1978 GL 1000 "The Tank" Resoration Project

[shieldsm]

Greeting all!

I currently am going to start my first restoration project on a 1978 DL1000 that my brother gave me. It was operational about a year ago and then it ran into some electrical issues that seem to be an easy fix. I plan on doing a semi-restoration of this bike depending on how it currently runs (which I have not started yet). Visually it is in good condition, but what's inside is always an unknown. The advice I need is where should I start to ensure that the bike is a "dependable" runner. Mainly I don't want just a "pretty" bike (I plan on repainting the frame, etc) but a bike where the engine and its main components are in tip top working order. I do not want to do a total engine breakdown unless I have to, but what "minimal things" should I be doing (for example: carb rebuild, valve cleaning, new gaskets, etc)? Should the very first thing be a compression test?

Thanks!

[davhj]

Start here there is a world of info on this site everything you need to know and parts and kits you can and buy.

http://www.randakks.com/Restoration.htm
www.randakks.com/

Just a side note I think maybe you had a missed key stroke the Honda GoldWing is GL1000

I hope this helps,
Dave

[Track T 2411]

Randakk's is a great place to start, and we've got a nice "New 2 U" thread. Check out the link in my sig. The engines in these bikes are nearly indestructable, so with a bit of care, they will last a LONG time. A compression test will give you a baseline, but if the engine sat for a long time in the past, the readings may be low. Replacement of the timing belts, rebuilding the carbs, checking out the water pump, a good radiator flush, all good things...

Good wrenchin'
Todd

[shieldsm]

Dave and Todd,

Thanks for the info. This site and all the help offered is so great!

Did I say I do not even have the bike yet? I was going to pick it up at my brothers but we just recieved a pleasent surprise this morning; 10 inches of snow! Its March 23rd for gosh sakes!

I am currently in the "Getting my Shop Set-up Phase". This is my first project of this sort and I want to have a suitable place to work. Cleaned the garage this weekend. It is amazing how many things my two kids collect. 2 Power Wheels, 4 bikes, a stroller, baby jogger, wagon, a countless other things I need to make room for.

I have a pretty great workbench I commondered at work. Looking at getting some more tools and have come up with a list of things I need to purchase.

I have read a lot of threads about coming up with a budget which makes since. I relieze that I may go over budget but as long as it does not get to out of hand I think it will be okay. My intent is to have a gourgeous bike that is fun to ride and more importantly have fun restoring it. I know their will be headaches along the way, but I want to enjoy this endevour as well as learn all the mechanics involved with working on this project.

[shieldsm]

I just read Randakk's Restoration advice. This answers my question perfectly!

[davhj]

shieldsm,

I bought a 78 GL1000 brand new and kept it for 18 years it was a great bike it served me well. I think you will enjoy it. Post a few pictures if you can.

Dave

[Uncle Dave]

I have a 1979 GL1000 that looks very much like yours. My '79 is also a 'project bike' and in the restoration phase. As a NAKED GOLD WING it takes off like a shot out of a gun; amazing, really. You are going to have some fun - stick with this website - great people and advice that is straight to the point minus the BULL, if you know what i mean. d

[Placerville]

Welcome from California and to the NGW!

[sunnbobb]

Welcome from Salish Sea. Check out buying a NEW 2 U kit from Cascade Cycle.

[shieldsm]

Hello All!

Some simple advice from you Goldwing Pros out there.

1978 GL1000 aquired from my brother. Was in working condition but not ridden in a couple years. My vision is to do a complete breakdown/restoration to include refinishing the frame, etc. I downloaded the Honda Shop Manual recommended from one of the forums in here. Wow! What a wealth of information just by reading some of the first pages. I also have reviewed the "NEW2U Bike thread". As a nice addition to my renovated "shop area" I purchased a brand new 260 piece Craftsman mechanics tool set. I am all about the prep work... Still need to buy many more tools but I will purchase as I go.

This is my "gameplan" once I get my hands on this thing. PLEASE let me know what you think so I am on track.

1. I will first strip off the seat and any other non-mechanical/electrical equipment (fairing, etc) that will just be "in the way"

2. Externally clean and dry the bike (need a clean surface, right?)

3. Check the servicability of the major engine/components. Obviouslly this is a big factor in the process to see how far I need to rebuild, if the engine is a workable unit, etc. I want to know everything "works" before I go any further. I also have reviewed Radaak's tips on starting a bike after a long period of non-use. Details here:

a. Drain fuel, clean fuel lines, fresh fuel
b. Drain oil, new oil (is it okay if the engine is cold?)
c. New plugs
d. Timing belts (unless my brother changed these in the last year). A tad nervous on this but I have seen the treads and it looks "doable"
e. Clean air filter
d. Valve adjustment/check
f. Clean breaker points
g. New Battery

4. Okay, hold my breath and start her up. Check for any obvious leaks, funny sounds etc. Take notes!!! Should I take a test ride or just let her run parked? A tad nervous riding her at this point.

5. Compression test (cold engine). Again, hold my breath.

6. Ignition Timing

7. Carb sync (if needed)

Okay that's it before I start to dissasemble everything, assuming everything is working okay. Does this sound like a good/solid plan? Am I missing anything or are there some things that are unneeded (like carb sync). Like I stated, I want to have to have the piece of mind that the bike is a runner before I proceed further. I bought this for $500 an don't want to spend a bunch of money of I know that I may have to replace the enging due to horrible compression, etc.

Thanks!!

[Track T 2411]

Pretty good list, that. I'd also add that you will need to be looking at the brakes before taking a ride, even a test ride. The caliper can lock up very easily if they haven't been in service for a while. I'd do the start-up procedure as above, and then move on through the brake system. Going fast is fun, but ya gotta stop some time!!!

Good wrenchin'
Todd

[Slabghost]

This is an interference motor. I suggest when you install the timing belts you back off all the valve adjusters completely until you are certain the belts are on right. You'll want to set the valves to spec before you try chasing running problems usually blamed on the carbs. If the valves are right that eliminates them as a possible problem. Low compression is possible due to a long sit. Rings usually free up and reseat after a short time running with fresh oil.

[Roady]

The plan looks very good.

But it's been 5 days ... where are the photos?

[shieldsm]

I am picking up the bike today...finally! Send pics when I can.

[rogue1000]

I suggest look into your fuel tank and see how dirty it may be...it is easy enough to buy a longer piece of fuel hose to run to a clean gas can instead of the nasty stuff that may come from your tank. Check out Octanes Corner for his fast and furious tank cleaning if your tank isn't too nasty...oh, and welcome to the forum!