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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Farmer Dan on May 11, 2016, 11:19:41 AM

Title: Finished my Eldorado restoration
Post by: Farmer Dan on May 11, 2016, 11:19:41 AM
First a little history.  My Father bought the bike new in April 1972.  Here is a picture of him getting ready to leave for Sturgis, SD.

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y279/farmerdan/1972%20Moto%20Guzzi%20Eldorado%20Rebuild/Moto%20Guzzi%20Eldorado%201972%201_zpsb7fzxt5q.jpg)

I got the bike from his brother in 2010, He said it was complete, he lied.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y279/farmerdan/1972%20Moto%20Guzzi%20Eldorado%20Rebuild/02.jpg)

According to my records I had to find a total 104 parts with a total investment of $3,823.00.  Sadly the original bags and fairing did not survive.  Not to bad for a fully restored Eldo.
Here is a picture from last weekend.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y279/farmerdan/1972%20Moto%20Guzzi%20Eldorado%20Rebuild/8May2016_zpsikevjcco.jpg)
The restoration cost more than I thought it would and took longer than I thought it would but the end result is classic machine that I just love riding and you can't put a price on the sentimental value.  Going to take a trip to Northern Michigan on Father's day so Dad and I can go for a ride.
Title: Re: Finished my Eldorado restoration
Post by: normzone on May 11, 2016, 12:02:38 PM
Wow, does that ever bring back memories - that was my first Moto Guzzi year and model. I just love the look of disbelief people give that bike when they see it.

Very nice...have fun.

 :laugh:
Title: Re: Finished my Eldorado restoration
Post by: cruzziguzzi on May 11, 2016, 12:07:43 PM
How cool to have your Pop's from-new motorcycle!

If you send me a photo of the bags you want, I'll put them in my wish-folder for when I go down to our giant local salvage yard. I climb through their vintage bags racks every time I go down. The fairing is unlikely though - down there.



Todd.
Title: Re: Finished my Eldorado restoration
Post by: twowings on May 11, 2016, 12:11:36 PM
What a treasure!  I hope I get to see it in person sometime... :thumb: Mighty sharp Goose!!
Title: Re: Finished my Eldorado restoration
Post by: Demar on May 11, 2016, 12:12:51 PM
Nice job and very cool to bring your dad's bike back to life. Enjoy the miles. When your face hurts you will realize you've been smiling too much.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Finished my Eldorado restoration
Post by: Guzzer on May 11, 2016, 12:18:43 PM
How fun!  A great bike glowing with family history!  Great job on the rebuild!
Title: Re: Finished my Eldorado restoration
Post by: Guzzistajohn on May 11, 2016, 01:20:55 PM
That's great! Nice work! :thumb:
Title: Re: Finished my Eldorado restoration
Post by: canuck750 on May 11, 2016, 01:45:56 PM
NICE! :bow:
Title: Re: Finished my Eldorado restoration
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on May 11, 2016, 01:49:32 PM
How cool to have your Pop's from-new motorcycle!

If you send me a photo of the bags you want, I'll put them in my wish-folder for when I go down to our giant local salvage yard. I climb through their vintage bags racks every time I go down. The fairing is unlikely though - down there.



Todd.

And if you're looking for a Wixom fairing, I have a white one in very good condition. Cheap.
Title: Re: Finished my Eldorado restoration
Post by: segesta on May 11, 2016, 02:07:56 PM
I just think it's awesome that your dad rode to Sturgis wearing a necktie.
Title: Re: Finished my Eldorado restoration
Post by: Dave Swanson on May 11, 2016, 02:14:53 PM
Nice job, and good keeping it in the family!
Title: Re: Finished my Eldorado restoration
Post by: Tom H on May 11, 2016, 03:23:49 PM

(http://thumb.ibb.co/bRPwFa/20160511_131603.jpg) (http://ibb.co/bRPwFa)


Looks like a nice job on your bike!!

One day I'll get my tank done!

Tom
Title: Re: Finished my Eldorado restoration
Post by: oldbike54 on May 11, 2016, 04:22:33 PM
 I still say your Dad is Keenan Wynn  :laugh: Great job Dan  :bow:

 Dusty
Title: Re: Finished my Eldorado restoration
Post by: Farmer Dan on May 11, 2016, 04:45:46 PM
What a treasure!  I hope I get to see it in person sometime... :thumb: Mighty sharp Goose!!
How cool to have your Pop's from-new motorcycle!

If you send me a photo of the bags you want, I'll put them in my wish-folder for when I go down to our giant local salvage yard. I climb through their vintage bags racks every time I go down. The fairing is unlikely though - down there.

The picture I posted is the only picture I have of the original bags.  They got ran over by a farm tractor so I can't tell anything from the pieces I dug out of the ground.  Dad said the dealer used bags that were marked for a Honda if that helps any.
Title: Re: Finished my Eldorado restoration
Post by: Farmer Dan on May 11, 2016, 04:49:25 PM
And if you're looking for a Wixom fairing, I have a white one in very good condition. Cheap.
Original fairing was a Wixom, I have a picture of the tag on the inside of it.  It stopped the tractor that ran over the bags LOL. How much you asking for it?  I suppose a can of black paint would make it match the bike.
Title: Re: Finished my Eldorado restoration
Post by: Zoom Zoom on May 11, 2016, 05:05:34 PM
The bike looks great! :thumb: The story makes it all the better.

I cannot comment on the trunk in the original picture, but the side bags on the old photo appear to be period Harley bags. Check e bay for vintage Harley bags and see if what you find looks like what was on the bike back then.

John Henry

Title: Re: Finished my Eldorado restoration
Post by: jbell on May 11, 2016, 05:29:59 PM
Your Dad was a dapper gent, indeed.  Great job on resto.  I can't begin to imagine what you must feel when riding it but I'm sure it far exceeds the value of the Guzzi.  Well done.
Title: Re: Finished my Eldorado restoration
Post by: cwiseman on May 11, 2016, 07:01:36 PM
I agree the bags look like shovel head era H-D bags. I've got a pair of them that I plan on installing onto a V7 for Heather.
Title: Re: Finished my Eldorado restoration
Post by: Farmer Dan on May 11, 2016, 07:27:55 PM
I cannot comment on the trunk in the original picture, but the side bags on the old photo appear to be period Harley bags. Check e bay for vintage Harley bags and see if what you find looks like what was on the bike back then.

Good eye John!  Those are indeed Harley bags.  Did a little search and seems they were available 1963 to 84.  I still have the trunk but it looks funny without the bags.  Now I know what I'm looking for. Thanks
Title: Re: Finished my Eldorado restoration
Post by: Farmer Dan on May 11, 2016, 07:30:49 PM
I still say your Dad is Keenan Wynn  :laugh: Great job Dan  :bow:

 Dusty

LMAO I think you may be onto something Dusty.