.
First Look At The New Paint
Got an emial today form Josh at Josh Hot Rods with a few picture of the new paint. Looks good so far. I'll have the parts back by the end of the week to get a closer look.
Nothin But Bits
I completed the tear-down this week. Nothing left now but a big pile of parts!
The frame's bare and the engine's on a cart. It was a struggle getting the engine out of the frame by mys
elf. I had no idea those things were so heavy.
Special thanks go to "focus frenzy" on the GS Resources forum (www.theGSResources.com) for the tip about laying the bike on its side and then lifting the frame off the engine. Worked like a charm.
I guess getting all the parts that'll be powdercoated degreased and ready for blasting is the next step. Off the the self-service carwash with a pocket full of quaters and a can of engine degreaser.
I've got a very long list of things that need to be done before reassembly. New wheel, swing arm and steering bearings, rebuild front and rear calipers, new fork seals, carb rebuild, all new engine gaskets, clean the engine cases, polish all aluminum parts and a boat-load of other stuff. I've been accumulating parts for the last couple months, mostly from eBay and BikeBandit.com, some aftermarket, some NOS and some custom parts from other bikes.
I'll take photos of all the rebuild and reassembly work and try to mention what parts were used and the parts source. All photos will be posted at http://www.gs750.us. Feel free to leave comments, suggestions or tips as the work progresses.
A Real "Naked Bike"
After about 5 hours work, just about everything is off the bike. Wow, there sure are a lot parts on a motorcycle!
I did find some unpleasant surprises. The wiring is a mess, all brittle and cracked and there's quite a bit of surface rust on the swingarm and parts of the frame. Looks like a complete stripping and powdercoating is in order for both the frame and swingarm.
Next step - remove both wheels, forks, triple tree and swing arm.
ises. Some hand cleaning with s
pray carb cleaner and a stiff nylon brush before a 30 minute soaking in Berryman B-9 Chem-Dip produced a nice clean carb body. A hour or so of polishing produces a very nice shine. I used Blue Magic Metal Polish Cream, a Dremel, an Oral-B battery powered toothbrush, Q-Tips, a bag of cotton rags and lots of patience. Two down and two to go. Once that's done, thecarbs will go back together.
