76 Convert Restoration

[Dave Swanson]

The Convert has taken a temporary back seat to more pressing matters.



22 years ago I had a 1998 916 that I loved.  I have thought about another from time to time and I figured I'm not getting any younger, so why not.



I found this 1995 with 3700 miles.  It has spent the last 12 years in a living room, and needs a proper reawakening that these race bikes deserve.  After a little 1100 mile drive to pick it up I am well on my way towards having it recommissioned.

[SevenSport]

Hi Dave (and any other Convert owners following...)

First of all can I say how reassuring it is to find someone with more bikes in their garage than me.  I will tell my wife.  I am undertaking a '78 Convert rebuild here in the UK but I'm short of a seat mounting bracket.  I was scouring the internet for images good-enough to allow me to make one and found this picture of your bike.  Sorry to trouble you, but is there any chance you could help me identify the width and thickness of the steel used to form this hoop?  I am guessing from the images something like 20mm by 5mm.  Any dimensions would be gratefully received.

Simon

[Dave Swanson]

Hi Dave (and any other Convert owners following...)

First of all can I say how reassuring it is to find someone with more bikes in their garage than me.  I will tell my wife.  I am undertaking a '78 Convert rebuild here in the UK but I'm short of a seat mounting bracket.  I was scouring the internet for images good-enough to allow me to make one and found this picture of your bike.  Sorry to trouble you, but is there any chance you could help me identify the width and thickness of the steel used to form this hoop?  I am guessing from the images something like 20mm by 5mm.  Any dimensions would be gratefully received.

Simon

Simon,  I hope these help.  Call Curtis at Harpers.  He may have one. 

[SevenSport]

Many thanks for the photos and the dimensions Dave.  I took your advice and called Harpers, and they did indeed manage to supply me with one.  Thanks again, sorry to trouble you.  Best regards, Simon

[Dave Swanson]

The Ducati is finished and runs like  raped ape. 

Back to the Convert.

[Dave Swanson]

As with everything else on the bike the brake system was the nastiest and gnarliest I have seen.  I thought the calipers were a lost cause and almost binned them because they were so crusty looking.  I thought I would never get the pucks out.  But pushing them in all the way, dripping Kroil in the seam along with wire brushing the crud, and healthy application of 120 ft lbs of air got all but 1 of the pucks moving.  The final puck needed the grease gun treatment.

With new pads, seal kit, and pucks it was still expensive at $72 per caliper, but a lot cheaper than going for replacement calipers.

[Dave Swanson]

From uber crusty to this.  Quite satisfying.

[Dave Swanson]

Its summertime and there are many options other than wrenching on the Convert.  I have stopped in to peck away at it from time to time though.  Brakes are done except fluid.  The carbs were thoroughly cleaned and reinstalled along with new cables. 

[kballowe]

Dang !  Even the lift is shiny !

Can't wait to see more progress !

 

[Sprouty115]

  I'm in!

[ahoward125]

Don't know what happened but the photos are not showing up on the 3ed page of this epic adventure!
I am refreshing a 1980 Convert and I came here looking for inspiration.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Don't know what happened but the photos are not showing up on the 3ed page of this epic adventure!
I am refreshing a 1980 Convert and I came here looking for inspiration.

I can see them.

[ahoward125]

If I click on the box with the broken link symbol it takes me to the image... didn't know you could do that.

edit

Aaaaand now they are all there.... how strange, but what an amazing restoration.