crack? weld? other?

[turpentyne]

I've spotted a '74 Eldorado project bike I might be tempted to call dibs on, but I'm not sure if I can see a crack in the photo, or maybe it's a weld mark, just dirt? I also couldn't tell what the part was. center stand? part of the brake set-up? frame?

here's the pic that best shows what I'm talking about. I circled it in red:

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

That's just a weld joining the muffler mount/passenger peg "loop" to the swingarm pivot casting.

[roadventure]

That's just a weld joining the muffler mount/passenger peg "loop" to the swingarm pivot casting.

Agreed.  Looks like something that can be repaired by most competent welders.

[Sheepdog]

I doubt that it is cracked. That joint is in compression when a load is applied...

[sidecarnutz]

Looks like battery acid may have gotten to it over time. I'd say inspect it close for cracks and weld if needed.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Agreed.  Looks like something that can be repaired by most competent welders.

I doubt it even needs to be repaired. I've never seen one cracked there, even after being crashed, rear ended or otherwise abused. The loop is a formed tube inserted into the swingarm pivot casting and then either brazed or welded.

[guzzinka]

Why is that spot so shiny?  Could something be contacting there?  Prep for welding?

[fotoguzzi]

More importantly, what are you gonna do about that seat?

[turpentyne]

hahahah! The seat! My gawd! That would be the first thing I nixed for a nice solo spring seat.

but, alas, the bidding's going higher than I expected. I can't decide if it's still within sensible range (for me). Almost 1700 for a non-running bike. I can't decide whether to jump at the last minute, and what's a sensible limit.

The one thing going for me, is shipping cost is cheap. The bikes just an hour drive away. I can get it myself.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1974-Moto-Guzzi-Eldorado/262936465118?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D41375%26meid%3Dfeff29e89b7d4f94866476b082ef74bf%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D8%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D262936465118

[fotoguzzi]

5 days left, that is going to go ALOT higher with a disc brake front end.. maybe try to make a deal outside ebay ?

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

hahahah! The seat! My gawd! That would be the first thing I nixed for a nice solo spring seat.

but, alas, the bidding's going higher than I expected. I can't decide if it's still within sensible range (for me). Almost 1700 for a non-running bike. I can't decide whether to jump at the last minute, and what's a sensible limit.

The one thing going for me, is shipping cost is cheap. The bikes just an hour drive away. I can get it myself.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1974-Moto-Guzzi-Eldorado/262936465118?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D41375%26meid%3Dfeff29e89b7d4f94866476b082ef74bf%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D8%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D262936465118

It's a disc Eldo, so expect bidding to go quite a bit higher than a drum-brake Loop. This is one of the more rare variations of Eldos - a "civilian" (pegs vs. 'boards, dual instruments) disc-brake bike. Guessing someone added the police crashbar and sidestand at some point.

Apparently it'll need a rear drive along with all of the "usual" stuff.

[turpentyne]

Ah, good point. I know Eldos/Ambos with the police dash can cost more. I hadn't factored in the brakes.

I guess I never thought about reaching out to make a deal outside of Ebay. I sent the seller an email... never hurts to ask, right?

I should add, he modified his posting when somebody asked about the driveshaft. His first version just said "missing final drive" and nothing more.