Author Topic: Barn finds ~ What is the worst you have ever started with for a restoration...? (Read 6210 times)

radguzzi · « **on:** February 01, 2016, 05:04:32 PM »

Rolling baskets, not counting carrying home boxes of parts but a complete rolling rescue.

I have always loved bringing these poor things back to life.

What have you rescued...?

This one sat on the coast, salt air and general neglect got to it... can't wait to get started on her.

pehayes · « **Reply #1 on:** February 01, 2016, 05:07:21 PM »

You'll have to search far to beat Mark Etheredge's "TETANUS".

http://www.motoguzziclassics.com/mgctetnus.asp

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

canuck750 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 01, 2016, 05:15:59 PM »

I bought this fine V7 Sport 'project' off Joe W a couple years back, nothing else other than the original title came with it.

with some TLC it turned out like this

Ebay is my friend but my mail man hates me

John Ulrich · « **Reply #3 on:** February 01, 2016, 05:20:08 PM »

Tetanus is the poster child for unique finds. Rob's gets extra points for a rusted thru sidecover.

canuck750 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 01, 2016, 05:42:00 PM »

I should have read the OP more carefully " Rolling Baskets"

My first Guzzi adventure was this lovely specimen of an Eldorado described as a complete and good project,

More like complete piece of s**t, the engine is not painted black, that is decades of Florida salt water that corroded the aluminum, rusted the frame and ate the chrome, under the lovely rattle can paint job as a healthy smattering of bondo and rust.

Time and money can change anything

radguzzi · « **Reply #5 on:** February 01, 2016, 06:40:13 PM »

Quote from: John Ulrich on February 01, 2016, 05:20:08 PM

Tetanus is the poster child for unique finds. Rob's gets extra points for a rusted thru sidecover.

That Swiss Cheese side cover will no doubt be some wall art... lol

canuck,
You do some fine work there sir.

Best,
Rob

Antietam Classic Cycle · « **Reply #6 on:** February 01, 2016, 07:06:32 PM »

Last Winter's projects: http://www.antietamclassiccycle.com/barn_fresh/
Before:

After:

Before:

After: a nice rider, not a garage queen:

My own upcoming project Le Mans 1000:

Kiwi_Roy · « **Reply #7 on:** February 01, 2016, 07:46:02 PM »

My Eldo was found in a damp garage where it had been for at least 15 years with the heads off

It's not what you guys would call a restoration but I love her

She made Miss January on our club Calendar

oldbike54 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 01, 2016, 08:02:37 PM »

Some of you guys are either incredibly brave , or , well , you know

Dusty

drums4money · « **Reply #9 on:** February 01, 2016, 08:14:07 PM »

Quote from: canuck750 on February 01, 2016, 05:15:59 PM

I bought this fine V7 Sport 'project' off Joe W a couple years back, nothing else other than the original title came with it.

with some TLC it turned out like this

Ebay is my friend but my mail man hates me

That's an amazing transformation.
You could just as well say you started off with only a single tank frame cushion. . .

Antietam Classic Cycle · « **Reply #10 on:** February 01, 2016, 08:22:12 PM »

Quote from: canuck750 on February 01, 2016, 05:15:59 PM

I bought this fine V7 Sport 'project' off Joe W a couple years back, nothing else other than the original title came with it.

with some TLC it turned out like this

Ebay is my friend but my mail man hates me

"Barney" started out like this:

No beauty queen (king?) now, but "beauty is as beauty does".

Sheepdog · « **Reply #11 on:** February 01, 2016, 10:08:45 PM »

When I finally got my '67 Royal Enfield Interceptor running, it vibrated so badly I promptly sold it at a loss.

Tom H · « **Reply #12 on:** February 01, 2016, 10:18:24 PM »

Not a barn, but a boat yard.

About 35 years ago my life long friend had a boat in a storage yard while we were working on it. There was a cool looking bike sitting behind another boat. Had no idea what it was, but it looked cool! When the boat owner showed up, I asked him if he would like to sell this bike that was in very rough shape. He said yes. The price was two Miller Lite Beers. So off to the store I went. Back with two beers and now a proud owner of a ?

Way before internet, I found that it was a Guzzi. 1972 Police Eldorado in rough shape. Well it looked like a car engine, so it should be easy to figure out. Heck, I'd been riding a '56 TR6 Triumph, so how hard could it be.

After a bit of cleaning and finding a manual to work on it. I got it started. Decided to take it around the yard and "per the manual", shifted into first gear. I was very sluggish, wow what a dog! Dang, not enough room to shift to second, maybe I'll try? The revs came up???? What???? I was actually starting in 5th gear!!! Hey.... It was my first Guzzi, what did I know.

Now 35 years latter I still have that bike as well as a '70 Ambo that I found for $300 a few years latter. Ambo was in better shape for looks, but need more work. Cleaned and rattle caned the Ambo an few years ago, then with learning how to paint better, did a much better job in the Eldo. Both have the stock paint on the tank though, had to keep something original!

Hope this is of interest,
Tom

Rick4003 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 01, 2016, 11:29:16 PM »

Quote from: Les P on February 01, 2016, 08:30:34 PM

Really nice Sunbeam! I have always fancied those!

John Ulrich · « **Reply #14 on:** February 01, 2016, 11:44:25 PM »

Basket case Astore. Never saw a barn.

Shorty · « **Reply #15 on:** February 02, 2016, 12:22:37 AM »

Groover · « **Reply #16 on:** February 02, 2016, 08:06:46 AM »

As far as motorcycles go, it would be my 1981 V1000 G5 Moto Guzzi

Estate Sale / Auction Day, Spring 2014

Autumn 2015

Markcarovilli · « **Reply #17 on:** February 02, 2016, 08:15:23 AM »

Quote from: Groover on February 02, 2016, 08:06:46 AM

As far as motorcycles go, it would be my 1981 V1000 G5 Moto Guzzi

Estate Sale / Auction Day, Spring 2014

Autumn 2015

that is a beautiful transformation..... .well done.

Mark

steven c · « **Reply #18 on:** February 02, 2016, 08:50:32 AM »

I lost the photos,but it would have to be my 850 LeMans, it was a crash and burn, everything from the gas cap back that would burn or melt did, melted carbs, master cylinder rear tire seat body work just a mess. Also a T-3 that had been lyingon a dirt floor for years WO the heads on it what a mess.

Sasquatch Jim · « **Reply #19 on:** February 02, 2016, 11:32:04 AM »

The absolute worst I ever started with to restore was a brand new Ural Patrol back in 2002.

radguzzi · « **Reply #20 on:** February 02, 2016, 04:27:51 PM »

Nice work you guys, Wow. Some very nice machines came out of near death.

Impressive.

LowRyter · « **Reply #21 on:** February 02, 2016, 05:07:30 PM »

This is the photo from that day I picked up this POS from the son of a Hoosier guy. I haven't gotten much further on the restoration. In fact, it's probably in worse shape since it's been ridden some hard miles.