Wildguzzi.com
General Category => Bike Builds, Rebuilds And Restorations Only => Topic started by: Dave Swanson on August 05, 2022, 09:23:34 AM
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June of 2007 my daughter accompanied me on a drive to Michigan to pick up this 76 Convert.
(https://i.postimg.cc/RVv09DBQ/1775.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3WbhF9Wd)
I had no idea that it would sit this long waiting, and waiting, but now the gears are slowly starting to turn.
(https://i.postimg.cc/K8zv3341/1553.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jLprG5HT)
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.
(https://i.postimg.cc/1zdx5Xhc/IMG-1587.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LqjQxHsn)
(https://i.postimg.cc/T18ZgsPK/IMG-1588.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/r0JnLQxT)
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How's it going??
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I blame the Harley.
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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.
(https://i.postimg.cc/BZd3zWBH/IMG-0100-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bdH4GBMw)
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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
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Paint work looks great Dave. Now everything is going to have to meet that standard. What is the plan for the drive train?
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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.
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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.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Fsy9tZtx/IMG_8286.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JGhwZjzy)
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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.
(https://i.postimg.cc/C5PSwZSB/thumbnail-IMG-2511.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7J2pVZCw)
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Those tins turned out nice !
:thumb:
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Almost 17 years later it finally makes it on the lift!
(https://i.postimg.cc/qqBSkncs/thumbnail-IMG-2519.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nj502XPr)
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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.
(https://i.postimg.cc/BZd3zWBH/IMG-0100-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bdH4GBMw)
Looks like they pass the pup’s sniff test too!
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It's a filthy beast!
(https://i.postimg.cc/d0j7xHvt/thumbnail-IMG-2537.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cK64KcrV)
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Wrenches were flying today.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Pqj3jmrJ/thumbnail-IMG-2548.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TKtqj5bv)
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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:
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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:
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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.
(https://i.postimg.cc/HWZpGTXy/thumbnail-IMG-2552.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MXBkV2s6)
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For those that haven't seen the Sachs TC out, here you go.
(https://i.postimg.cc/FsYhNwVn/thumbnail-IMG-2550.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Xp6RgHhw)
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You are unstoppable!
This will turn out to be one of the best Concerts anywhere, looking forward to watching the progress.
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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:
(https://i.postimg.cc/Sx8qz856/thumbnail-IMG-2553.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/VJY2xSzv)
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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.
(https://i.postimg.cc/ryn4d7RL/thumbnail-IMG-2571.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HjMnRZtS)
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.
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For those that have never seen the Convert torque converter, clutch and 2 speed transmission laid out.
(https://i.postimg.cc/HnsgnN6B/thumbnail-IMG-2634.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/KkVVs0SM)
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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.
(https://i.postimg.cc/g2jxchHP/thumbnail-IMG-2674.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BjWSMXzh)
(https://i.postimg.cc/T3spKPt5/thumbnail-IMG-2675.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/214zJCRC)
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Lookin' good !
:thumb:
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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.
(https://i.postimg.cc/vBPNF7cg/thumbnail-IMG-2703-j0pg.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Hcy2by0d)
(https://i.postimg.cc/wM7b6tmW/thumbnail-IMG-2704.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BPfCpnND)
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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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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.
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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.
(https://i.postimg.cc/DZxhVQdR/thumbnail-IMG-2726.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yg3tcZGT)
(https://i.postimg.cc/j2CbRWM2/thumbnail-IMG-2727.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QKLPbMGZ)
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Always happy to "assist" others in spending their money. :grin: Looking super!
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:popcorn: I can't wait to see how this turns out. :popcorn:
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The exhaust valves were quite pitted, so I just put a complete set of new valves in. The seats and guides were in great shape.
I am currently waiting on my plated stuff to button it up. Should have all the bits back early next week.
(https://i.postimg.cc/SjFMqBcv/thumbnail-IMG-2765.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/p5CTJ1Gf)
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Lookin' good.
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These were the crustiest wheels I have ever seen! I almost cried uncle getting the rear wheel spokes out. All but 3 spokes were stuck in the rear hub. I persevered and miraculously didn't destroy any of the spokes.
I tried various methods to polish the center section of the rims, but they were so terribly corroded with salts I knew I could not get a satisfactory result, which led me to this compromise. I bead blasted all of the corrosion off the center and polished the outer rim. I think it will pass muster.
