Wildguzzi.com
General Category => Bike Builds, Rebuilds And Restorations Only => Topic started by: Dave Swanson on November 18, 2023, 03:43:42 PM
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This will be a Cliff Notes version of a build thread. I will hit the highlights as I work my way through this bike to make it reliable and roadworthy again.
This bike came from the estate of Bob Farris, a local long time Guzzi enthusiast. He was the Illinois state rep for MGNOC years ago and traveled to Europe for the 75th Guzzi anniversary.
The bike hadn't seen the light of day for 25 years or more, and was one of the Eldos that really caught my eye when I would stop by to visit.
I feel lucky to have the opportunity to have one of Bob's Loops. It will not be given a total restoration, but will be spruced up and refreshed where necessary.
The day I brought it home - August 12th, 2023.
(https://i.postimg.cc/dQLnSyLh/IMG-1471-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9zHGDzP2)
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Current state.
(https://i.postimg.cc/85g1HQT8/thumbnail-IMG-2124.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8FwQpYFw)
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(https://i.ibb.co/Czftkrw/omg-baby.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Czftkrw)
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Nice piece good luck!
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All the tins, which I believe to be original paint, polished up well after lots of elbow grease.
(https://i.postimg.cc/dtmKdPd7/thumbnail-IMG-2058.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zVBMZQx5)
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Upon teardown and inspection it became obvious why Bob parked this so long ago.
(https://i.postimg.cc/VkSmPL6Q/thumbnail-IMG-2123.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k2dkxCKf)
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I am very pleased with how the OG mufflers cleaned up.
(https://i.postimg.cc/L60qZbPM/thumbnail-IMG-2065.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zVKDsppd)
(https://i.postimg.cc/BQvLb0Xg/thumbnail-IMG-2063.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mh02pK3z)
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I'm in!
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The generator mount threaded holes were in bad shape so I opted for a helicoil repair.
(https://i.postimg.cc/sxZPYqpN/thumbnail-IMG-2157.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BP41sh7T)
(https://i.postimg.cc/z3ZC077X/thumbnail-IMG-2159.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4HPH3zjr)
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I was able to upgrade my police lighting with the help of Moto Guzzi Classics. Thanks Mark
NIB Grote spot lamps (5 3/4"), and police turn signals. Fronts are dual sided. One side amber, the other side red.
(https://i.postimg.cc/HLt8ySm0/thumbnail-IMG-2172.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8FjC8mjs)
(https://i.postimg.cc/RFV6QcCk/thumbnail-IMG-2173.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/KKw8m3Mf)
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Count me in!
Cam
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Due to the last ride this bike had with one of the rods hammering away many moons agp, at the very least the crank was in need of a re-grind.
(https://i.postimg.cc/VkSmPL6Q/thumbnail-IMG-2123.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k2dkxCKf)
While commiserating with Joe Walano (The Guzzi Doctor) he offered a complete bottom end that was donated to him years ago from a crashed Eldo! Never one to look a gift horse in the mouth I immediately accepted his gracious offer and drove the 100 miles to his shop to pick it up. Joe is in the process of moving his shop and is culling what he doesn't want to move to the new place, therefore perfect timing for the both of us.
Upon tear-down of this donor engine I found the bottom end to be in fine shape. The crank is on it's standard grind. The main bearings are in great shape, and the shell bearings are almost usable. A gracious and generous gift to the project indeed. :bow:
(https://i.postimg.cc/CMP0K9ZC/thumbnail-IMG-2133.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/s1hq6641)
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It will not be given a total restoration, but will be spruced up and refreshed where necessary.
That's quite a "spruce up". I'd hate to see what you charge for a total resto. :thumb:
I wonder if that's the same Eldo I saw Bob ride to the MO rally back in '95-'97? Great job so far. I wonder how that low-end bearing failed? I didn't know they were prone to that...how many miles? Chrome cyls?
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That's quite a "spruce up". I'd hate to see what you charge for a total resto. :thumb:
I wonder if that's the same Eldo I saw Bob ride to the MO rally back in '95-'97? Great job so far. I wonder how that low-end bearing failed? I didn't know they were prone to that...how many miles? Chrome cyls?
