79 GL1000 Cafe Racer Build

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Custom79
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79 GL1000 Cafe Racer Build

#1

Post by Custom79 »

Hi Everyone, its been a while since I introduced myself last year. Work has been keeping me busy, but not too busy to be sneaking in work on the project wherever I can! I got this GL last summer. Here is a picture after I stripped off all the Vedder parts.
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The deeper I looked at this bike, the more I found out that everything was worn out. I don't believe it was very well maintained. I'm not even sure the engine is the original one for the bike. Should it have the matching frame serial number on it?

I initially wanted to ride it and work on it continuously but I gave up on that thought and decide to tear it right down.
gl2.jpg
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The water pump had approx 1/8" play and was leaking and rubbing on the housing. You can see the timing belts and tensioners have been done already.
gl1.jpg
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Here it is before I sent it out to be blasted and powder coated..
gl3.jpg
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Custom79
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Re: 79 GL1000 Cafe Racer Build

#2

Post by Custom79 »

Here it is when it came back! Looking good!
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gl5.jpg
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I peered into the gas tank with a borescope at work at it was in really good shape internally which was great news. I stripped the exterior and repainted it. The swing arm was media blasted and powder coated. The battery box and fan shroud got done at the same time.

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gl7.jpg
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gl8.jpg
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Custom79
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Re: 79 GL1000 Cafe Racer Build

#3

Post by Custom79 »

I have to break this into different posts. I think I might be hitting the attachment limit each post. Haha

Here are some more progress pics..
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gl9.jpg
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gl11.jpg
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Today I installed the drive shaft back into the swing arm. Bearings were replaced. I picked up an ultrasonic cleaner and cleaned up the hardware for the pivots (among a ton of other stuff!). You can see its installed in the last pic along with the battery box.

Right now I have the final drive rebuilt with new bearings and seals. I want to paint it before I put it on. Both wheels have new bearings and rubber. The front forks are disassembled and being rebuilt. I want to powder coat them before I put them back together. I will post more soon once I get it all together.
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robin1731
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Re: 79 GL1000 Cafe Racer Build

#4

Post by robin1731 »

Frame and engine will not have the same numbers. They are usually within a few hundred though.
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
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Re: 79 GL1000 Cafe Racer Build

#5

Post by pidjones »

Have you decided to restore or restomod? While the front is off for the pump is a good time to pull the neutral switch and run it through the ulltrasonic cleaner or just replace. Also pull the cover off the sump on the right side, the oil pickup, and clean the bottom of the sump.
"Love 'em all.... let God sort 'em out!"
Ex 2006 GL1800 - the Black Pearl SOLD! to make room for:
2021 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Dark Chalk Metallic
1975 Red GL1000 project - ex Pistol Pete project
1972 Triumph T150V Trident rescue - finished and FOR SALE!
1976 Yamaha RD400c
1978 GL1000 with '75 engine - the Hunley
Ex 1978 GL1000
Ex 1979 GL1000
Ex '79 CB750F rat bike
Ex '86 SEi
Ex '77 GL1000
Ex '76 RD400
Ex '72 Penton 125 set up for flat track
Ex '73 RD250
Ex '68 TR6C - chopped
MikeNTexas
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Re: 79 GL1000 Cafe Racer Build

#6

Post by MikeNTexas »

Nice work. anim-cheers1
1975 GL1000 Restored (sold)
1983 GL1100 Custom (sold)
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Another1976 GL1000 Project (finished and sold)
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5speed
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Re: 79 GL1000 Cafe Racer Build

#7

Post by 5speed »

how many hours did it take to polish the front engine mount /carb shield?
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
Custom79
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Re: 79 GL1000 Cafe Racer Build

#8

Post by Custom79 »

robin1731 wrote: Mon May 24, 2021 5:56 am Frame and engine will not have the same numbers. They are usually within a few hundred though.
Okay that makes sense then. My frame is 4107073 & engine is 4107087. Thanks Robin!
pidjones wrote: Mon May 24, 2021 6:33 am Have you decided to restore or restomod? While the front is off for the pump is a good time to pull the neutral switch and run it through the ulltrasonic cleaner or just replace. Also pull the cover off the sump on the right side, the oil pickup, and clean the bottom of the sump.
A restomod I guess? It won't be original but I also don't know the line between restomod and custom. :-? I ordered a neutral switch and it should be here soon. I will definitely do those other steps! I wanted to pull the clutch basket out and probably the rear housing and inspect everything while it's on the bench. I noticed last summer for the small amount of riding I did, that neutral was really difficult to find after it was at operating temperature. I am debating pulling the heads and installing new valve stem seals, camshaft seals and of course head gaskets etc. I would rather take a little longer and not have to pull the engine again for a very long time! Thanks for the advice!
MikeNTexas wrote: Mon May 24, 2021 7:39 am Nice work. anim-cheers1
Thank you sir!
5speed wrote: Mon May 24, 2021 1:16 pm how many hours did it take to polish the front engine mount /carb shield?
Its powder coated gloss black like the frame and swing arm. I probably could have taken a better picture! :)
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Rat
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Re: 79 GL1000 Cafe Racer Build

#9

Post by Rat »

If you’re in that deep, maybe rebuild the starter clutch ... they can be a problem and they’re way in there ...

