Author Topic: 1977 Le Mans running and on the road  (Read 116976 times)

canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #150 on: October 11, 2017, 09:27:59 PM »
The Laverda engine is rebuilt and back in the bike, Laverda off the lift and an open space for the Le Mans.

1st thing, reattach the VIN tag



Tap in a new set of tapered steering bearings





Drop a greased bearing over the stem, bas washer and rubber in place.



The bearing seated tight against the base washer



Push the lower clamp and stem through the frame, place the upper bearing and cap and nut



I think this washer belongs here but I can't recall for certain, seems to belong though



Drop the top clamp on, center nut and steering damper



New rubber tank dampers



And tank mount bushings



Not much so far but the 'big' pieces are done and ready to drop into place




Offline balvenie

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #151 on: October 11, 2017, 10:48:49 PM »
You make it look easy, Jim :wink: :grin: :thumb:
Oz
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Offline Huzo

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #152 on: October 12, 2017, 02:57:04 AM »
The satin finish on the frame looks great. Better than the gloss treatment some do.
What us the actual colour ?

Offline TRw1

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #153 on: October 12, 2017, 05:35:18 AM »
Very nice!  I was wondering when you would get back to the Le Mans.  Good to see it coming together and looking forward to the updates.

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #153 on: October 12, 2017, 05:35:18 AM »

Offline Groover

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #154 on: October 12, 2017, 07:51:31 AM »
Just checked the T3 manual (same triple nut system) and you have the washer in the correct place. All looks great!

Edit: Also confirmed using the LM1 manual. Which brings me to this question... what does that knob on top of the upper lock nut do? Manual says "Shock absorber Rod" - don't quite understand how that works,
« Last Edit: October 12, 2017, 07:57:24 AM by Groover »
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canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #155 on: October 12, 2017, 12:19:19 PM »
Just checked the T3 manual (same triple nut system) and you have the washer in the correct place. All looks great!

Edit: Also confirmed using the LM1 manual. Which brings me to this question... what does that knob on top of the upper lock nut do? Manual says "Shock absorber Rod" - don't quite understand how that works,

Thanks for confirming the washer, my parts manual was left at my office last night.

The LMI has the same steering damper as the V7 Sport / 750S / 750S3. The knob rotates a steel plate 45 degrees (+/-) that lengthens the arm of the hydraulic steering damper connected to the lower triple and the frame. Period test reports of the V7 Sport often reported the steering friction damper was not working, ... because its not a friction damper and the knob is not turned to increase friction!
« Last Edit: October 12, 2017, 12:21:12 PM by canuck750 »

canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #156 on: October 12, 2017, 12:20:15 PM »
The satin finish on the frame looks great. Better than the gloss treatment some do.
What us the actual colour ?

The finish is matte black powder with a clear matt powder over top. Its as close as I could get in a powder coat to match the near flat black of the original.

Offline Groover

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #157 on: October 12, 2017, 02:04:29 PM »
Thanks for explain that part! I see that link now in the parts manual.
1981 Moto Guzzi V1000G5
1987 Moto Guzzi LM1000SE, a
1987 Moto Guzzi LM1000SE, b
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canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #158 on: October 12, 2017, 10:15:05 PM »
The engine and transmission were finished months ago, I bought this handy hydraulic dirt bike lift (300 lbs. capacity) to transfer heavy things like an engine from a bench up to the bike



Frame rails and hardware





Captive nuts on the frame tabs for the transmission plate





Center stand parts



And it all goes into place





Foot rest guards



Foot rest bits



And one box is emptied and back on the frame






Offline Rick4003

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #159 on: October 12, 2017, 10:32:56 PM »
Looks really good Jim.
I'm really enjoying this thread. Nice work as always :grin:

-Ulrik

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Offline balvenie

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #160 on: October 12, 2017, 10:41:00 PM »
What fun :grin: :thumb:
Oz
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Offline Huzo

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #161 on: October 12, 2017, 11:55:56 PM »
The finish is matte black powder with a clear matt powder over top. Its as close as I could get in a powder coat to match the near flat black of the original.
[/quoteThank you.

