Buffet Racer: Propav8r's '78 GL1000

[MegaDan]

looks like once you get the frame back you can start putting the big bits back together and start turning it back into a bike again.

[BikeMaine]

I like that O-ring!

[propav8r]

Cleaned up more crap in the past few days...my new wingovations swingarm bearing kit arrived the other day, as did my replacement petcock and fork gaiters.

I discovered a lot of rust in my gas tank, so that's currently undergoing an apple cider vinegar soak.



I'm replacing front and rear wheel bearings too. I need to get the tires dismounted so I can clean and paint the wheels. I'm debating on rebuilding the forks while I've got everything apart. There aren't any obvious leaks or issues and I'm inclined to leave well enough alone.

[warhead_71]

I did apple cider as well -- mine started off looking just like yours, and came out pretty decent after a couple treatments and some pea-gravel tumbling:
http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery3/index.p ... 518_204058

"The Works" toilet cleaner is much faster... and you can get it at the dollar store.

[BikeMaine]

I cleaned a rusty gas tank using steel shotgun shot. Then I took a vibrating palm sander and I duct-taped it to the bottom of the tank. I hung the tank from a nylon strap and turned the sander on. I let it vibrate the tank for about a half hour, the inside of the tank looked brand new when done.

[propav8r]

Yeah, I put some nuts and bolts in there and shook it up for awhile too. I thought about muratic acid since I have some in the shop, and if the vinegar doesn't work, I'll go that route. I don't have anything else to do for a few days anyway. Still don't have the frame back.

[Easter]

muriatic acid works quickly, even diluted, but the vapors can cause other things to rust (tell me how I know! so do it outside) and attacks aluminum, so be sure not to leave the petcock on. Also use something to neutralize the tank after washing with clear water or the flash rust will undo all your good work. I know this from experience as well.

[propav8r]

The vinegar bath worked like a champ. After 24 hours, the rust was loose and powdery, so I threw in a handful of nuts and bolts and shook the tank with about a gallon of vinegar in it. Lots of clean water flushing, then a shop blower to dry out the inside. Looks great!

[BikeMaine]

The vinegar bath worked like a champ. After 24 hours, the rust was loose and powdery, so I threw in a handful of nuts and bolts and shook the tank with about a gallon of vinegar in it. Lots of clean water flushing, then a shop blower to dry out the inside. Looks great!

That came out great man!

[propav8r]

That came out great man!

Thanks! I'm pleased. I poured a little pre-mix from the weedwhacker in there and swished it around. Hopefully that film will stave off any rust issues before I get a chance to put it back in the bike. Guess I'll clean up and paint the outside this evening.

Wheel bearings should arrive sometime this week, along with my new bearing retainer rings. I haven't looked at the rear yet, but the front was destroyed.



I got the radiator cleaned up and repainted last night too. Took the fan motor all apart to check out the brushes, applied a little grease to the bushings, and put it back together. Also dumped that stupid spade connector in favor of a weatherpack.

[BikeMaine]

Seeing that retainer ring made me chuckle and think of Hank Junior's song, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT. Because I do believe you adjusted its attitude....LOL!

https://www.google.com/search?q=kank+wi ... e&ie=UTF-8

[propav8r]

Seeing that retainer ring made me chuckle and think of Hank Junior's song, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT. Because I do believe you adjusted its attitude....LOL!

https://www.google.com/search?q=kank+wi ... e&ie=UTF-8

Believe it or not, it looked (well, mostly, anyhow) like that before I started. Luckily, replacement rings are fairly cheap. I also ordered an adjustable pin spanner for reinstallation. I KNOW I have one somewhere, but I searched everywhere for it the other night. Couldn't find it. Oh well, only $6 on ebay.

[Sugs]

My tank came out looking very similiar, with that yellow residue, but I used citric acid. Anyone know what the yellow residue is? I've been debating about using something else to get it off, or maybe its nothing to worry about?

[propav8r]

Finally managed to get ahold of the powdercoater today. He promised I'd have the frame back on Wednesday.

It was still sitting in the floor of the shop exactly where I dropped it off three weeks ago when I showed up.

[propav8r]

So I'm never using that powdercoater again. But I did get the frame and some other parts back.












I asked him to mask off the lines on the valve and timing covers. He did an incredibly sloppy job. I cleaned them up a little bit, but still, it's frustrating. I should've inspected the parts when I picked them up instead of assuming he had done it right.

The frame looks nice though.



The little details of a project really make it worthwhile for me.



These bushings had to come out for powdercoating. There's one on the swingarm and one on the final drive. They were both in very poor shape anyway. Replacements are NLA from Honda, and they're $20-$30 each when you can find them online. There has to be a better way...



There is! I used four 22x10mm bearings that should work perfectly. Use two bearings per side with a nylon spacer in between so the bearings sit flush with the sides of the bushing holders. Total cost: $8.



I'll be on the road this week for work, but hopefully I can get the motor in the frame this weekend.