New build thread....1975 GL1000 #1751

[takehikes]

I have been encouraged to start a build thread for my bike. I'll do my best as I work my way through it.
I bought a 1975 GL1000 with 23,599 miles on it. Its been parked since 1988, 35 years.
Its serial 1751 produced in Februrary of 1975 and I bought it for $100.

Here are some pictures of how I found it.

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[takehikes]

And some more:

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[takehikes]

And a few more:

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[ritalz]

Looks pretty complete with some of the things that are usually missing. Hope you got a title or a way to get one. Some frown on it but the first thing I do is to power wash. Sometimes even before I get it home.

[takehikes]

Washed it and I have title. Bought from original owners son. I have the original title and registration receipt from 1975!

[pidjones]

That will be a fun build! I have one from Pete Boody's estate that will be my next project.

Oh, and.... CHANGE THE BELTS!!!! Now.

[DET17]

Looks like a great starting point..... a one owner machine (same family) is a rare thing for these 45+ year old machines.

Take lots of pics..... I've learned a couple things already looking at yours (in comparison to my 76 LTD).

Eugene is pretty country..... we were there for "one lap of Oregon" a few years ago. Columbia river gorge, Mt. Hood, Crater Lake. Amazing beauty in your area.... the coast was pretty sweet as well! I want to get back out there as we didn't reach the eastern areas and Hells Canyon.

[Fred Camper]

Agree, looks like a nice project bike. Figure out how you want her to turn out. The museums have plenty of 1975 GL's so it is up to you how you want to do her. They are fine bikes with no major flaws that go many many miles. Great price.

[takehikes]

Already have belts and other items to bring it back to life (following Randakks suggestions). Pulling fuel tank and radiator to have them cleaned. Shooting for low ball restoration. Some chrome is going to get polished and thats it. May make a few changes for sake of reliability and parts availability but nothing that can not be undone. Bike was 99% complete only thing missing was side covers of course. I have bought a right side cover but will probably only to use as a pattern to make my own since left sides are impossible to find it appears. Will make it a daily rider, test it then blow it apart for paint.
Here is my last project.....been riding since 67 and building since 71. Here is my last project I finished that I'll be selling next month to fund

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this one:

[Fred Camper]

You have all the skills necessary for this project. You are spot on to ride her first before cosmetic restoration. That is the same thing I did. And since you can ride her with no panels on, you can keep on riding during some of the paint work. Think you will love her when you are done since you have the right attitude about the rebuild. Watching and enjoying your work.

[takehikes]

In the chopper/custom world that I've been a part of you have to do the build,prove it, ride it, then take it compeltely apart for paint, chrome etc. Only way to be sure everything works. Once done its a solid ride.

[dontwantapickle]

Seeing the brown/bronze/rootbeer color of the chopper brought back memories that made me smile.

Back long ago... when I first started customizing bikes, I rode around on brown metalflake bikes for a couple of years.
I didn't know what I was doing and every time I tried mixing up a custom paint color, it turned out brown.
I told everyone that I did it on purpose.

I look forward to seeing what you do with the goldwing.

[takehikes]

The color is actually tangerine metalflake and candy over black base. I wanted to be different.

[takehikes]

Put in new shelter lock (modified file cabinet lock) and started changing out some screws to Allen head bolts.

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[ritalz]

New hardware always looks nice. Easy to use too much torque and strip the threads on an old motor.