Offline Psychopasta

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #162 on: October 13, 2017, 08:53:44 AM »
It does feel good when things start going back on, doesn't it?  :thumb:

- M
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canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #163 on: October 13, 2017, 09:38:31 AM »
It does feel good when things start going back on, doesn't it?  :thumb:

- M

Reassembly is definitely the best part of a rebuild, the cleaning , stripping, repairing is just the drudgery before the 'clean' work.

Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #164 on: October 13, 2017, 10:36:05 AM »
Looking good! Three things: the "captive nuts": 1) interesting application, but I've never felt the need for anything other than the original hex nuts. 2) I think you'll find that the nylock nuts on the right side, holding the footrests/lower frame rails to the main frame, will interfere with the swingarm. There's not much clearance there, that's why Guzzi originally used a half-height nut. Don't want to gouge the freshly powdercoated swingarm... 3) How far recessed into the transmission rear cover is the throw-out bearing outer body? Looks like a few mm? In my experience, if it's recessed that far, the clutch may not release completely/drag. Have you checked to see if the clutch works properly? Easy to do by hooking up the cable and lever. 
Charlie

canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #165 on: October 13, 2017, 06:52:03 PM »
Looking good! Three things: the "captive nuts": 1) interesting application, but I've never felt the need for anything other than the original hex nuts. 2) I think you'll find that the nylock nuts on the right side, holding the footrests/lower frame rails to the main frame, will interfere with the swingarm. There's not much clearance there, that's why Guzzi originally used a half-height nut. Don't want to gouge the freshly powder coated swingarm... 3) How far recessed into the transmission rear cover is the throw-out bearing outer body? Looks like a few mm? In my experience, if it's recessed that far, the clutch may not release completely/drag. Have you checked to see if the clutch works properly? Easy to do by hooking up the cable and lever.

I find it hard to get my fat fingers under the side frame tabs to hold a nut in place, not stock but easier to assemble.

I have a big stock of the fat nylocks and stainless bolts, yes they are definitely too long to wiggle the swing arm into place, on my previous builds I have to back off the nuts to get the swing arm in place and then retighten it all. I should bite the bullet and get some proper length bolts and thin nuts to make life easier :thewife:

Good advice on the clutch, I will assemble the front end next with handlebars and levers and check the clutch operation.

Cheers

Jim

canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #166 on: October 13, 2017, 10:15:58 PM »
Back to opening up the forks and moving the snap ring to beneath the lower cap



replated and powder coated bits



forks, headlight brackets, instrument tabs and handlebars all clamp together







I think the LMI had the calipers mounted to the front but this is how I am going to assemble them because that's the way they were when I got the bike



I found some shallow nuts for the lower frame rail bolts, may solve the fitting the swing arm issue,



close up of the clutch rod end, does it look correct Charlie?


Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #167 on: October 14, 2017, 11:28:17 AM »
A little recessed, but not too much. I would definitely recommend making sure the clutch releases completely before continuing assembly though.
Charlie

canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #168 on: October 14, 2017, 12:21:24 PM »
Thanks Charlie!

I wil fit the clutch lever and cable and test the operation

I now realize I need to swap the fork lowers as I have a stock set of new brake hoses and a new fender with the hose guide holes drilled for calipers facing forward, some things are just meant to be as Mandelo planned


Offline Groover

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #169 on: October 14, 2017, 06:24:06 PM »
I now realize I need to swap the fork lowers as I have a stock set of new brake hoses and a new fender with the hose guide holes drilled for calipers facing forward, some things are just meant to be as Mandelo planned

Good, because that was bothering me, but I wasn’t going to say anything  :azn:
« Last Edit: October 14, 2017, 06:26:26 PM by Groover »
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canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #170 on: October 14, 2017, 08:09:51 PM »
I followed your advice Charlie and fitted the clutch lever, cable and shift pedal





Shifts up and down smoothly, hoorah!