The speedo shows 35K. It could be the bike he rode to the rally back then. No one around here can remember Bob riding it for the past 25 years, so the time frame lines up.
It did have chrome cylinders, but no evidence of chrome contamination. The likely culprit would seem to be oil starvation, but I haven't found the smoking gun.
The spruce up is now out the window. Ha! But, all the tins will retain the original paint, so will not be a total restoration. :grin:
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So I wonder what Bob's opinion was of riding on chrome cyls? I know there are opinions that run the full range of "kiss of death for the engine at first start-up" to "anecdotes of flaking chrome far exaggerate the reality", so maybe he just figured it wasn't worth NOT riding the bike for. I wonder myself because I have an old Ambo with good chrome cyls, and wonder if I should get it running as-is.
One of the phrases I remember Bob saying when I looked at his stable (considering buying an Eldo, passed because it had Amal carbs.....what a dummy!), and commented on the nice (non-chrome) patina of most of his bikes was "Chrome don't git ya home".
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So I wonder what Bob's opinion was of riding on chrome cyls? I know there are opinions that run the full range of "kiss of death for the engine at first start-up" to "anecdotes of flaking chrome far exaggerate the reality", so maybe he just figured it wasn't worth NOT riding the bike for. I wonder myself because I have an old Ambo with good chrome cyls, and wonder if I should get it running as-is.
One of the phrases I remember Bob saying when I looked at his stable (considering buying an Eldo, passed because it had Amal carbs.....what a dummy!), and commented on the nice (non-chrome) patina of most of his bikes was "Chrome don't git ya home".
It could be close to 30 years ago that this bike was parked up after its last ride. If Bob had gotten it running again 10 or 20 years ago without changing the cylinders it would have certainly met it's demise. BTW Bob did have a set of new Gilardonis set aside for one of the Eldos.
The worst possible scenario for chrome cylinders is a long period of non use. Today there is NEVER a good reason to run the chrome cylinders unless you want to destroy the engine for some reason. With the old chrome cylinders it is not a question of if they will fail, only when.
My Amal Eldo. :laugh:
(https://i.postimg.cc/wvTT74Bg/991-3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mcJGnwM5)
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The worst possible scenario for chrome cylinders is a long period of non use. Today there is NEVER a good reason to run the chrome cylinders unless you want to destroy the engine for some reason. With the old chrome cylinders it is not a question of if they will fail, only when.
:thumb: :thumb:
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I wonder myself because I have an old Ambo with good chrome cyls, and wonder if I should get it running as-is.
And there is no such thing as good chrome cylinders. :grin:
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And there is no such thing as good chrome cylinders. :grin:
I agree 100%.
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The rotor was well above the minimum thickness requirement so off it went to TrueDisk
Great workmanship, super fast turnaround, and the price can't be beat - $50
(https://i.postimg.cc/fLMkJCX4/thumbnail-IMG-2186.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2qXCt42T)
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The wheels were too crusty to leave alone so they were taken apart and cleaned up. Truing next.
(https://i.postimg.cc/02J8gC80/thumbnail-IMG-2192.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w7gKLLR1)
(https://i.postimg.cc/g2FGG6jF/thumbnail-IMG-2195.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/F7ZMZz0D)
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Found this thread just as we were hit with our first snowstorm of the year. Perfect timing. Kinda wish I had scooped up a project bike. Living vicariously isn't bad though, and it's cheaper. Great work Dave, and super photography. What are you using for a camera?
SM
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Found this thread just as we were hit with our first snowstorm of the year. Perfect timing. Kinda wish I had scooped up a project bike. Living vicariously isn't bad though, and it's cheaper. Great work Dave, and super photography. What are you using for a camera?
SM
Thanks. Glad I can be of assistance. :grin:
My IPhone 14 Pro's camera is so good I rarely take the good camera out of the bag.
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Trued, new rubber, and balanced. Aahh! I always love having the wheels finished. Its a good milestone.
(https://i.postimg.cc/j5M9qDs6/thumbnail-IMG-2209.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/34D9nJ0W)
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New Gilardonis going in.
