Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: ctdrac on January 25, 2022, 07:01:55 PM
-
Hello all,
Short version of a long story, my dad is giving me a 1977 convert he is no longer able to drive anything due to going nearly blind. This is a "basket case" bike and I know I will be spending more to get it back on the road than its probably worth but I would like to do it for my dad even though he will not be able to drive it, I think the thought that it was back on the road would really make him happy.
I do have a couple of questions, can you swap this bike to a manual transmission? and best place to buy parts? Thank you in advance and once I get it home will post pics.
Modify message
-
Also Harpers Moto Guzzi. There are always convert parts on E-bay. Please post pics. There are a lot of sharp eyes on this forum.
A great resource...https://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi.html (https://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi.html) Greg has one of the prettiest connies I've ever seen.
-
You can change to a 5 speed but it's pretty involved, you would need a flywheel, clutch and the whole drive train from the tranny back.
There is a Google group just for Convert perverts here,
Convert@motoguzzi.groups.io
-
I have a 76, there is no way I would change it to manual, its such a unique experience riding one.
I now know why they are called the Magic Carpet Ride.
Is your existing drive shot?
-
Welcome and good luck ctdrac. Guzziology by Dave Richardson is a great resource. His advice IIRC is that conversion can be done but involves sourcing and swapping many parts. Converts are great bikes to own and ride (I’ve been told) and you can get an older manual big block for fairly short money. Any specific questions can most likely be answered here. Please post pictures.
-
It's doable.
I changed a few over the years and as the previously indicated you will need.
The needed parts are referenced are from a T-3
front cover, for the front of the engine as you have to disconnect the camshaft drive pin to the pump in the original front cover)
Flywheel (use a flywheel from a T3 (the timing marks will match up same as the Convert) as the heavier type Eldo is heavier and may not balance to the Convert engine, but it has been done)
Two new clutch plates
intermediate plate
New central hub for the input shaft on the front of the transmission
Transmission
driveshaft boot
U-joint to match the output shaft of the 5 speed
You can reuse the swingarm but replace the universal (the Convert driveshaft is different, and the splines won't match up to
Driveshaft) and the bearing for the universal
new coupler for driveshaft to pinion input to the rear diff
complete rear diff (a T3 will have the correct gears 7x33)
Alot of patience
When your finished you will basically have a G-5 clone as the engines are the same
Keep us informed as there are plenty who have info that may be helpful
This is my convert below
TOMB
(https://i.ibb.co/C6pTFjN/TOMS-CONVERT.jpg) (https://ibb.co/C6pTFjN)
-
It’s a Pervert !!!
Congratulations that’ll be awesome for your Dad. It may not take much to get it running
Any ideas on why it’s not?
With a Fresh battery or jumper cables does it turn over? Don’t let it start..bit of oil in the cylinders first …all the lights come on?
Pop the bottoms off the carbs? Monkey snot gunk? Stop here..
Jets clean? Proceed w caution
Fresh plugs…spark?
Any wild goose members nearby to spur you on? You can see from Tomb’s post above just how much most here would like to help.
Any issues are likely to be general motorcycle related rather than Moto Guzzi or Convert issues..is there a bmw/Italian shop in the region? Maybe a solo mechanic…Location? Facebook groups? Lots of different ones popping up
I’d suggest if it’s not broke don’t fix it. Your dad might happy just to hear it idle in the driveway…with the rear wheel spinning around of course! Converts…amazing carpet ride
Rereading your post….truly a basket case? Parts strewn about and disassembled? That could be tough
-
What a great tribute to your dad and you're right he'll be thrilled when you get it running again.
I have a 76 convert and did a refresh on it 2 years ago.
While you can convert it to a manual, I would recommend against it you'll lose the uniqueness.
When I did my refresh Mg Cycle and Harper's were a great resource but I also bought parts from Moto Guzzi classics out in California.
Also a good idea to look at Greg Bender's website this old tractor. I redid the wiring harness and Greg supplied plug and Play complete replacements.
There are several members here that are extremely experienced with the convert, but here are a few ideas from a relative newbie that got mine up and running. Well technically it was already running and needed very little but I did do a complete refresh.
Shoot me a PM with your phone number and we can talk if you want.
In fact I'm taking my convert restore to the next level just took the tank side covers and bags off and I'm having them painted pearl white with black and gray pinstriping.