Fitted the brake pedal while I was at it





Steering damper installed





Been struggling with the $#!!%$ swing arm, I hate installing swing arms, need to leave it for a day, just can't get the damn U joint to mesh with the outputs shaft, if slides on freely on its own but just keeps fighting me as a complete assembly, I always struggle with these :thewife:



all the splines are grease, it 'should' slide on





Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #171 on: October 14, 2017, 08:53:51 PM »
 :thumb:
Charlie

Offline swooshdave

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #172 on: October 15, 2017, 12:15:03 AM »
Good, because that was bothering me, but I wasn’t going to say anything  :azn:

I was going to say something.


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Offline thomas

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #173 on: October 15, 2017, 07:52:54 AM »
HI
WRT the swingarm and the UJ, I find it helps to fit the rear axle into the one arm of the s-w and to pinch it with the pinch bolt. You can then rest the axle on your fore arm (sitting on your arse behind the bike) and use that hand to help fit the s-a into position.
Also I have shaped a long flat plate to just fit into the splined connector at the rear end of the drive shaft. This can then be used to rotate the U-J and coerce the U-J splines to engage with the gearbox output shaft.

And regarding the captive nuts: I actually tack-weld captive nuts in place before sending the frame for paintwork.

cheers
Thomas
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canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #174 on: October 15, 2017, 10:10:29 AM »
HI
WRT the swingarm and the UJ, I find it helps to fit the rear axle into the one arm of the s-w and to pinch it with the pinch bolt. You can then rest the axle on your fore arm (sitting on your arse behind the bike) and use that hand to help fit the s-a into position.
Also I have shaped a long flat plate to just fit into the splined connector at the rear end of the drive shaft. This can then be used to rotate the U-J and coerce the U-J splines to engage with the gearbox output shaft.

And regarding the captive nuts: I actually tack-weld captive nuts in place before sending the frame for paintwork.

cheers
Thomas

Great tip!  Thanks I will give that a try.

Cheers

Jim

canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #175 on: October 15, 2017, 06:16:46 PM »
I got the swing arm in this afternoon, good tip using the axle as a brace to support the weight.

I swapped out the old swing arm pins for these new ones with a hex head, much easier to adjust than the slot head stock ones



And replaced the rusted swing arm pivot caps with reproduction units and new rubber insert caps



Several years ago I found a NOS pair of Le Mans MKI shock absorbers on German Bay thinking one day I may find a Le Mans to rebuild,



washers and fasteners, the inner one is essential to keep the shock from rubbing against the frame or bevel drive







Left shock upper mount secure the top of the lift handle



Which is secured through the rear brake line splitter



Temporarily fitted the front calipers



And some of the miscellaneous brackets, this one for the harness cable connectors



Relay and the brake line carrier



Starter relay and side cover pin





« Last Edit: October 15, 2017, 07:50:43 PM by canuck750 »

Offline Huzo

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #176 on: October 15, 2017, 10:09:26 PM »
Your work is uncompromising and an inspiration to anyone doing the same.
I have a Mk2 about to start and can only hope to do half as well. No excuses for me though, mine's just like yours was condition wise.
May I ask, what is the distance "eye to eye" of the shocks you fitted ?

Offline balvenie

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #177 on: October 15, 2017, 10:50:26 PM »
Like the matt finished frame  :thumb:
Oz
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canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #178 on: October 16, 2017, 09:33:21 AM »
May I ask, what is the distance "eye to eye" of the shocks you fitted ?

The shocks are 12 5/8" center to center

Cheers

Jim

Offline Huzo

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild getting started
« Reply #179 on: October 16, 2017, 10:10:29 PM »
The shocks are 12 5/8" center to center

Cheers

Jim
Thank you Jim.

 

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