(https://i.postimg.cc/VLpBgGbj/thumbnail-IMG-2216.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/GHPyhjK2)
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Very nice, Dave! What brand tires are those? Are they tubeless?
Rick.
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Very nice, Dave! What brand tires are those? Are they tubeless?
Rick.
Those are Heidenau K34. I did not seal the rims therefore they have inner tubes.
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New timing chain and upgraded chain tensioner.
(https://i.postimg.cc/prnqvYRg/thumbnail-IMG-2223.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YLM1fF43)
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I wish I were a fly on the wall, right next to long beard dude.
Impressive attention to details.
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Forks are ready for assembly. New Wirth progressive springs, dampers, and seals. Should ride nice.
(https://i.postimg.cc/3w8JZxtz/thumbnail-IMG-2238.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nXWJFpb1)
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The pace will pick up now.
(https://i.postimg.cc/B6CxH1zk/thumbnail-IMG-2253.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0MbMqrP0)
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New timing chain and upgraded chain tensioner.
(https://i.postimg.cc/prnqvYRg/thumbnail-IMG-2223.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YLM1fF43)
That bend in the tensioner spring is where my Norge one broke David.
I got a new one made 7 mm longer
(https://i.ibb.co/LNRJ8Pm/IMG-4575.png) (https://ibb.co/LNRJ8Pm)
and relieved the case to remove the bending.
(https://i.ibb.co/2PknN7q/IMG-4574.png) (https://ibb.co/2PknN7q)
I’m sure it’s worth it…. :clock:
Also, is that retaining nut on the tensioner pivot pin, adequately in safety ?
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Thanks for the wise advise Huzo. I used red Loctite on the nut, but am leaving the stock spring intact. Your solution is superior for sure.
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I enjoy this stage.
(https://i.postimg.cc/RCpvVKxN/thumbnail-IMG-2262.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vDnJ01Bs)
(https://i.postimg.cc/FsfNfzhG/thumbnail-IMG-2261.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4mTrqJ7h)
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I hadn't looked very close at the final drive until last week. The spline teeth are definitely sharpish! After a consult with Charlie he forwarded a final drive that was for sale on eBay by Mark of Moto Guzzi Classics. I called Mark and went for the deal he offered. I was very happy to get it and will be plug and play which is nice, but it is a decent sized hit to the restoration budget. These days, good Eldo final drives don't fall off the turnip truck everyday.
(https://i.postimg.cc/xC4qprZn/thumbnail-IMG-2243.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CBbFd2YQ)
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I was relieved that the 5 speed checked out.
But the heads were not as good, the valve guides were sloppy. Since I haven't collected all the specialized tooling to overhaul my own Guzzi heads I dropped the heads off with new valves, guides and keepers at The Guzzi Doctor, Joe Walano. I should have the heads back next week.
I also upgraded the clutch to the "deep spline" setup. This should last well into the next owners lifetime. :wink:
Here I am installing the pushrod oring seals that Charlie gave me. I'm almost out Charlie! :grin:
(https://i.postimg.cc/TP8BqvD8/thumbnail-IMG-2299.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SnrZk5dV)
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Heads are back from The Guzzi Doctor. Ready to rock and roll now.
(https://i.postimg.cc/90D4vSJt/thumbnail-IMG-2309.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tnHC6r0Y)
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As pretty as these Gilardoni pistons are, I hope they never see the light of day again. :grin:
(https://i.postimg.cc/VsRJW5yw/thumbnail-IMG-2310.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7b5PxHYt)
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Nice to see it coming together, Dave. It’s going to be a great bike.
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(https://i.postimg.cc/gcs5Cggf/thumbnail-IMG-2323.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HjJB59D2)
(https://i.postimg.cc/GtgXHSNt/thumbnail-IMG-2325.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0KmY4Z91)
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Oh wow , so clean!
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The original paint is quite nice.
(https://i.postimg.cc/zf9TdrCN/thumbnail-IMG-2332.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cKBKHPkk)
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I completed the refurbishment of the Bosch starter today. A small endeavor but the result is quite satisfying.
