Well, time to catch up. The bike was delivered on time (GREAT!!! experience with John Magada, by the way - highly recommended for moving bikes or bike carcasses anywhere in the US) and so we have our first close up of the challenges of the restoration. Overall, except for no turn signals and no taillight lens, it's all there. The seat was so weathered as to be useless, but I'm going to disassemble it and evaluate the frame for a rebuild. I already have a tuck and roll model seat that needs a little work but is generally in good shape and is a fit so we're good to go on the seat. Directional signals have been going on eBay lately so I'm pretty confident that I can come up with four of them and I have already acquired a tail-light lens. Now to come up with handlebars and a complete exhaust system. One of the links on the right (Overlander Equipment) does absolutely amazing exhaust replicas in stainless steel, with clear ceramic coating on the headers to prevent heat bluing.
Handlebars can't be that hard from new stock or even custom made if I can get the right measurements and angles. I'll keep everyone advised of how that goes. I'm looking into the idea of using the RUSTECO process vs. sandblasting for rust removal (RUSTECO link on the right). Should have chemical in here soon and start evaluating that - I'll post picture comparisons for fellow enthusiasts' viewing pleasure. The gas tank is my major concern.
I don't think it's holed by rust but the chrome is pretty well shot and I'm concerned about rust pitting and trying to do a new chrome surface. I've got some ideas though so we'll see. Obviously, new knee pads will be in order :-) On other notes - I think I have the linked pages issue worked so I'll be posting parts diagrams and lists shortly. Have a great new year!
Well, time to catch up. The bike was delivered on time (GREAT!!! experience with John Magada, by the way - highly recommended for moving bikes or bike carcasses anywhere in the US) and so we have our first close up of the challenges of the restoration. Overall, except for no turn signals and no taillight lens, it's all there. The seat was so weathered as to be useless, but I'm going to disassemble it and evaluate the frame for a rebuild. I already have a tuck and roll model seat that needs a little work but is generally in good shape and is a fit so we're good to go on the seat. Directional signals have been going on eBay lately so I'm pretty confident that I can come up with four of them and I have already acquired a tail-light lens. Now to come up with handlebars and a complete exhaust system. One of the links on the right (Overlander Equipment) does absolutely amazing exhaust replicas in stainless steel, with clear ceramic coating on the headers to prevent heat bluing.
Handlebars can't be that hard from new stock or even custom made if I can get the right measurements and angles. I'll keep everyone advised of how that goes. I'm looking into the idea of using the RUSTECO process vs. sandblasting for rust removal (RUSTECO link on the right). Should have chemical in here soon and start evaluating that - I'll post picture comparisons for fellow enthusiasts' viewing pleasure. The gas tank is my major concern. 
I don't think it's holed by rust but the chrome is pretty well shot and I'm concerned about rust pitting and trying to do a new chrome surface. I've got some ideas though so we'll see. Obviously, new knee pads will be in order :-) On other notes - I think I have the linked pages issue worked so I'll be posting parts diagrams and lists shortly. Have a great new year!
