76 Convert Restoration

[Dave Swanson]

GT Motors in Lansing, Michigan sold a lot of Guzzis in the old days.  Knowing that Larry Klien sold this bike when new makes it all the more special.  Larry Klien died on March 9. 2015.  He was snorkeling in the Virgin Islands and evidently had a medical event during.

[Turin]

There's nothing like being able to trace a bikes history.

[Dave Swanson]

Greg Bender's wiring looms were installed.  Everything worked perfectly from the first power up!  This is a testament not only to the stellar quality of Greg's work, but also to the extensive collection of assembly photos and documentation on his website (This Old Tractor)  that clarified any questions I had.  By following Greg's advice to approach this task, which seems intimidating starting out,  one section at a time it went very smoothly.

[Mwether]

Dave, your restos are absolute works of art.

They are inspiring and satisfying to watch from a distance; I can't imagine how rewarding it is to execute them in real life.

Bravo, sir! 

[Dave Swanson]

It's running very well!  Of course a road test is yet to come.  Hopefully that is as successful.

This video was taken after setting the timing with a strobe, and balancing the carbs with a Harmonizer.

https://youtu.be/jfNGRLsGJz0?si=2pCDZ4Iov02z1H6H

[Dave Swanson]

I have an exposed lower level in the back of my house which is where my basement shop resides.  I drive them in and out, but not when the yard is soggy from rain.  With the deluge yesterday and a heavy rain forecast today, getting out for the road testing may take a few days. 

[inditx]

Beautiful Dave! 

[bmc5733946]

Larry would love it!

Larry and I talked about building a triple disc brake Eldovert many times over the years. We also talked about building a blue and white Italian police Convert. I have an early Convert that is a long term project headed in the blue and white direction. Definitely won't be as nice as Dave's work but I hope it's close.

Brian

[Dave Swanson]

When I stare at this bike and remember what it took to get from the before to the after it is mind boggling. 

[Dave Swanson]

There was 15 miles of pure bliss!  2 of my friends rode it and marveled at it.  I followed them on a 3 mile loop and the Convert was looking amazing - very stately.  When back at the house I put the Convert on the center stand, started it up,  and all of a sudden it started leaking ATF from places it should never leak from.  Most notably from the rear clutch pushrod area.  There was not a drop on the floor before starting it.  At least it waited until it was back home.  The ATF started pouring out so fast it would have been trailer time. 

I finally (ahem) got to experience the wonderful Tonti feature of crabbing the frame!

I will report back when I find the culprit.

[Pescatore]

What a bummer.  At least fresh atf is not corrosive,
and hopefully it didn't get on rubber bits.