(https://i.postimg.cc/44SGd0X2/thumbnail-IMG-2778.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/z3K620bT)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Dy4TbcZv/thumbnail-IMG-2779.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kBCZ0KKz)
(https://i.postimg.cc/HWZpGTXy/thumbnail-IMG-2552.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MXBkV2s6)
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Thats an excellent "compromise", Dave. Looks very nice! :thumb:
Rick
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Wow, I thought I had seen some rough wheels!!
Great job saving them.
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I'm thinking if I leave the center raw it will hold dirt and be difficult to clean. I will spray it with clear or silver paint. This should make it much easier to was the grime off.
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Center painted silver. Looking better than before.
(https://i.postimg.cc/FHwXHtZ9/thumbnail-IMG-2801.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rDGPfP3b)
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Many hours spent on prep; scrubbing, long sessions at the wire wheel , a few bloodied finger tips (those small bits are the worst to wire wheel), and $93 at the plating company results in this satisfying pile.
(https://i.postimg.cc/WzSQLzS4/thumbnail-IMG-2803.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LgYyjHcd)
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Many hours spent on prep; scrubbing, long sessions at the wire wheel , a few bloodied finger tips (those small bits are the worst to wire wheel), and $93 at the plating company results in this satisfying pile.
(https://i.postimg.cc/WzSQLzS4/thumbnail-IMG-2803.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LgYyjHcd)
One of my favorite times during a restoration - when the freshly plated hardware returns.
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My clutch release arm boot was toast. These are NLA. I ran into a guy online that made a couple of these and he sent one to me. It is quite good. Much better than nothing at all.
(https://i.postimg.cc/T3kk4xKR/thumbnail-IMG-2813.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yDZXDwh5)
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Assembly moving along now that the plated bits are back.
(https://i.postimg.cc/kMQDFXHt/thumbnail-IMG-2812.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jCjsRKts)
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My clutch release arm boot was toast. These are NLA. I ran into a guy online that made a couple of these and he sent one to me. It is quite good. Much better than nothing at all.
(https://i.postimg.cc/T3kk4xKR/thumbnail-IMG-2813.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yDZXDwh5)
Glad he hooked you up with one. I sent him the best one I had to use as a pattern.
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Dialing in the Sachs.
Spec is within .002" I was able to get it to .001"
(https://i.postimg.cc/3W53D6MG/thumbnail-IMG-2824.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4H5DDWx4)
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Before and after.
(https://i.postimg.cc/YSCcskMR/thumbnail-IMG-2548-1jpg.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dhpShb7Z)
(https://i.postimg.cc/13HhB4h4/thumbnail-IMG-2826.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/pmp6XWdt)
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Wheels trued and freshly ground brake disks from TrueDisk installed. So nice.
(https://i.postimg.cc/G23LsCq4/thumbnail-IMG-2844.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yJ54wwqK)
(https://i.postimg.cc/xC9CyHTT/thumbnail-IMG-2843.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xkFn9XzW)
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In my continuing effort to be completely upside down on this Convert there was a number of the chrome parts that were too rough. I had to bite the bullet and have them rechromed.
I am lucky to have a good chrome shop nearby that still does custom work for a reasonable fee. He is also good with taking dents out of stainless fenders and does a great job polishing.
(https://i.postimg.cc/G2KD5frZ/thumbnail-IMG-2852.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/r0dzdQDJ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/k4q8wCrQ/thumbnail-IMG-2851.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/d7NLtzV3)
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Nice!
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Nice!
Double nice... awesome job on the iConvert Dave :drool:
Hello and thanks again Charlie!
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The frame was very crusty and gnarly. I scrubbed the major grunge off and today I had it outside for open air sand blasting followed by a thorough cleaning session. It was perfect weather for painting also.
(https://i.postimg.cc/XJWXznr7/thumbnail-IMG-2857.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DWC2WkQt)
(https://i.postimg.cc/TPgp0KY4/thumbnail-IMG-2860.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/p9VWXXjf)
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(https://i.postimg.cc/brfdV1FS/thumbnail-IMG-2867.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xJg0cNQ9)
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It is always a good day when I can pull the wood engine support box out and have it standing on its own.