-
On the plus side you could sell the Convert parts but as you can see leaving it alone would be better. The Convert is a fun ride. Think of it as a big scooter. :boozing:
-
Flywheel
Clutch (disks, plates, throwout bits, cabling, lever, Rt side lower rail for clutch mount[if the Convert one doesn't have the lug])
5-speed gearbox/linkage/lt side lower rail if the linkage doesn't mount, shifter,
Complete 5-speed drive shaft assembly inc. shaft, cardan joint, and carrier bearing
rear drive unit.
The timing cover swap is optional. You could simply remove the ATF pump drivepiece and run with the Convert cover.
The complete driveshaft replacement is not optional. The Convert setup has 20 splines at the transmission output and 20 splines on the rear drive end. It is a one-piece shaft. The cardan joint is not removable as it is on the 5-speeds. A 5-speed shaft is 2-piece -- the cardan joint and the tail shaft. They are 10-spline everywhere and do not interchange with Convert bits.
The Convert rear drive is a different ratio than any 5-speed had, and as said earlier, has a 20-spline pinion.
The floorboard issue may or may not be real -- I don't remember. If your 5-speed clutch cable can route like a Convert does you're golden on the rt side. The linkage issue will probably be a bugger on the lt side.
I'd estimate the cost of the parts ~ $2k.
Pictures will help us know what you're up against to bring it back to stock.
The clutch cable attaches to the transmission rear cover on both. Footboard shifter and linkages are the same.
Finding a good 7/33 rear drive could prove to be the hardest part.
Another vote for leaving it a Convert.
-
I had the pleasure of riding Chuck Peterson's convert. FAC dampers, Bubs, and Windjammer fairing.
Really nice bike, perfect for riding around, getting lost in rural areas.
I'd rethink changing to a 5 speed.
-
Verts are cool...
(https://www.thisoldtractor.com/mg_images/mg_convert_1980_83_mid.jpg)
https://www.thisoldtractor.com/projects_i-convert.html (https://www.thisoldtractor.com/projects_i-convert.html)
-
Hello all. All I can say is WOW!!! Never thought I would get so much info (help) on this. You guys are great! Also didn't think it would be so difficult to switch transmissions. Going to take the advice and leave as is on the transmission and just get her back rolling. It will be a few weeks or longer before I can get her home (my dad lives a long way from me) and the weather has been a little cold but will post pics when I do. Thank you again!
-
Some inspiration.
At 10 ft to 15 ft bike and paint look great but there's lots of scratches and imperfections from age. So I have all the body parts off and I'm getting painted pearl white with black and gray pinstripe.
(https://i.ibb.co/L5gg3jq/IMG-20200513-144255774.jpg) (https://ibb.co/L5gg3jq)
-
Just a little update, if the weather cooperates will be bring her home in a few weeks! Pictures will follow I promise.
-
A question about the Vert clutch.
I believe you aren't supposed to change ratios on the move, so when do you use the clutch?
The only time I use mine is when I forget, other than that I can go all day without using it, my 76 starts and runs without using it and If I want to try the other ratio I do it while stopped without pulling the clutch, there's no significant clunk.
-
A question about the Vert clutch.
I believe you aren't supposed to change ratios on the move, so when do you use the clutch?
The only time I use mine is when I forget, other than that I can go all day without using it, my 76 starts and runs without using it and If I want to try the other ratio I do it while stopped without pulling the clutch, there's no significant clunk.
I use mine when starting "cold" and when changing between ranges (at a stop). Once the 'Vert is warmed up, I forget the clutch and just start the engine and go.
-
A question about the Vert clutch.
I believe you aren't supposed to change ratios on the move, so when do you use the clutch?
The only time I use mine is when I forget, other than that I can go all day without using it, my 76 starts and runs without using it and If I want to try the other ratio I do it while stopped without pulling the clutch, there's no significant clunk.
backing up
-
I have this same project waiting for me, so I'll be interested on your progress!
-
backing up
even then backing up is a little tough with engine running...at least with mine.
-
No real advantage to starting up the bike. Pulling in the clutch lever and walking the bike backwards. Easier to pull into your parking so that you can ride out of it. :thumb:
-
even then backing up is a little tough with engine running...at least with mine.
On the other hand I find mine very easy to push around when the engines not running, easier than the V7III I think
-
The only time I ever used low range was on grass at rallies.
-
The moderator needs to shut this thread down before I go buy a convert project. I already have an SP, G5 and CX 1000 so it’s just a baby step away.
-
A friend has convert that might sell. He got it in a package deal. He is also contemplating a conversion to a five speed. He has all the parts to do it. I have yet to ride it but I will in the near future.
kk
-
A question about the Vert clutch.
I believe you aren't supposed to change ratios on the move, so when do you use the clutch?
The only time I use mine is when I forget, other than that I can go all day without using it, my 76 starts and runs without using it and If I want to try the other ratio I do it while stopped without pulling the clutch, there's no significant clunk.
I only use it to start, warm up and to change from high to low range or visa versa.
-
The moderator needs to shut this thread down before I go buy a convert project. I already have an SP, G5 and CX 1000 so it’s just a baby step away.
trade your G5 to Moparnuts friend and it's a win win.
A friend has convert that might sell. He got it in a package deal. He is also contemplating a conversion to a five speed. He has all the parts to do it. I have yet to ride it but I will in the near future.
kk
your only 3,037 miles apart. :wink: you could meet at Omaha
(https://i.ibb.co/n07P8t2/00677-A59-17-F9-482-E-95-BD-2442-D5448-A6-B.png) (https://ibb.co/n07P8t2)
-
I don’t want one badly enough to give up the G5. Now the SP is another story. I don’t have my left, um, thumb and part of my soul in the SP.
-
You're too tall for the compact seating of the SP anyway. :boozing:
-
She is home :grin:
(https://i.ibb.co/KxWcLLN/BF53-DE61-9036-45-B5-B983-939-E34999063.jpg) (https://ibb.co/KxWcLLN)
(https://i.ibb.co/SJRhVGx/CC320-D84-9425-48-ED-91-D8-C1-E4-D93-B9-D06.jpg) (https://ibb.co/SJRhVGx)
(https://i.ibb.co/X8xhfWg/F1526-E0-C-6854-4-B1-F-BE3-D-AC0-CF38-CED0-C.jpg) (https://ibb.co/X8xhfWg)
(https://i.ibb.co/FhtyJBw/E90-E7320-83-F0-4868-9-BCC-7-D8-E36-A3242-E.jpg) (https://ibb.co/FhtyJBw)
how to know screen size (https://whatsmyscreenresolution.com/)
-
It looks a bit scruffy at the moment but I'm sure it will scrub up ok.
It shares many parts with other Guzzi's of the era.
-
She is in really bad shape just from what I am seeing
It will be a few weeks before I start tearing it down. Everything
WILL be taken off and the frame checked for any cracks repaired and painted
BTW it does have the front fairing hard motor guzzi bags and trunk
-
The moderator needs to shut this thread down before I go buy a convert project. I already have an SP, G5 and CX 1000 so it’s just a baby step away.
So does that mean when I start the rebuild DO NOT post pics ???? I would hate to see you to become a convert owner. Lol joke. By the way mine will be painted a pearl white with a cream/blue metallic frame but that’s going to be a while down the road you got plenty of time to get control of yourself. Personally I see a convert in your future
-
So does that mean when I start the rebuild DO NOT post pics ???? I would hate to see you to become a convert owner. Lol joke. By the way mine will be painted a pearl white with a cream/blue metallic frame but that’s going to be a while down the road you got plenty of time to get control of yourself. Personally I see a convert in your future
I've got my parts in for paint and am going Pearl White with a black and grey pinstripe, but keeping the frame black, chrome front and rear fenders and crash bars. I also have DB bags and a solo seat.
-
I've got my parts in for paint and am going Pearl White with a black and grey pinstripe, but keeping the frame black, chrome front and rear fenders and crash bars. I also have DB bags and a solo seat.
Please post pics when you get your bike painted, you will be done with yours before I am. I have a good idea what it will look like in my head but seeing it would be better!! I hope yours turns out better than you expect :thumb: I know when I start the rebuild I am going to find more gremlins hiding inside and this may take me a while to get done. I am preparing myself for a long road I am guessing 9 months to a year. Now if I could work on it everyday (with NO honey do's or going to work) a month or two................ .I wonder if my wife would let me "retire" from work :grin:
-
I highly doubt the frame has any cracks, unless you know of some major accident. My first guzzi ( same vintage and frame ) was cursed. It had a salvage title from being hit by a car when I bought it, was crashed by me doing stupid pet tricks as a kid, and was hit be 3 more cars. frame was still straight when It was totaled out by insurance.
My point, these things are built like anvils. She actually looks pretty decent.
-
I think she looks pretty good. The color is nice and appears complete. You have a great piece of history waiting to be brought back to her former glory. Please do post pics.