General Category > Bike Builds, Rebuilds And Restorations Only
V50 III refresh project
jamesfjamesf:
Hi all...new guy here...I picked up a 1981 V50 III which has has 3 previous owners since new, all of whom I know, so even though they are all of the age where memory isn't their most remarkable quality, I have an idea of it's history :laugh:
It's mostly stock except for an electronic ignition, but sat unused for years until the previous owner bought it, and he and his son got it going well enough to just ride it, so I know all the major bits are fine, it just needs a lot of the perishables replaced. My main project focus is a custom paint job in V7 Sport red & green. The frame is at the powdercoaters now and I just handed off the tank, sidecovers, and fenders to the local votech school for painting (for the cost of the paint!). Given the free labor I gave them the dented spare tank instead of the original brown tank which is in such good condition I'll keep it in case I come across someone who needs a brown one.
I've been toning my biceps reading Guzziology and will be following his recommendations on what mods to do and what to leave alone, mostly. I have absolutely no patience and tore into this the second it showed up, so a few things could have been done with less aggravation but this is not a new methodology for me :laugh:
Has anyone here done a V50 rebuild? I don't see many mentions either here or out on the net in general. Most are big twins. Where do we get OEM/NOS parts? I've tried MG Cycle and Guzzibits but they don't have what I need - a taillight lens gasket, swingarm spacer (MIA). And of course tires are NLA in the stock sizes which I can't get a consistent info on- it seems most say 90/90 and 100/90 once converted to metric, but I read the latter is too big to get past the rear drive without airing it down. I'd love to hear some real life experience with these sized on the small twins. I can get scooter tires in the next size down which doesn't see too inappropriate :grin:
More pics as the bits come in and get rejoined. Most now are for "where the hell did this go?" recordkeeping.
jim
Tkelly:
New paint is a great move,I thought the brown T3 I had was the ugliest Guzzi color but yours takes the prize.You will have a fun bike when finished.
Antietam Classic Cycle:
I like the brown, always have since I saw the V50 III in that color new at my local dealer back in the day.
Parts for the early small-blocks aren't as easy to find as parts for the big-blocks of the same period. Harper's may have some hard-to-find bits. Here's the swingarm "spacer": https://harpermoto.com/products/washer-35214300 . The gasket for the taillight lens can be 3D printed. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5608853 You might also want an oil filler plug/dipstick wrench: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3992120
I used 90/90 and 100/90 tires on mine. It seems that no matter what size rear you use, it will need to be aired down to squeeze in.
jamesfjamesf:
Thanks! I'd forgotten about Harper's. Serendipitously, the friend I bought the bike from used the $$ to buy a 3d printer :grin:
Several local friends have said they also like the brown, but the 70s V7 livery is something I've wanted to do for years. With the rear fender needing repair from the turn signal stalk cracking issue, and the stock brown side covers unusable, it's a reasonable candidate.
How does a hard plastic surface seal? I.e. how is it different from not using a gasket at all?
thanks,
jim
--- Quote from: Antietam Classic Cycle on March 06, 2024, 09:47:36 AM ---I like the brown, always have since I saw the V50 III in that color new at my local dealer back in the day.
Parts for the early small-blocks aren't as easy to find as parts for the big-blocks of the same period. Harper's may have some hard-to-find bits. Here's the swingarm "spacer": https://harpermoto.com/products/washer-35214300 . The gasket for the taillight lens can be 3D printed. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5608853 You might also want an oil filler plug/dipstick wrench: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3992120
I used 90/90 and 100/90 tires on mine. It seems that no matter what size rear you use, it will need to be aired down to squeeze in.
--- End quote ---
faffi:
Congrats on your project - looking forward to follow the renovation :boozing:
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