(https://i.postimg.cc/DfLpGKVy/thumbnail-IMG-2902.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/F1Fxt8s2)
The forks needed new fork tubes, because the old were rust pitted. New Wirth progressive fork spring, dampers, and seals.
(https://i.postimg.cc/SN4T7tqL/thumbnail-IMG-2903.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/s1n43mM1)
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Looking great Dave!
I never knew there was a rubber boot on the clutch activation arm, where these rubber boots on all of the big Twins?
Thanks
Jim
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Looking great Dave!
I never knew there was a rubber boot on the clutch activation arm, where these rubber boots on all of the big Twins?
Thanks
Jim
Only the Convert.
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In my continuing effort to be as upside down as possible on this restoration, it will be sporting new Ikon rear shocks. :grin:
Now to restore the rear drive. It is nasty looking.
(https://i.postimg.cc/zvG9c3WN/thumbnail-IMG-2908.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gX1SwzNt)
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Thats going to be the nicest Convert in the country! :bow: The rubber boot on the clutch arm looks like a good repop. Is there any chance the gent will make some more,and sell them? Ive been running mine without it, but that area sure seems to accumulate alot of road grunge after a while.
Rick D.
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Thats going to be the nicest Convert in the country! :bow: The rubber boot on the clutch arm looks like a good repop. Is there any chance the gent will make some more,and sell them? Ive been running mine without it, but that area sure seems to accumulate alot of road grunge after a while.
Rick D.
Charlie donated his best boot to Chad for producing a few of these. I have sent him an email.
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Thats going to be the nicest Convert in the country! :bow: The rubber boot on the clutch arm looks like a good repop. Is there any chance the gent will make some more,and sell them? Ive been running mine without it, but that area sure seems to accumulate alot of road grunge after a while.
Rick D.
Hi Rick, send me your email address in a private message and we’ll see if we can’t get you fixed up.
Chad.
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Standing on both feet!!
(https://i.postimg.cc/Dmkn5tFK/thumbnail-IMG-2928.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/m1wvgptd)
(https://i.postimg.cc/bYGnCk86/thumbnail-IMG-2929.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Z0S009W3)
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Hi Rick, send me your email address in a private message and we’ll see if we can’t get you fixed up.
Chad.
Thanks alot, Chad, Thats awesome! PM sent
Rick
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Parking brake is installed and the TC plumbing is all set and primed. The braided steel enforced lines passed muster but the others were replaced.
(https://i.postimg.cc/C502FRs6/thumbnail-IMG-2962.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qhmwwMY8)
(https://i.postimg.cc/0QD3RYDw/thumbnail-IMG-2961.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TL2QnWkd)
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZYPgwLTk/thumbnail-IMG-2964.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/F1RDR3dG)
(https://i.postimg.cc/SRGvjmZQ/thumbnail-IMG-2963.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/T5p94vMB)
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The Convert has taken a temporary back seat to more pressing matters.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Z5W6ySjg/thumbnail-IMG-3189.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/68N8DFkL)
22 years ago I had a 1998 916 that I loved. I have thought about another from time to time and I figured I'm not getting any younger, so why not.
(https://i.postimg.cc/XJdRjmTB/Scan-20240530-1png.png) (https://postimg.cc/xJjxgxj9)
I found this 1995 with 3700 miles. It has spent the last 12 years in a living room, and needs a proper reawakening that these race bikes deserve. After a little 1100 mile drive to pick it up I am well on my way towards having it recommissioned.
(https://i.postimg.cc/mgVGZY3n/thumbnail-IMG-3096.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Yv4PbmsN)
(https://i.postimg.cc/4NBrxzFP/thumbnail-IMG-3159.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Whq99JVq)
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Hi Dave (and any other Convert owners following...)
First of all can I say how reassuring it is to find someone with more bikes in their garage than me. I will tell my wife. I am undertaking a '78 Convert rebuild here in the UK but I'm short of a seat mounting bracket. I was scouring the internet for images good-enough to allow me to make one and found this picture of your bike. Sorry to trouble you, but is there any chance you could help me identify the width and thickness of the steel used to form this hoop? I am guessing from the images something like 20mm by 5mm. Any dimensions would be gratefully received.
