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$200 1979 GL1000 barn find

Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2019 3:07 pm
by ejedmond
Hey all new to the forum. I joined mainly for the wealth of knowledge typically on these kinds of forums as I am new too goldwings. I bought this one a month ago for $200 along with a kz1000 which currently is holding my attention but this bike is next.

So far I’ve checked spark, compression, and rotation along with removing the fairing. Best I can tell this bike hasn’t ran since the 90’s. It has 10k miles on it. The owner had all the original parts still from when the fairing was put on but they are a bit dirty. Also has the saddlebags and the metal work for those but I don’t intend to use those.

Step one going forward will be fuel tank removal which I think is a real treat on these bikes from what I can tell.

Re: $200 1979 GL1000 barn find

Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2019 3:48 pm
by pidjones
Uncommon to find one that they didn't hacksaw the front signal mounts off to mount the fairing. Let me give you a hint for the fairing and bags - don't try to sell it, just find a dumpster for it. Then use liquid electrical tape to heal all of the wounds that darn Scotchloks cause to the insulation of the wiring. For pulling the tank, the rear wheel, battery box etc. have to come off first. Easier with the rear master off too (which may as well be off to rebuild it). If you want a true restore, the front signals are available but good luck finding a stock seat (and HONDA logo for the front badge). It DOES have the rear grab bar, which is made from unobtainium. Carbs are easier than they look to rebuild, and Randakk kits are the primo. Nice original-looking paint, too. That bike would make a great daily-driver for summer weather. Oh, and change the belts!

Re: $200 1979 GL1000 barn find

Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2019 3:56 pm
by 5speed
welcome to our corner of the net...78-79's are the sharpest looking wings IMHO..

Re: $200 1979 GL1000 barn find

Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2019 3:58 pm
by Rat
Welcome .... lots of good stuff in ShopTalk ....

Gord

Re: $200 1979 GL1000 barn find

Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2019 4:22 pm
by cmyoch
Before you chuck the fairing in a dumpster, let me know what you would like for the windshield? I'm looking for a replacement.

Tank removal takes some finesse but you'll get it out. I remember that challenge on mine.

Re: $200 1979 GL1000 barn find

Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2019 7:47 pm
by ejedmond
Pidjones. Here’s the turn signals and emblem I found in the box that I believe are correct. I have a friend with the original seat for a 1979 which I’ll try to get off him once this ones running so could have a fairly complete one once it’s all said and done.

Turn signals and emblem aren’t great but I think they’ll clean up and match the ‘patina’ of this bike.

Cmyoch i probably won’t part with any of those things right now, not until I figure out what I’m going to do with this bike anyway. I’ll message you though if I get tired of tripping over it haha

Re: $200 1979 GL1000 barn find

Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2019 9:59 am
by pidjones
You have gold there, sir! These are very seldom seen showroom-stock. Sure if you really want to tour the fairing and bags are good. But, for showing, collecting, or summertime fun, I'd say take her back to stock. A very good "survivor" example!

Re: $200 1979 GL1000 barn find

Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2019 10:05 am
by ejedmond
Thanks, I fully plan on keeping this one as a survivor in its original paint, chrome etc it seemed to clean not to do that. I'll post more pictures of the progress once i get to that point. Should be a fun journey.

Re: $200 1979 GL1000 barn find

Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2019 10:48 am
by tomk1960
That's one of the best barn find deals I've seen in a long time. Take care of all the usual stuff and you'll have a great rider. One thing I would do is the dual piston caliper upgrade for the front brakes. The brackets and calipers will bolt right onto the '79 fork legs and will give you much better braking. I can help you out with that if you're interested.

Great score!

Re: $200 1979 GL1000 barn find

Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2019 12:25 pm
by desertrefugee
I wish my barn finds looked like that. In fact, I'd like to have a barn find. My recent back porch find is going to be the death of me I think. welcome to the site!

Re: $200 1979 GL1000 barn find

Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2019 2:51 pm
by ejedmond
We’ll see how the brakes feel once it’s running, I do have some concerns about the right two cylinders because the exhaust is slightly blued but we’ll see what happens. Here’s a picture of the fuel tank with a nice vintage fuel in it circa the 90’s I’m guessing.

Quite a contrast from the kz I got from the same family where the tank was spotless but had twigs and nuts in it, oddly confusing. I’ll pull the timing belt cover off soon too and make sure those are well intact and probably swap them ASAP.

Re: $200 1979 GL1000 barn find

Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2019 4:27 pm
by pidjones
Acetone to get the varnish left by the old gas out, then your prefered derusting method. I'm not a fan of coating, but whatever you do DON'T USE KREEM!

Re: $200 1979 GL1000 barn find

Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2019 8:14 pm
by CYBORG
KREEM used correctly is a good product. I have it in my 78 tank. I installed it, correctly, around 1985. Still good as new.

I think most of the bad rap, is from improper installation . Just my opinion. Agreed, there are other coating And if installed incorrectly, don't work ether. By the way, my 78 has 500K on the clock, and the tank is still clean.

Re: $200 1979 GL1000 barn find

Posted: Thu Oct 31, 2019 2:06 pm
by rcmatt007
:popcornx2

Re: $200 1979 GL1000 barn find

Posted: Thu Oct 31, 2019 3:33 pm
by pidjones
CYBORG wrote:KREEM used correctly is a good product. I have it in my 78 tank. I installed it, correctly, around 1985. Still good as new.

I think most of the bad rap, is from improper installation . Just my opinion. Agreed, there are other coating And if installed incorrectly, don't work ether. By the way, my 78 has 500K on the clock, and the tank is still clean.
Don't let acetone near it! Mine was poorly Kreemed, and acetone removed it 100% for me.