1976 GL1000, Red, resto-mod, Keller TX
Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2017 1:27 am
After a few weeks of saving for parts and diving deep into these NGW forums, I've got a good start on a long awaited project. At the end of 2016, I had finally done it!! The timing, condition, and deal was just right, and I finally secured what I felt was the sweet spot for remaining life (condition) vs. price - I landed a red '76 GL1000 with 32k miles. I had been dreaming of a 75-77 Wing for many years and there was always something more pressing or critical to fund. Well, I feel blessed, and I'm ready to go!! So, now what??...
Here's the list of TO DO projects on her:
1. Carb rebuild (I purchased the Randakk master kit and DVD)
2. Clean and restore the fuel tank (about to try de-rusting with Sodium Carbonate)
3. Brakes (I must replace the rubber hoses and brake pads)
4. PO changed the handlebars and grips. Left (directional and horn) controls need finishing. Low bars changes a bunch of cable and hose routing.
5. Tach cable needs to be lubbed or replaced.
6. Seat needs re-skinned or replaced (toying with the idea of a more modern or solo seat) SUGGESTIONS WELCOMED
7. Lots of crome and aluminum needs to be re-touched up and polished. (Thinking about polishing the final drive housing too)
8. PO or an owner at some point had some battery issues: rear swing arm, battery tray and frame on left side need black paint touch up.
9. Something is up with the horn, and directionals not working. Not fun - gotta trace some things but figured I would at least replace the flasher relay first.
10. PO says timing belts had been changed 6 months ago. I might just do the belts, water pump and hoses while also flushing and replacing the antifreeze.
Besides those things, once I get her on the road, I just want to drive her and take one day at a time. Just clean and restore as I go. Mods might stop at the handlebars (has bad end mirrors) and solo seat. I really think I will stick with the mechanical points for now, though I want to do the Off-Idle fix that Randakk suggests for the carbs (can anyone please help me source the #105 idle air jet? Or at least a #62 that I can drill out - I'm not crazy about the fill your old ones with solder and drill it. Maybe it's just me and I want a set of 4 "original" to have on hand of the solder/drill deal fails).
So far I've done a bit of mechanical prep for the carb rebuild. #3 carb has a stuck float valve so I went ahead and ordered the rebuild kit. Carbs are off the bike and on the bench, yay! I reset the timing and adjusted the points, and verified the static timing is in spec. I adjusted the valves, and gained a few PSI on a second compression check. While the carbs are out, I removed the rear tire and fender works, took off the final drive and pulled the fuel tank for a bit or electrolysis to get the tank super clean (the carbs will be happiest and thank me).
I accomplished a ton today and I really hadn't thought I would be THAT GUY who takes things down so far!! The bike looks like a skeleton with the back end being so bare, and the middle hollow with no tank or carbs. Basically, I have a shelter full of electrical goods, and an intact front end. And now I know why I see the naked wings so much more naked...
Thanks for all of your wisdom and sharing. This forum is amazingly helpful and is the very ready why not I've had the courage to strip her down this far. Wish me luck, and prayers are welcomed!!
-Andy
Here's the list of TO DO projects on her:
1. Carb rebuild (I purchased the Randakk master kit and DVD)
2. Clean and restore the fuel tank (about to try de-rusting with Sodium Carbonate)
3. Brakes (I must replace the rubber hoses and brake pads)
4. PO changed the handlebars and grips. Left (directional and horn) controls need finishing. Low bars changes a bunch of cable and hose routing.
5. Tach cable needs to be lubbed or replaced.
6. Seat needs re-skinned or replaced (toying with the idea of a more modern or solo seat) SUGGESTIONS WELCOMED
7. Lots of crome and aluminum needs to be re-touched up and polished. (Thinking about polishing the final drive housing too)
8. PO or an owner at some point had some battery issues: rear swing arm, battery tray and frame on left side need black paint touch up.
9. Something is up with the horn, and directionals not working. Not fun - gotta trace some things but figured I would at least replace the flasher relay first.
10. PO says timing belts had been changed 6 months ago. I might just do the belts, water pump and hoses while also flushing and replacing the antifreeze.
Besides those things, once I get her on the road, I just want to drive her and take one day at a time. Just clean and restore as I go. Mods might stop at the handlebars (has bad end mirrors) and solo seat. I really think I will stick with the mechanical points for now, though I want to do the Off-Idle fix that Randakk suggests for the carbs (can anyone please help me source the #105 idle air jet? Or at least a #62 that I can drill out - I'm not crazy about the fill your old ones with solder and drill it. Maybe it's just me and I want a set of 4 "original" to have on hand of the solder/drill deal fails).
So far I've done a bit of mechanical prep for the carb rebuild. #3 carb has a stuck float valve so I went ahead and ordered the rebuild kit. Carbs are off the bike and on the bench, yay! I reset the timing and adjusted the points, and verified the static timing is in spec. I adjusted the valves, and gained a few PSI on a second compression check. While the carbs are out, I removed the rear tire and fender works, took off the final drive and pulled the fuel tank for a bit or electrolysis to get the tank super clean (the carbs will be happiest and thank me).
I accomplished a ton today and I really hadn't thought I would be THAT GUY who takes things down so far!! The bike looks like a skeleton with the back end being so bare, and the middle hollow with no tank or carbs. Basically, I have a shelter full of electrical goods, and an intact front end. And now I know why I see the naked wings so much more naked...
Thanks for all of your wisdom and sharing. This forum is amazingly helpful and is the very ready why not I've had the courage to strip her down this far. Wish me luck, and prayers are welcomed!!
-Andy