Simon
(https://i.ibb.co/5MLbCFz/Bracket.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5MLbCFz)
(http://C:\Users\SCole\OneDrive\Projects\Convert\Seat\Bracket.jpg)
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Hi Dave (and any other Convert owners following...)
First of all can I say how reassuring it is to find someone with more bikes in their garage than me. I will tell my wife. I am undertaking a '78 Convert rebuild here in the UK but I'm short of a seat mounting bracket. I was scouring the internet for images good-enough to allow me to make one and found this picture of your bike. Sorry to trouble you, but is there any chance you could help me identify the width and thickness of the steel used to form this hoop? I am guessing from the images something like 20mm by 5mm. Any dimensions would be gratefully received.
Simon
(https://i.ibb.co/5MLbCFz/Bracket.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5MLbCFz)
(http://C:\Users\SCole\OneDrive\Projects\Convert\Seat\Bracket.jpg)
Simon, I hope these help. Call Curtis at Harpers. He may have one.
(https://i.postimg.cc/rm33NrQs/thumbnail-IMG-3255.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Hc06pVG1)
(https://i.postimg.cc/zvhMtGcj/thumbnail-IMG-3256.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LgHNh2RY)
(https://i.postimg.cc/qM8S2gnB/thumbnail-IMG-3257.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mtgmsL8K)
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Many thanks for the photos and the dimensions Dave. I took your advice and called Harpers, and they did indeed manage to supply me with one. Thanks again, sorry to trouble you. Best regards, Simon
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The Ducati is finished and runs like raped ape.
Back to the Convert.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Fz0npFFS/thumbnail-IMG-3323.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/FksZs4LF)
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As with everything else on the bike the brake system was the nastiest and gnarliest I have seen. I thought the calipers were a lost cause and almost binned them because they were so crusty looking. I thought I would never get the pucks out. But pushing them in all the way, dripping Kroil in the seam along with wire brushing the crud, and healthy application of 120 ft lbs of air got all but 1 of the pucks moving. The final puck needed the grease gun treatment.
With new pads, seal kit, and pucks it was still expensive at $72 per caliper, but a lot cheaper than going for replacement calipers.
(https://i.postimg.cc/QtnGhXZn/thumbnail-IMG-3414.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JDJdQCnb)
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From uber crusty to this. Quite satisfying.
(https://i.postimg.cc/qB3Y3K4x/thumbnail-IMG-3431.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3W3nMdyk)
(https://i.postimg.cc/gJ6M39F2/thumbnail-IMG-3432.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jwtQrFSp)
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Its summertime and there are many options other than wrenching on the Convert. I have stopped in to peck away at it from time to time though. Brakes are done except fluid. The carbs were thoroughly cleaned and reinstalled along with new cables.
(https://i.postimg.cc/XqmMVXny/thumbnail-IMG-3732.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xNvp5fJ0)
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Dang ! Even the lift is shiny !
Can't wait to see more progress !
:thumb:
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:popcorn: I'm in!
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Don't know what happened but the photos are not showing up on the 3ed page of this epic adventure!
I am refreshing a 1980 Convert and I came here looking for inspiration.
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Don't know what happened but the photos are not showing up on the 3ed page of this epic adventure!
I am refreshing a 1980 Convert and I came here looking for inspiration.
I can see them.
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If I click on the box with the broken link symbol it takes me to the image... didn't know you could do that.
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Aaaaand now they are all there.... how strange, but what an amazing restoration.
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I have been feeling the need to get away from sawdust and get back to wrenching, so it wont be too long before progress is made on the Vert again.
You may not know that I have been an avid RC modeler/flyer since I was quite young. My latest build has been a classic twin engine designed by the famous Dave Platt called the Duellist. A very challenging and fun build. I have a problem splitting my time between the 2 hobbies, since both are so engrossing. I will pick one and devote 100% to it until I feel it's time to transition. Keeps me fresh and interested this way.
(https://i.postimg.cc/x8jWqZjJ/thumbnail-IMG-4380.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZBgfMVd4)
(https://i.postimg.cc/TYFtDq81/thumbnail-IMG-4368.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HV00GMk1)
I also built the classic Kwik Fli III designed by Phil Kraft
(https://i.postimg.cc/9Fg2bQQv/thumbnail-IMG-4194.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vcnCHM9z)
And the fun little Dave Robelen design called the Pronto
(https://i.postimg.cc/jSrXyBct/thumbnail-IMG-4123.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RNXKBs2D)
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The planes are nice... more Convert!