Gord :roll:
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Custom79
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Re: 79 GL1000 Cafe Racer Build

#10

Post by Custom79 »

Rat wrote: Wed May 26, 2021 6:18 pm If you’re in that deep, maybe rebuild the starter clutch ... they can be a problem and they’re way in there ...

Gord :roll:
Okay thanks Gord! I will check it out when I get it apart.
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pidjones
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Re: 79 GL1000 Cafe Racer Build

#11

Post by pidjones »

After powder coating the frame, you might just stay with light restomod as you have not de-tabbed the frame (which is normally done for a cafe).
"Love 'em all.... let God sort 'em out!"
Ex 2006 GL1800 - the Black Pearl SOLD! to make room for:
2021 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Dark Chalk Metallic
1975 Red GL1000 project - ex Pistol Pete project
1972 Triumph T150V Trident rescue - finished and FOR SALE!
1976 Yamaha RD400c
1978 GL1000 with '75 engine - the Hunley
Ex 1978 GL1000
Ex 1979 GL1000
Ex '79 CB750F rat bike
Ex '86 SEi
Ex '77 GL1000
Ex '76 RD400
Ex '72 Penton 125 set up for flat track
Ex '73 RD250
Ex '68 TR6C - chopped
Custom79
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Re: 79 GL1000 Cafe Racer Build

#12

Post by Custom79 »

pidjones wrote: Fri May 28, 2021 3:28 pm After powder coating the frame, you might just stay with light restomod as you have not de-tabbed the frame (which is normally done for a cafe).
I’m not sure I follow what you’re saying. Can you elaborate for me?
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pidjones
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Re: 79 GL1000 Cafe Racer Build

#13

Post by pidjones »

Custom79 wrote: Sat May 29, 2021 8:18 pm
pidjones wrote: Fri May 28, 2021 3:28 pm After powder coating the frame, you might just stay with light restomod as you have not de-tabbed the frame (which is normally done for a cafe).
I’m not sure I follow what you’re saying. Can you elaborate for me?
Most people "detab" (remove mounting points that won't be used such as passenger footpeg mounts) their frames when building a cafe to save weight (kind of a moot point on a GL) and clean up the look. But, you have already had the frame powder coated.
"Love 'em all.... let God sort 'em out!"
Ex 2006 GL1800 - the Black Pearl SOLD! to make room for:
2021 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Dark Chalk Metallic
1975 Red GL1000 project - ex Pistol Pete project
1972 Triumph T150V Trident rescue - finished and FOR SALE!
1976 Yamaha RD400c
1978 GL1000 with '75 engine - the Hunley
Ex 1978 GL1000
Ex 1979 GL1000
Ex '79 CB750F rat bike
Ex '86 SEi
Ex '77 GL1000
Ex '76 RD400
Ex '72 Penton 125 set up for flat track
Ex '73 RD250
Ex '68 TR6C - chopped
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5speed
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Re: 79 GL1000 Cafe Racer Build

#14

Post by 5speed »

Custom79 wrote: Wed May 26, 2021 12:19 am
5speed wrote: Mon May 24, 2021 1:16 pm how many hours did it take to polish the front engine mount /carb shield?
Its powder coated gloss black like the frame and swing arm. I probably could have taken a better picture! :)
wow..it looks chrome in the pic.
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
Custom79
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Re: 79 GL1000 Cafe Racer Build

#15

Post by Custom79 »

pidjones wrote: Sun May 30, 2021 8:40 am
Most people "detab" (remove mounting points that won't be used such as passenger footpeg mounts) their frames when building a cafe to save weight (kind of a moot point on a GL) and clean up the look. But, you have already had the frame powder coated.
Oh okay, gotcha. Yeah, I dropped the ball on that. 😕
Restomod it is! Haha. Should this thread be moved then?
5speed wrote: Sun May 30, 2021 2:46 pm
wow..it looks chrome in the pic.
It’s pretty glossy. I will get another pic uploaded!
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