80 Convert refresh

[ahoward125]

Hi all,
I am in the process of refreshing an 80 Convert to replace the 80 Convert I sold after having elbow surgery (10?) years ago.
I've got a question regarding brakes. I will need brake hoses, and am thinking of converting to Brembo 4 piston up front. Has anyone done this and might they point me in the right direction.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Never felt the need for 4 piston calipers myself. Unless you're de-linking the brakes, the front/rear balance may be upset.

I replaced my original rubber hoses with these:
https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=110_114&products_id=1849

[ahoward125]

I am not loving Google's AI search function because I have had a bear of a time finding the right sites to get parts. The front caliper has a seized puck (or the line is so dead pressure isn't getting through) and I spent a good bit of time trying to find parts. The hoses are out of stock, but I can order and wait for them.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I am not loving Google's AI search function because I have had a bear of a time finding the right sites to get parts. The front caliper has a seized puck (or the line is so dead pressure isn't getting through) and I spent a good bit of time trying to find parts. The hoses are out of stock, but I can order and wait for them.

Parts suppliers I use:
https://www.mgcycle.com
https://www.crustycycle.com/
https://www.stein-dinse.com/en/
https://harpermoto.com/

Calipers:
https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=110_350&products_id=1034
https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=110_350&products_id=834

[ahoward125]

Since this is the place to ask questions....
1. What ATF are people using these days? I remember there were types to avoid, but my memory is offline at the moment.
2. I was planning on putting Shinko Tires on the bike and going tubeless. Has anyone here used them, thoughts? I put a set on my Sportster and they seem fine.
I am planning on using this bike for more than just day trips. My hope is to take it on the "mutton run" with Bill Hagen next spring.
Charlie has giving me a ton of advice already, I've put LEDs in the tail lights and my LED headlight and the little bulbs in the dash are on order. I may go EnDuraLast as well as a full sized battery. I am taking off the Halogen foglights mounted to the turn signal stalks (they wobble over bumps) and mount LED running/fog lights on the crashbars at some point. 
3. Front Forks. I was thinking about uprating the fork springs and if I go in, putting in slightly heavier springs (I write this because I hope that those of you who have already gone down this road can put in your $.02.) I had a pipe dream of grafting a front end off a 90's EV on the bike for heavier/better suspension.

thanks for your expertice
AJ

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Since this is the place to ask questions....
1. What ATF are people using these days? I remember there were types to avoid, but my memory is offline at the moment.
2. I was planning on putting Shinko Tires on the bike and going tubeless. Has anyone here used them, thoughts? I put a set on my Sportster and they seem fine.
I am planning on using this bike for more than just day trips. My hope is to take it on the "mutton run" with Bill Hagen next spring.
Charlie has giving me a ton of advice already, I've put LEDs in the tail lights and my LED headlight and the little bulbs in the dash are on order. I may go EnDuraLast as well as a full sized battery. I am taking off the Halogen foglights mounted to the turn signal stalks (they wobble over bumps) and mount LED running/fog lights on the crashbars at some point. 
3. Front Forks. I was thinking about uprating the fork springs and if I go in, putting in slightly heavier springs (I write this because I hope that those of you who have already gone down this road can put in your $.02.) I had a pipe dream of grafting a front end off a 90's EV on the bike for heavier/better suspension.

thanks for your expertice
AJ

Actually... This isn't the place to ask questions, this section is for (as the title suggests) builds, rebuilds and restorations. Showing what you've done, like Dave Swanson's thread. Questions are actually supposed to be in General Discussion.

But anyway...

1. I had been using regular old Dex/Merc ATF, but for the last two years have been using Red Line Synthetic D4 ATF Dexron III. I'd hoped to pick up an mpg or two, but that didn't happen. It does seem to "hook up" better in hot temps though. *However* My transmission was completely rebuilt with all new seals and o-rings in '17. Synthetic ATF may not be a good idea for old/original seals, leakage may result.

2. I've been running Shinko 230 Tour Masters for quite some time, probably 8 years or more. In my opinion, they are the "best bang for the buck" in tires of that size on the market. Excellent traction wet or dry. Front usually last 10k miles+, rear around 8k miles or so. Usually require little or no weight to balance. All three Guzzis in my little group that rode out to the Oregon coast and back (6600 miles) this June/July wore 230 Tour Masters. I prefer a 100/90 front (vs. 110/90) for a slightly lighter steering feel, 120/90 rear.

The rear wheel on my Convert is from a Cal II and is running tubeless - the wheel was already converted to tubeless when I got it from Mike Tiberio. As soon as I find a matching front wheel, I'll run it tubeless as well. 

3. When I "refurbished" my '76 Convert back in '16, I reused the original fork springs and refilled the original dampers. The fork action is very supple without being too soft. Better by far than the forks on my Cal III which had FAC dampers. For me (all 155 lbs. in full gear) it's perfect. For someone heavier and more "enthusiastic" in riding style, then FAC dampers and Wirth springs might not be such a bad idea. The FAC dampers do take a while to break in though. 

[ahoward125]

Ok, I'll keep this for updates on the progress and move questions to the general section...

[ahoward125]

Ok, so here is something I think I got right... The gas tank on the bike had been lined. I managed to pull the majority of the liner out (much to my, and Bill Hagen's surprise) and after faffing around with it I used Evaporust on the tank. Fingers crossed but it looks good.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Nasty! Glad you got it out.