Author Topic: 76 Convert Restoration  (Read 2442 times)

Online Dave Swanson

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76 Convert Restoration
« on: August 05, 2022, 09:23:34 AM »
June of 2007 my daughter accompanied me on a drive to Michigan to pick up this 76 Convert.



 I had no idea that it would sit this long waiting, and waiting, but now the gears are slowly starting to turn. 



I have been picking up parts here and there and have quite a few stashed now.  A NOS u-joint just in case, Gilardoni set just in case, and many other parts.

The restoration took a big step in the right direction when I dropped the tins and saddlebags off for paint.  It will be a slow moving restoration as I have 3 bikes ahead of it, but thought I would start a thread.  They always help me keep track.



« Last Edit: January 28, 2024, 12:13:55 PM by Dave Swanson »
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
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Offline Vecchio Lupo

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Re: 78 Convert Restoration
« Reply #1 on: January 11, 2023, 07:22:28 PM »
How's it going??
Moto Guzzi "Going out of business since 1921"
Italian motorcycles are like Italian women,...sometimes they stab you for no reason.
RIP Harold "Dutch" Prattini ,...you taught me more than you know.

Offline Scout63

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Re: 78 Convert Restoration
« Reply #2 on: January 12, 2023, 11:36:14 PM »
I blame the Harley.
Ben Zehnder - Orleans, MA USA

Online Dave Swanson

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Re: 78 Convert Restoration
« Reply #3 on: January 28, 2023, 01:40:00 PM »
Good things come to those who wait.  My painter has moved from full time to only part time as a painter. It took almost 6 months to get the parts back but I knew that going into it.  He's the best, and reasonable.  Very worth the wait.

Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

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Re: 78 Convert Restoration
« Reply #3 on: January 28, 2023, 01:40:00 PM »

guido guzzi

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Re: 78 Convert Restoration
« Reply #4 on: January 30, 2023, 07:47:24 AM »
Nice looking paint!
Haven't heard much from you lately, Dave.
Hoping your new year is off to a good start.
John Wendt in Wisconsin

Offline Scout63

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Re: 78 Convert Restoration
« Reply #5 on: February 02, 2023, 09:28:40 PM »
Paint work looks great Dave.  Now everything is going to have to meet that standard. What is the plan for the drive train?
Ben Zehnder - Orleans, MA USA

Offline 2WheelsUp

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Re: 78 Convert Restoration
« Reply #6 on: February 06, 2023, 07:13:32 AM »
Paint work looks great Dave.  Now everything is going to have to meet that standard.
Isn't that the truth, however I suspect no disappointments from Dave, lol. On the basis of just a single restoration, my friends now expect my Norton restoration to be at that level, which is a very high bar. They have no idea of the work involved which makes it amazing just how many quality bikes the serial restorers, on this site and others I follow, produce. I'm inspired to see these beauties appear, provides a standard for what a restoration can/should be.
Bruce Swan
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Online Dave Swanson

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Re: 78 Convert Restoration
« Reply #7 on: February 16, 2023, 09:44:15 AM »
Paint work looks great Dave.  Now everything is going to have to meet that standard. What is the plan for the drive train?

It will receive the normal 100%   :grin:  It's going to take awhile because I really need to finish my 1955 Triumph T110 this year. 

« Last Edit: February 16, 2023, 09:48:09 AM by Dave Swanson »
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

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Online Dave Swanson

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Re: 78 Convert Restoration
« Reply #8 on: January 27, 2024, 01:03:53 PM »
As soon as the V85TT comes of the lift for it's basic service, the Convert will move in!  It's been a long wait, but the light can be seen at the end of the tunnel. 

Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

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Offline kballowe

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Re: 76 Convert Restoration
« Reply #9 on: January 28, 2024, 11:44:40 AM »
Those tins turned out nice !

 :thumb:

Online Dave Swanson

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Re: 76 Convert Restoration
« Reply #10 on: January 28, 2024, 02:25:29 PM »
Almost 17 years later it finally makes it on the lift!

Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

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Online inditx

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Re: 78 Convert Restoration
« Reply #11 on: January 28, 2024, 08:12:34 PM »
Good things come to those who wait.  My painter has moved from full time to only part time as a painter. It took almost 6 months to get the parts back but I knew that going into it.  He's the best, and reasonable.  Very worth the wait.



Looks like they pass the pup’s sniff test too!
inditx

This is the day.....

Online Dave Swanson

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Re: 76 Convert Restoration
« Reply #12 on: January 29, 2024, 04:21:46 PM »
It's a filthy beast!

Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

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Online Dave Swanson

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Re: 76 Convert Restoration
« Reply #13 on: January 30, 2024, 04:21:45 PM »
Wrenches were flying today.

Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

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Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: 76 Convert Restoration
« Reply #14 on: January 30, 2024, 07:12:36 PM »
No huge red puddles on the lift and floor! What's your secret?  :laugh: I always make a mess when doing anything with the atf system.  :azn:
Charlie

Online Dave Swanson

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Re: 76 Convert Restoration
« Reply #15 on: January 30, 2024, 09:32:01 PM »
No huge red puddles on the lift and floor! What's your secret?  :laugh: I always make a mess when doing anything with the atf system.  :azn:

No secret.  Most, but not all of the ATF dribbled overnight into a container.   :cheesy:
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

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Online Dave Swanson

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Re: 76 Convert Restoration
« Reply #16 on: January 31, 2024, 05:04:48 PM »
The crust!  My theory is that in this bike's short 11000 mile life it was used as an almost year round commuter in Michigan.

Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

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Online Dave Swanson

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Re: 76 Convert Restoration
« Reply #17 on: January 31, 2024, 06:22:12 PM »
For those that haven't seen the Sachs TC out, here you go.

Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

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Offline Canuck750

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Re: 76 Convert Restoration
« Reply #18 on: February 01, 2024, 10:11:31 AM »
You are unstoppable!
This will turn out to be one of the best Concerts anywhere, looking forward to watching the progress.
48 Guzzi Airone, 57 Guzzi Cardellino, 65 Benelli 200 sprite, 66 Aermacchi Sprint, 68 Gilera 106 SS, 72 Eldorado, 72 Benelli 180, 74 Guzzi 750S, 73 Laverda SF1, 74  Benelli 650S, 75 Ducati 860GT, 75 Moto Morini 3-1/2, 78 Moto Morinii 500

Online Dave Swanson

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Re: 76 Convert Restoration
« Reply #19 on: February 01, 2024, 10:54:44 AM »
You are unstoppable!
This will turn out to be one of the best Concerts anywhere, looking forward to watching the progress.

Thanks Jim.  I figured I should finally get to this one while I still have most of my marbles together.   :grin:

Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

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Online Dave Swanson

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Re: 76 Convert Restoration
« Reply #20 on: February 06, 2024, 04:45:32 PM »
This filthy motor was all good news upon teardown.  The main bearings and rod shells all look pristine, as do the camshaft and lifters.  The cylinder bores, pistons and rings look like they have next to zero wear.  The Gilardonis I bought for this project many years ago "just in case" will stay on the shelf.



A number of chrome parts were dropped off at the chrome shop about 60 miles away.  They were too far gone to polish and reuse as is for my taste.  I also left the stainless fenders with him for a good professional polishing job.  I will see these parts again in 8 to 10 weeks, but there is plenty to do in the meantime.

« Last Edit: February 06, 2024, 04:46:35 PM by Dave Swanson »
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Online Dave Swanson

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Re: 76 Convert Restoration
« Reply #21 on: February 19, 2024, 02:49:15 PM »
For those that have never seen the Convert torque converter, clutch and 2 speed transmission laid out.

Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Online Dave Swanson

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Re: 76 Convert Restoration
« Reply #22 on: February 27, 2024, 04:06:48 PM »
All back together with a complete set of new o-rings and seals.  Just need the bits that are going out for zinc plating to completely finish it. 



Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Offline kballowe

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Re: 76 Convert Restoration
« Reply #23 on: February 29, 2024, 07:51:23 AM »
Lookin' good !

 :thumb:

Online Dave Swanson

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Re: 76 Convert Restoration
« Reply #24 on: March 05, 2024, 01:38:05 PM »
For those that would like to see the difference between the early lightweight 2 pc flywheel vs the later 1 pc heavy unit, here you go.



Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Offline brider

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Re: 76 Convert Restoration
« Reply #25 on: March 06, 2024, 07:24:46 AM »
Did this bike have the heavier flywheel already installed? I had a '76 and it had the earlier sheet-metal flywheel.

Might have missed it: Do you know why it was parked? At 11k, that's kinda early but not out of the realm of a ATF-pump failure, OR a flywheel failure if it was originally a SM flywheel.

And the big question: What is/was the condition of the pump in the front cover? I have a stale multi-page thread about my ATF pump woes and what I'm doing to put it back into service, it would be nice to add your data to the database of Convert pump knowledge.

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Wish'd I'd never sold:
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Online Dave Swanson

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Re: 76 Convert Restoration
« Reply #26 on: March 06, 2024, 08:17:28 AM »
Did this bike have the heavier flywheel already installed? I had a '76 and it had the earlier sheet-metal flywheel.

Might have missed it: Do you know why it was parked? At 11k, that's kinda early but not out of the realm of a ATF-pump failure, OR a flywheel failure if it was originally a SM flywheel.

And the big question: What is/was the condition of the pump in the front cover? I have a stale multi-page thread about my ATF pump woes and what I'm doing to put it back into service, it would be nice to add your data to the database of Convert pump knowledge.

Bike had the light flywheel, but it is in perfect shape.  Not long after I bought the bike I picked up the heavy flywheel for the day I would finally get to the restoration.  Little did I know that the heavy flywheel would sit on the shelf 17 years.  With the limited miles this bike will see when I finish it I am sure the light flywheel would out last me, and probably the next owner, but the prudent thing to do is to put the heavy in there. 

The bike was ridden hard and put away salty wet for a few years in Michigan.  It did run when I bought it but I had no intention of riding it until I performed a restoration.

The original drive hex key was slightly worn.  I am replacing it with a 1/4" Allen wrench I ground for a good fit.  Should last a long time. 
« Last Edit: March 06, 2024, 09:20:33 AM by Dave Swanson »
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Online Dave Swanson

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Re: 76 Convert Restoration
« Reply #27 on: March 09, 2024, 03:48:11 PM »
Charlie advised to install new rings, which made too much sense to ignore.  He even found a set of NOS Guzzi rings on eBay for me.  Thanks for the help spending my money Charlie.   :cheesy:

I gave the iron barrels a fresh cross hatch with my ball hone, scrubbed them with the barrel brush over and over.  Gave them a light coat of oil and got this far today.

Next is taking the heads apart for inspection and hopefully just a light lap for the valve seats. 



Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: 76 Convert Restoration
« Reply #28 on: March 09, 2024, 09:10:39 PM »
Always happy to "assist" others in spending their money.  :grin: Looking super!

Charlie

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Re: 76 Convert Restoration
« Reply #29 on: March 10, 2024, 12:47:14 PM »
 :popcorn: I can't wait to see how this turns out.  :popcorn:
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