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Plane builds are winding down.
I completed a small Convert task today. The side cover plates were missing a lot of paint. I had some red and black One Shot and that improved things dramatically. Not NOS looking but good enough, especially since I haven't been able to find NOS.
(https://i.postimg.cc/rw7sVpV8/thumbnail-IMG-4605.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0zdPZPK3)
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NOS Fratelli Pagani rear turn signals. I sourced these at least 10 years ago in Germany. Good to finally see them off the shelf and on the bike.
If your going to go upside down on a project, might as well do it in style. :grin:
(https://i.postimg.cc/9X9jHhYg/thumbnail-IMG-4907.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5jfr8DG8)
(https://i.postimg.cc/2yGGNycB/thumbnail-IMG-4908.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Zv9prbhT)
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Dave, I feel as though you are some how channeling the worlds NOS bits to find you in Northern Illinois. (thinking of the Ariete grips on Sparklehorse)
Those are beautiful. Well done.
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How nerdy is it that I get excited by old turn signals? Very nice!
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Continuous improvement.
(https://i.postimg.cc/k5b8xcy7/thumbnail-IMG-4968.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hJKfnVwY)
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My Convert had the typical mini fairing cutouts for the ubiquitous Windjammer fairing. Not long after I dragged this jewel home (18 years ago!) I found these NOS replacements somewhere. It also helped me decide which color the bike would be re-sprayed. :grin:
(https://i.postimg.cc/Y9LW0DG6/thumbnail-IMG-4972.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/N9YMP4xF)
(https://i.postimg.cc/NfkrKHMz/thumbnail-IMG-4971.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QHVMPVcQ)
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Converts plumbing interferes with the generic Mistral crossover, necessitating a mod to the nice new unit.
(https://i.postimg.cc/QNFtvQTW/thumbnail-IMG-4973.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hhqcd7MS)
(https://i.postimg.cc/XNtJWrf1/thumbnail-IMG-4974.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bdH8HNF1)
Exhaust system installed.
(https://i.postimg.cc/jSbSWBkz/thumbnail-IMG-4977.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JGpLvY8n)
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C5 Ignition I bought 6 years ago for the Convert is finally installed. Only hi zoot for this baby!
(https://i.postimg.cc/2818jGQp/thumbnail-IMG-5012.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1fZZJp7M)
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Not long after I dragged the Convert home I found these cast metal and chromed replacements for the black plastic grills. I wasn't sure I was going to use them, being an originality geek, but I think they look too good to leave on the shelf.
(https://i.postimg.cc/4xH1THhT/thumbnail-IMG-5039.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qN0KsRLm)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mr2pWgR3/thumbnail-IMG-5040.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cv2BQZv6)
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Couldn't do it. The black looks better. I especially didn't care for the chrome webs in between. I could've have painted the webs black, but the rivet counter in me won out.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Z51PVYnK/thumbnail-IMG-5041.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sM4Z2r5t)
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the black looks 100% better!
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Fit check for the tank and side cover.
(https://i.postimg.cc/6pDHnbDk/thumbnail-IMG-5244.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/18rcZBRB)
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It's not often one lusts after a convert. :drool:
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Here's the ad from the MGNOC newsletter of May 2007 that started all this madness. If you click on it twice it will expand for easier reading.
(https://i.postimg.cc/pX7BcD8Q/Screenshot-2025-05-07-at-19-16-52-mgnoc-news-2007-05.png) (https://postimg.cc/XpfFpBsX)
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The brake system bled without drama. Now it's time to get serious about wiring.
Greg Bender's looms are master class level.
(https://i.postimg.cc/XY0RsT2F/thumbnail-IMG-5283.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w704vbYT)
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GT Motors in Lansing, Michigan sold a lot of Guzzis in the old days. Knowing that Larry Klien sold this bike when new makes it all the more special. Larry Klien died on March 9. 2015. He was snorkeling in the Virgin Islands and evidently had a medical event during.
(https://i.postimg.cc/vTHFyTSf/Larry-Klein-300x288.webp) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/020MZB74/thumbnail-IMG-5348.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rKzwwgnG)
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There's nothing like being able to trace a bikes history.