(https://i.postimg.cc/kgXXhQbs/thumbnail-IMG-2340.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kBzm2twR)
(https://i.postimg.cc/wjfTK15p/thumbnail-IMG-2341.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zyh1KXPt)
(https://i.postimg.cc/BvjZJJN1/thumbnail-IMG-2342.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zL1YjZsJ)
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It's turning out soooo nice !
:bike-037:
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The generator had a noisy front bearing. Since I had it apart I cleaned it up and checked it over thoroughly while waiting for the bearing which came today.
It's almost a shame to cover this up now that it looks so spiffy.
(https://i.postimg.cc/3NnpksQk/thumbnail-IMG-2359.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5QQjGk0J)
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excellent attention to detail, the little things is what set your restorations off from most, the restored starter and generator are better than new. :thumb:
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excellent attention to detail, the little things is what set your restorations off from most, the restored starter and generator are better than new. :thumb:
Thanks Jim. Try as I might, I still can't quite make it to your level! :bow: But I keep trying. :grin:
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The timer had the typical "cratering" so I chucked it in the lathe and cleaned up the surface. I am fabricating a better clamp for it.
(https://i.postimg.cc/QtfjYyH3/thumbnail-IMG-2361.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vg6RcXrq)
A freshly plated pulley will make it tough to discern the timing marks with a strobe light so I painted the circumference of the inward pulley black and painted the hash marks white.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Vv5mxWCb/thumbnail-IMG-2362.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fS4GXX5w)
Looking good under the cover.
(https://i.postimg.cc/sx8ssGYH/thumbnail-IMG-2363.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8fhqb5nL)
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Guzzis sure have man sized generators! Those dainty little Triumph dynamos have no place here! :laugh:
(https://i.postimg.cc/50vfbS9H/thumbnail-IMG-2366.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k6n0y8b9)
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Sweet Eldo!
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This clamp should do the trick.
(https://i.postimg.cc/zDwk0x9V/thumbnail-IMG-2370.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qgRn7xBT)
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This clamp should do the trick.
(https://i.postimg.cc/zDwk0x9V/thumbnail-IMG-2370.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qgRn7xBT)
Virtually identical to the ones Patrick Hayes made and sold a few of. Work well.
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I get a chuckle out of Mark's notation on the rear drive. :grin:
(https://i.postimg.cc/gJYRtNGq/thumbnail-IMG-2372.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7CWff1Gf)
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Both wheels on the "ground" and wiring has begun. The Bender looms are beyond perfect.
(https://i.postimg.cc/6QRJbfM3/thumbnail-IMG-2374.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CZFQzkTT)
(https://i.postimg.cc/wvpKCRrk/thumbnail-IMG-2376.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/94JNT0C4)
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Carbs in with new jets, slide needles, float needles, and choke valves.
(https://i.postimg.cc/BQNS6Tkj/thumbnail-IMG-2387.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TpLMNDRx)
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Do the carbs have a Zinc looking finish, or is it the picture or my imagination? My 30VHB's look grey.( maybe my crap is just dirty)
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Do the carbs have a Zinc looking finish, or is it the picture or my imagination? My 30VHB's look grey.( maybe my crap is just dirty)
I don't see any evidence of zinc plating, but remnants of yellow dichromate seem to be present.
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Police lighting upgrade from Moto Guzzi Classics.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Jzn1ByCP/thumbnail-IMG-2386.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QH2L2dtT)
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Dichromate!
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The dash has been gone over and ready to go.
(https://i.postimg.cc/VkPv6BKc/thumbnail-IMG-2418.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RNG4pfrP)
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(https://i.postimg.cc/RFxnh48C/thumbnail-IMG-2427.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sBK20dsb)
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Awesome!
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Thanks Jim. Try as I might, I still can't quite make it to your level! :bow: But I keep trying. :grin:
Well…
Someone like me cannot tell the difference.
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I have 2 red, 1 blue, and these 2 amber spot lamps. I prefer the look of amber, but easy to change out and experiment.
(https://i.postimg.cc/FFpxkDS4/thumbnail-IMG-2440.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SjX9wLVT)
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HEY !
How about a video "walk around" ???
Please.
It's too nice to just tease us with a picture now and then.
:bike-037:
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HEY !
How about a video "walk around" ???
Please.
