What Frame Do I Have? - '73 Eldorado 850

[FrankenGuzzi]

Recently purchased a '73 850 Eldorado that has a 1000cc Convert motor installed. I've been repairing damage from previous ownership and ordered new front crash bars. There is a long (engine mount?) bolt which runs across the engine (circled in red), that does not appear on any photos I've looked up for other '73 Eldorados. The bolt is in the way of the crash bars, and required me to machine slots to accomodate. The old crash bars had a nicely machined slot...my machining wasn't so nice.

So...do I have an Eldorado frame or not? 

[cliffrod]

Later alternator engine block mounts to a Tonti frame through that hole. 

Early generator engine block mounts to that lower hole that you’re only using for the crash bar. 

Mixing early loop frame with later alternator engine means adding a receiver to frame (the black tube welded to frame in your pic at junction of frame downtube and original lower engine mount receiver) so it all works…

[FrankenGuzzi]

(the black tube welded to frame in your pic at junction of frame downtube and original lower engine mount receiver) so it all works…

I examined/stared at it for awhile...the welds and tube sure look factory. It's been added?!

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

It's an Eldorado frame, with new mounts welded on for the Tonti/Convert timing cover.

[JoeW]

Nicely done modification. What front end and fender is on it? I thought there would be an interference issue with the alternator cover, especially with the spacer behind it.

[FrankenGuzzi]

Nicely done modification. What front end and fender is on it? I thought there would be an interference issue with the alternator cover, especially with the spacer behind it.

It's a 36mm fork w/single disc set-up. Not sure what model it's from...still trying to figure this "FrankenGuzzi" out!

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

It's a 36mm fork w/single disc set-up. Not sure what model it's from...still trying to figure this "FrankenGuzzi" out!

Looks like an 850-T front end (or a T3, Convert with a disc removed). Fork tubes would be 35 mm.

[FrankenGuzzi]

Looks like an 850-T front end (or a T3, Convert with a disc removed). Fork tubes would be 35 mm.

I think it is a T3.

35, 36...whatever fits. 

(Yes, you're correct...35mm. I mis-remembered).

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I think it is a T3.

35, 36...whatever fits. 

(Yes, you're correct...35mm. I mis-remembered).

T and T3 front ends are virtually identical, other than perhaps damper and spring length.

Here's my own "Frankenguzzi", given to me by a friend that is in rapidly declining health. The most notable modification is the dual disk front end from a Suzuki GT750. It has later cylinder heads and transmission, but is otherwise pretty standard.







 

[bottler]

Are they DB panniers? Nice looking bike.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Are they DB panniers? Nice looking bike.

Yes, DBs. Looks okay from a distance, up close... not so much. It sat outside uncovered for a few years, so I have lots of damage to undo.