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Greg Bender's wiring looms were installed. Everything worked perfectly from the first power up! This is a testament not only to the stellar quality of Greg's work, but also to the extensive collection of assembly photos and documentation on his website (This Old Tractor) that clarified any questions I had. By following Greg's advice to approach this task, which seems intimidating starting out, one section at a time it went very smoothly.
(https://i.postimg.cc/13qdg4wq/thumbnail-IMG-5376.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sM3mqjnj)
(https://i.postimg.cc/65TgXMQz/thumbnail-IMG-5379.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SJFDL7Cz)
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Dave, your restos are absolute works of art.
They are inspiring and satisfying to watch from a distance; I can't imagine how rewarding it is to execute them in real life.
Bravo, sir! :thumb:
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It's running very well! Of course a road test is yet to come. Hopefully that is as successful.
This video was taken after setting the timing with a strobe, and balancing the carbs with a Harmonizer.
https://youtu.be/jfNGRLsGJz0?si=2pCDZ4Iov02z1H6H
(https://i.postimg.cc/Jz2754QB/thumbnail-IMG-5397.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/87LV1G91)
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I have an exposed lower level in the back of my house which is where my basement shop resides. I drive them in and out, but not when the yard is soggy from rain. With the deluge yesterday and a heavy rain forecast today, getting out for the road testing may take a few days.
(https://i.postimg.cc/0QrH4JMx/thumbnail-IMG-5409.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qhVLhqxZ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/hGxYxZZm/thumbnail-IMG-5410.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gwz4bsWc)
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Beautiful Dave! :thumb: :bow: :bike-037:
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Larry would love it!
Larry and I talked about building a triple disc brake Eldovert many times over the years. We also talked about building a blue and white Italian police Convert. I have an early Convert that is a long term project headed in the blue and white direction. Definitely won't be as nice as Dave's work but I hope it's close.
Brian
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When I stare at this bike and remember what it took to get from the before to the after it is mind boggling.
(https://i.postimg.cc/HLmJD9vm/thumbnail-IMG-2527.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dhWQGrKN)
(https://i.postimg.cc/59KFYvy5/thumbnail-IMG-5421.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QV5MvFpV)
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There was 15 miles of pure bliss! 2 of my friends rode it and marveled at it. I followed them on a 3 mile loop and the Convert was looking amazing - very stately. When back at the house I put the Convert on the center stand, started it up, and all of a sudden it started leaking ATF from places it should never leak from. Most notably from the rear clutch pushrod area. There was not a drop on the floor before starting it. At least it waited until it was back home. The ATF started pouring out so fast it would have been trailer time.
I finally (ahem) got to experience the wonderful Tonti feature of crabbing the frame!
I will report back when I find the culprit.
(https://i.postimg.cc/nhwLY2Y8/thumbnail-IMG-5458.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fVmZMxr5)
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What a bummer. At least fresh atf is not corrosive,
and hopefully it didn't get on rubber bits.
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Bummer.... but I'm betting you'll get this rectified in no time. My crap takes years.
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Parts came in - Thanks Harpers! I took extra care assembling it for the second time!
(https://i.postimg.cc/QC22W35G/thumbnail-IMG-5506.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RJTsj2XX)
(https://i.postimg.cc/QC22W35G/thumbnail-IMG-5506.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RJTsj2XX)
Test static runs today passed with flying colors. It is ready again.
Still shot while running.
(https://i.postimg.cc/NF63TnxK/thumbnail-IMG-5522.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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What was the problem?
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What was the problem?
On the clutch input shaft there is a snap ring that keeps the bearing in place. I had reused the old snap ring - lesson learned. The snap ring came out of the groove, and allowed the bearing to shift position.
(https://i.postimg.cc/TP3JZjRL/i-convert-transmission-033.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0zhSSwKP)
This allowed the position of the input shaft to move enough that the o-ring no longer was on its intended sealing surface.
(https://i.postimg.cc/7hnNFKTz/i-convert-transmission-030.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/n9M77Y2V)
(https://i.postimg.cc/9FS4WGtw/i-convert-transmission-029.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Pictures borrowed from This Old Tractor.
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:thumb: The devil is in the details.
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20 miles today and not a drip in sight! AHHH!
(https://i.postimg.cc/15N0rn2Z/thumbnail_IMG_5531.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/svsZVX3n)