It's too nice to just tease us with a picture now and then.
:bike-037:
Good idea. I will work on that. Until then, this will have to do.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Wb8Jsw3f/thumbnail-IMG-2450.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gnw0DR3v)
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The talented painter and sheet metal repair specialist down the street from me finished the police boxes today. Now for the nerve wracking job of drilling new mounting holes.
There are many police Eldo/Ambos out there, but very few with actual police sheet-metal boxes. Stoked!
(https://i.postimg.cc/P5g00k1W/thumbnail-IMG-2460.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QFq6Ww4C)
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The talented painter and sheet metal repair specialist down the street from me finished the police boxes today. Now for the nerve wracking job of drilling new mounting holes.
There are many police Eldo/Ambos out there, but very few with actual police sheet-metal boxes. Stoked!
That beauty needs to be in a glass bubble.
(https://i.postimg.cc/P5g00k1W/thumbnail-IMG-2460.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QFq6Ww4C)
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Went after it pretty hard this weekend. It is finished, except for bleeding the front brake and first fire. Greg Bender's wiring harnesses were perfect. And his amazing instructions enable success every time if you follow them to a T.
(https://i.postimg.cc/TPMQxVQS/thumbnail-IMG-2462.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/NKDR7r37)
(https://i.postimg.cc/K8gQCq7B/thumbnail_IMG_2461.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/pmRDFB6L)
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Stunning!
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You should park that one in the house. Add track lighting. I'll donate a can of Pledge and a stack of micro fiber towels.
Invite us all over for a look-see. Oh, and a BBQ.
(https://i.ibb.co/xD71QgZ/laughing-baby.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xD71QgZ)
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You should park that one in the house. Add track lighting. I'll donate a can of Pledge and a stack of micro fiber towels.
Invite us all over for a look-see. Oh, and a BBQ.
(https://i.ibb.co/xD71QgZ/laughing-baby.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xD71QgZ)
Now that sounds like a night to remember! HA!
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A long time ago Guzzi eagle tank water slide decals were applied with the eagles flying backward to this bike. Luck was with me as there was no clear coat applied to them. Yesterday I carefully removed the decals and this morning I applied the best available tank decal/sticker that mimics the factory silkscreen perfectly. These "shadow" decal/stickers haven't been made for quite a long time. I was lucky to have found 1 set. I figured this bike deserved correct (as I can make it) forward facing eagles.
(https://i.postimg.cc/g0YrTPJn/thumbnail-IMG-2485.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w1G61ZDp)
(https://i.postimg.cc/8Cts8nJw/thumbnail-IMG-2488.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/wtR9L2ks)
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I can't take my eyes off it...
BTW, given the choices, how did you decide on what seat to put on it?
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I can't take my eyes off it...
BTW, given the choices, how did you decide on what seat to put on it?
This is a true original police solo seat with steel pan. It was with the bike since day one, therefore an easy decision. :laugh:
Originals are very hard to find nowadays. But there are some nice repops of course.
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This is a true original police solo seat with steel pan. It was with the bike since day one, therefore an easy decision. :laugh:
Originals are very hard to find nowadays. But there are some nice repops of course.
Ah, that makes sense...thanks.
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A friend stopped by with his little pup to check out the bike.
(https://i.postimg.cc/MKw7SH9G/thumbnail-IMG-2493.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DmCJQvkV)
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Guzzi does symmetry like no one else.
(https://i.postimg.cc/gjLmtGZF/thumbnail-IMG-2479.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/T5xzpM0C)
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We are finally getting some decent weather for break in up here. 150 miles on it now and it is flawless. Dropped the oil upon return from this morning's 100 mile ride.
(https://i.postimg.cc/brXhFJQw/thumbnail-IMG-29851.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XGgmrnHR)
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Stunning bike.
Did you polish the engine? It's so shiny.
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We are finally getting some decent weather for break in up here. 150 miles on it now and it is flawless. Dropped the oil upon return from this morning's 100 mile ride.
(https://i.postimg.cc/brXhFJQw/thumbnail-IMG-29851.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XGgmrnHR)
Dave -
That's a GREAT picture !
How about some more pictures ?
:gotpics: