convert-possibly dumb question

[gutzi]

Hello all,
Been thinking about a mid-70's convert.  Havent seen it in person but pics show an essentially complete bike with title, but with cosmetic rust issues all over the place.  Hasnt been run in some time (years).  Some of the rust is serous.  Person selling thinks frame is solid, rust is just cosmetic from sitting.  What kind of price is reasonable?  Know that is the dumb question part.  Know I would be taking a chance, but I probably would not be doing a full restoration, if i buy it.  Just getting it running and maybe clean up with worst of the worst over time.  Your thoughts are most welcome.  O, and BTW, the handlebars have a "scrambler" type cross brace.  Were these standard in some years or does it sound like they were replaced.

Thanks.

[LeRoy]

A non-running Convert with serious rust issues is a bit like buying a pig-in-a-poke. It will almost certainly need more work, parts and sweat equity than you think. The price I would consider paying would be equivalent to the price that could be easily recouped by selling the most desirable parts. In other words, prepare for the worst case scenario. I'd treat it like a parts bike as far as value is concerned. To put a number on it, maybe $500-1000. I'd only go more if there was some clear sign of better value; something like a stash of parts that come along with it.

Even if your intent is to just get it running, you should consider that the transmission's hydraulic side may not be in working order after a  long time sitting. That's a pretty significant tear-down to remedy. By the time you do that, you'll get sucked in to any number of other related jobs. Before you know it, you'll have a few thousand into the project. Think tires, paint, lots of perished rubber parts, carb rebuild at a minimum. At least the engine is robust and unlikely to need significant work other than a chain tensioner for the cam drive.

And, those handlebars are the original type.

If you're considering a Convert, check out Greg Bender's thisoldtractor.com site. Dig around and you'll find a very comprehensive record of his Convert rebuild. It's well worth a look if you're even considering a Convert.

With all that being said, a Convert is a wonderful thing. I'm building one myself!

[fotoguzzi]

LeRoy, you nailed it!  I'm gonna look at a similar example tomorrow (not rusty but partly torn down) and I have $700. in my pocket.

[pehayes]

There is a "convert" specific forum over on yahoo groups.  I'd ask there.  Recent discussion says there are several very nice, running versions available.

Converts are funny motorcycles.  People who don't have them don't want them.  People who do have them seldom part with them.  Hence, the turnover rate is fairly slow.

I'd be leery of a Convert that sat for a long time.  If you count o-rings, gaskets, and seals, that transmission has more than 20 places it could possibly leak and all are exacerbated by age and lack of usage.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I bought one this Summer for $500 in the same condition. "Ran when parked". I'll be parting it out - it's just not logical from a financial point of view to restore one in that condition.

[rodekyll]

If it's not a '75 with stamped driveplate instead of flywheel, if the engine turns over, and it's got a clear title go $500.  If it's the early '75 assume it was parked because either the drive plate or the fluid pump broke.  Assume you'll be replacing both.  If it's a '76 or newer it's more likely to have the heavy flywheel and upgraded fluid pump/camshaft coupler stuff, but you'll still want to disassemble all that stuff and take a look before trying to run it.

[gutzi]

Still learning about these bikes.  How can I check for what kind of flywheel?  I understand there is a timing access hold somewhere?  Where to look?  Thanks

[fotoguzzi]

Right side of bell housing has a rubber plug, same as 5 speeds, in that hole you can see the edge of FW.. If it's one piece with ring gear it's the heavy FW. If thin and ring gear a separate part it's the recalled stamped sheet metal one.
 Light FW:



center one is the recalled FW on left is an EV FW


here's a heavy FW

[Rich A]

I have a '78 Convert for sale. Very good condition, thirty some thousand miles. As winter is approaching and I could use some garage space, I'll sell it for $2500, which is a bargain.

Rich A

[gutzi]

Thanks for the info and the pictures!  Never ceases to amaze me of the depth of knowledge folks on this forum have.   Greatly appreciate the help and advice.  Troll the posts regularly.  Thanks again.

[fotoguzzi]

if you can't tell through the little hole try and capture a picture and post it.

[Perazzimx14]

I bought one this Summer for $500 in the same condition. "Ran when parked". I'll be parting it out - it's just not logical from a financial point of view to restore one in that condition.

I could use a set of side panels and possibly the seat and/or seat pan.

Not in any hurry

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I could use a set of side panels and possibly the seat and/or seat pan.

Not in any hurry

I can help you out with whatever bodywork and electrical stuff you need, I won't be using any of that. Bike is still in the farmer's shed, I won't pick it up until things slow down for him, probably late Oct.

[Groover]

Great replies in this thread. Good job guys!

[Tom]

Where has the bike been sitting?  Relevant question as to the amount of work to get it running.  Outside, inside, what state?  If outside and the bike is in the Phoenix area then it should a minimum of work.  Outside and in the Philadelphia area.  A lot more work.

[gutzi]

Morning all,

Well, i bit the bullet and bought the convert, $500.    Was able to determine the engine is not frozen.  Wasnt quite able to determine what kind of flywheel.  Got some extra parts, including another transmission.  Dont know if that means the exisitng is bad and the last owner was going to replace, or already replaced.  We shall see.  Came with original saddlebags also.  As soon as I can make some room in my garage to start looking at this in more detail, the first obvious parts I need are a seat, handlebars,  and headlight assembly.  Does anyone have these items for potential sale?

I will probabaly need to look at controls later. They are there but questionable as to how good they are. 

More questions to come, i am sure.

Thanks

[LeRoy]

Well, i bit the bullet and bought the convert, $500.    ....    Got some extra parts, including another transmission.  ....  Came with original saddlebags also. 


....  the first obvious parts I need are a seat, handlebars,  and headlight assembly.  Does anyone have these items for potential sale?

The good news is that you got the bike at a price where you won't get hurt too badly. With a few extra parts you also have a bit of extra value built in. Well done. So far.

As to the "needs" list, you shouldn't have any problem with a seat. They come up from time to time on eBay. If I recall, you said that the handlebars on the bike had a crossbar. That sounds original. Unless you plan to change them, you can keep what you have and call it original. As to the headlight shell and rim (as well as the unique rubber gasket between them), that's likely going to set you back rather a lot. The bucket isn't too hard to find but the gasket and rim are very scarce, thanks in large part to Craig Vetter. Vetter fairings required removal of the headlight rim and many were never seen again. If you're patient, you'll eventually find them. If you're ambitious, you can substitute another headlight entirely but you'll then have the challenge of relocating the wiring harnesses and plugs that were integrated in the original headlight shell.

If it will make your job easier, drop me a PM on the WildGuzzi system. Include your full name and mailing address. I'll send you a CD with PDF copies of all the Convert factory manuals (Workshop, workshop supplement, parts and owners manuals). It also contains copies of period ads and brochures, wiring diagrams, how-to procedures and much more Guzzi information. It's free for the asking. The same offer applies to any WildGuzzi member worldwide. Free for the asking.

Finally, I can't emphasize enough how useful you'll find Greg Bendor's website www.thisoldtractor. com. It contains a wealth of general Guzzi information as well as a very well-documented history of his own Convert restoration and rejuvenation. You're certain to find a lot of your questions answered right there.

Good luck and, of course, post some pictures.

[gutzi]

Hello again
I havent had a chance to play with this new OLD convert yet.  May get into it this weekend.  In looking at exploded parts diagrams for the Convert, and some others, it seems as though many parts for the Convert were also used in 850 T, T3, maybe others if I am reading these right.  So, since i will most likely need a bunch of parts over time, is there any way to do a search somewhere using a Convert part number, and see whether it appears on other models as well?  Seems like I saw a site somewhere where you could do that for Jap bikes.  Trying to see if I can expand opportunities to get parts.

BTW, does anyone have original controls, headlight assembly?  Doesn't hurt to ask!  Thanks

[rodekyll]

Yes, there is a lot of interchange on the different models during that era.  You have major differences in power and drive trains, but frame/fork/electricals are largely the same.  Buy Guzziology for the complete story.

The big difference besides transmission/drive train (which is unique) is that the mighty 'vert was the first of the V1000 (liter) bikes.  The others of the early era were 850s, some with drum rear brakes.

[fotoguzzi]

the drive train from the crank shaft to the rear wheel is unique..  (swing arm is same but not the driveshaft/u-joint w/in) the rest is interchangeable with T3 or G5 and SP 1000, also the timing cover is Convert specific, it holds the ATF  pump.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

BTW, does anyone have original controls, headlight assembly?  Doesn't hurt to ask!  Thanks

Will have eventually, but right now the Convert I bought is still in the seller's barn and will remain there until both of us find time to extract it.

[gutzi]

Will have eventually, but right now the Convert I bought is still in the seller's barn and will remain there until both of us find time to extract it.

Thanks.  Please let me know what you have.  I will be needing a seat too, and probably other stuff as I go through it.

[Kentktk]

I have a '78 Convert for sale. Very good condition, thirty some thousand miles. As winter is approaching and I could use some garage space, I'll sell it for $2500, which is a bargain.

Rich A

A bargain? That`s about the most you could get for one.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

A bargain? That`s about the most you could get for one.

Sold my last one back in 2010 for $3500 and it was far from "perfect".

[rodekyll]

Don't pay him no mind, Charlie.  He's just taking his lamest shot at the mighty 'Vert.  I've heard tell that he doesn't really own a bike with a motor, so it's the shit v shinola thing for him.