76 gets undressed in Wisconsin

[Butsam]

Last month I purchased a red full bagged 76 GL1000 in good shape. It even had original exhaust!. I have owned many motorcycles and even 3 GL100s before. Ten years ago I did a frame up restoration and created a daily driver. This time I want to create a show bike. I will have to learn a lot about the show scene but thought it might be something fun for the family.

I have not changed the timing belts but will soon. I plan on doing the full restoration starting in the fall after riding season.

So far I have removed all of the Vetter stuf, installed a new original seat, obtained a grab rail in need of some chrome and replaced a not original set of handle bars.
In this picture she looks great but she does have the usual signs of wear and tear

More photos to come

[sunnbobb]

Wow, nice bike. I would have second thoughts about turning that naked. Just me, but that is so period correct and clean I would find another bike to tear into.... She is worth quite a bit as it is...

[Major_moto]

I am looking forward to seeing what it itakes to go to show quality.

[aussiewingman]

beautifull bike

[Butsam]

Here are some more pictures. The Vetter bags and trunk are in good shape but now they are in the shed. The new seat looks great. I have a grab bar that needs some chrome plating. And I have a couple of questions

Are there members who do chrome plating as a business or does anyone know of a good chrome plating company? There is one here in town.

What do you do with the yellowing, cracking plastic on the clutch and break levers? What about the black rubber on the ends. Can you re-apply after polishing?

[Toehead]

Remove the plastic, polish, and finish with black plastidip

http://www.plastidip.com/home_solutions/Plasti_Dip

[polkadot]

On my 77, I cut the plastic away and polished. It looks great. However, if you want a show bike, that would not be correct. I have never entered a show with a bike, but I know with cars those little things mean all the difference in the world. I am pretty sure that new levers do not have that clear plastic. May need to look for NOS. If in a show, I'm not sure if you are better with yellowed plastic or none at all. I am sure some show guys will chime in. That is a great looking 76 by the way!

[Bigphillip79]

That was one of the nicest dressed 1000s I've seen.

[Toehead]

On my 77, I cut the plastic away and polished. It looks great. However, if you want a show bike, that would not be correct. I have never entered a show with a bike, but I know with cars those little things mean all the difference in the world. I am pretty sure that new levers do not have that clear plastic. May need to look for NOS. If in a show, I'm not sure if you are better with yellowed plastic or none at all. I am sure some show guys will chime in. That is a great looking 76 by the way!

Plastidip comes in clear as well if he wants to do both layers.

[polkadot]

On my 77, I cut the plastic away and polished. It looks great. However, if you want a show bike, that would not be correct. I have never entered a show with a bike, but I know with cars those little things mean all the difference in the world. I am pretty sure that new levers do not have that clear plastic. May need to look for NOS. If in a show, I'm not sure if you are better with yellowed plastic or none at all. I am sure some show guys will chime in. That is a great looking 76 by the way!

Plastidip comes in clear as well if he wants to do both layers.

Didn't think about the clear!

[Butsam]

Due to gas in the air chamber and possible hydro-lock due to a cylinder filling with gas I decide now was the time to get started with the restoration.
I also needed to fix the steering bearings,I had a noticeable indent in the steering at the center position, and needed to replace timing belt.

So let the tear down begin!

At the end of the day

IMG_1448.JPG

As I was taking things apart I began to think about the goal: To have a bike that I could enjoy riding but also enter into shows.
So a couple of questions have come up.
When painting the shelter lid how do you take the metal decal stuck around the fuel guage? Do you tape it? Do you somehow loosen the adhesive without bending the decal and replace when done painting?

IMG_1419.JPG

What abou the original safety decals can you get these replacements?

IMG_1446.JPG

[polkadot]

Good thinking on the tear down. Better to just get it all done right than to be chasing a problem all the time. Get on ebay to get your decals. 77 honda gl1000 decals are available from a guy in Canada. They are nearly exact reproductions and cost about $30. Good Luck!

[Fred Camper]

Tape around or replace depending if you want to show or want to show and win. Mine is to ride, and show when I get there sometimes. The pictures make the paint on the shelter look good, are you sure it will not polish right up with 0000 steel wool or other restorative processes?

[Butsam]

The lid has the 4 holes drilled in to it for a rack!
The right side shelter has break fluid spill on it.

[Fred Camper]

Bummer on the right side shelter, but I would just get the rack for the top, they are pretty sharp looking but to each his own. Once you need to pant the right side shelter, you may have just as well include the other two parts.