76 Convert restoration/refreshening.

[Gusable]

I’ve really enjoyed reading this write up! Nice bike!

[bigbikerrick]

Thank you, Gusable, I appreciate the kind words.
Rick

[Canuck750]

Your painted parts look great! as does the rest of the bike, nice work! 

[bigbikerrick]

Your painted parts look great! as does the rest of the bike, nice work! 

Thank you,Canuck!

[bigbikerrick]

Today , I decided to take a look at the distributor, the points looked great, no pitting present, but the gap was a bit small, so I set the gap on both, and then hooked up the timing light . The timing was quite retarded on both cylinder, so I set it to the proper slow speed advance. after marking the appropriate marks on the flywheel with white paint, I checked the advance at 5-6K rpms, and it went to where it should advance to.
Now I find the bike idles much better, I had to readjust my carb balance, and idle speed. The bike now idles very smoothly, and runs strong.
 
  Next, I plan to replace the funky stock air box with individual K&N pods, and install a V 7 sport breather in place of the oem one.
Rick D.

[bigbikerrick]

Since I got the Convert, I have tried a couple of rattle can high heat paint on the mufflers, and have not been 100% happy with the results. The most heat resistant paint I found is the VHT flat black header paint. The only thing I dont like is that the flat finish, while durable, after a few weeks turns into a dark  grayish color, and I really wanted a gloss or semi gloss black finish.
  The mufflers are a period correct set made specifically for the Guzzi in the 70s by a company called " Alphabet's Headers" and they have a nice mellow rumble, so I wanted to preserve these. Some day I will pony up the bucks to have them properly ceramic coated, but for now ,I found a rattle can product that seems very good. Its a VHT paint made for engine blocks, that is supposed to be chemical resistant,and resistant to heat up to 500 degrees. ( the flat black VHT header paint works up to 2000 degrees) and so far, the finish has held up very well on the mufflers, and its a nice glossy black color.  I tested the "chemical resistance" , after cured, with a rag soaked in lacquer thinner,and it did not wipe the paint off. Good Stuff !
Rick

[Canuck750]

Since I got the Convert, I have tried a couple of rattle can high heat paint on the mufflers, and have not been 100% happy with the results. The most heat resistant paint I found is the VHT flat black header paint. The only thing I dont like is that the flat finish, while durable, after a few weeks turns into a dark  grayish color, and I really wanted a gloss or semi gloss black finish.
  The mufflers are a period correct set made specifically for the Guzzi in the 70s by a company called " Alphabet's Headers" and they have a nice mellow rumble, so I wanted to preserve these. Some day I will pony up the bucks to have them properly ceramic coated, but for now ,I found a rattle can product that seems very good. Its a VHT paint made for engine blocks, that is supposed to be chemical resistant,and resistant to heat up to 500 degrees. ( the flat black VHT header paint works up to 2000 degrees) and so far, the finish has held up very well on the mufflers, and its a nice glossy black color.  I tested the "chemical resistance" , after cured, with a rag soaked in lacquer thinner,and it did not wipe the paint off. Good Stuff !
Rick

Thanks for the research and report! I have had mixed results with low gloss black ceramic coating on mufflers and would not go that route again. Good to know that the VHT when cured is so durable.  The black ceramic coating I had done scratches very easily, not worth it IMHO.

[bigbikerrick]

I had a transmission oil leak, and decided to go ahead and replace all the seals, gaskets and "O" rings in the transmission, and Torque converter system. I also replaced the rear main seal with a viton one, as well as the flange gasket, which was seeping a little oil.
Rick.

[Dave Swanson]

Good going.  I will use this as a reference when I tear mine down.

[bigbikerrick]

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testing out the new National Cycle Plexifairing today. Much better than the Pacifico pathfinder fairing from the 70s, that was on there. Lighter, and no buffetting.
Rick.

[Turin]

Nice Connie!
I love the red.

[bigbikerrick]

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I took the opportunity to convert my rear wheel to tubeless, before mounting a new tire. Sikaflex 291 marine urethane used, after cleaning up the rim with a wire brush on the drill, and degreasing with brake cleaner spray. Tire much easire to balance without the innertube!
Rick.

[bobbyfromnc]

I have enjoyed this read very much. Very nice bike. Each bike is even better when there's a great story that comes along with it. BK

[bigbikerrick]

Thank you for the kind words, Bobby. The Convert project has been alot of fun. Even though I had to re do the rear wheel. I had a tiny leak at one of the spokes, so I am re sealing that. The front wheel sealed up 100%. No big deal, easy fix.  Its a good time to polish up the rear wheel and spoke nipples, as well as painting the rear brake caliper bracket, and a good cleaning/detailing of the swingarm, and pipes, etc.
Rick