Orphan Convert Hack, Coming Back

[Vecchio Lupo]

Well gang, Im not 100% sure I belong in major restorations, at least I hope I don't. I just dragged home this 77 Convert that had been set up for sidecar duty. I like sidecars, Ive owned several, but Im not sure this one is going to stay a 3 wheeler. Stored inside a dry garage for 5 years, since the owner passed away, last registered up to 2020, so he must have renewed just before passing. Its not butchered, but it has been disrespected. the lower frame rails have been modified to accept giant HD floor boards, the side stand is gone and parking brake relocated to right side, sidecar mount. Odd pieces are missing but not enough to get angry about. Here are the pictures of just after the unloading and before anything has been done. I have no idea which flywheel it has, or anything else for that matter. After I post this, Im off to secure a battery and start to see what's what. I won't Bragg about price but it was under 2k with a clear title.

[Vecchio Lupo]

Ive been on an eBay shopping spree (careful boy, there are limits) and sourced a side stand , floor boards, and an unmolested pair of lower frame rails (yes,Convert specific) . I also dropped a little bit at MG cycle and Im waiting for Curtis Harper to call me back (It's only been 3 days, Im not worried) So I can ask him a couple stupid questions before I make a bigger parts order with them. I opted for the premium 400ca battery from the distributor rather than the 300ca at autozone since you can't bump start a convert. Lastly Im eventually going to replicate an LAPD bike with lights and police radio, but in regards to windscreen, the Guzzi factory screen looks good. the American HD windscreens look ok and are priced fair, but the mounting escapes me at the moment. I thinking of using the G5/Cal II windscreen because Ive heard great things about it.

[Canuck750]

Your Convert looks to be in real nice shape, just dusty from storage, I bet it cleans up real nice. Good to see the original switch gear and the plastics look pretty good👍

[Scout63]

Looks like a great project.  Luckily for you G5/Convert body parts are at the low end of the MG price scale online. For me it’s the endless drip drip drip of new small parts that drives up restoration costs. Please post many pictures.

[Vecchio Lupo]

PROGRESS REPORT:    The Convert started today, I removed the tank and drained the 5 years old gasoline. Hooked up a fuel source and a fresh battery and it started on choke without much drama, even ran fairly smooth. won't run off choke and carb started puking gas. So...carbs off, kits ordered...utrasonic cleaner fired up and we shall see. ATF was very pink and at correct level, oil was good for a first heat cycle although we did not achieve operating temp. Will try in a few days after carbs are done.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

The ATF shouldn't really be "pink", but rather a burgundy color. Pink means it's been aerated, like when the hex piece driving the ATF pump rounds off. 

[Vecchio Lupo]

I'll take another look and give a better, more accurate report. Thank you for the information. At the time of checking it, the fluid had not been disturbed for at least 5 years. Great catch, thank again.

[bigbikerrick]

I think your project is going to turn out real nice. Its all there ,pretty much. be sure to replace all the ATF hoses, and other rubber bits that are "aged".  I just went through this with a 76 convert I have been restoring. They are fun projects, and very satisfying machines to work on.
I have owned a convert sidecar rig in the past, and they make great tugs. Please post lots of pictures, of your progress, as you restore it.
Rick D.

[Huzo]

Did you drain the old oil and put in new stuff before firing it ?
 I don’t know much about older stuff, but I believe dropping the sump and de lousing it might be a thing to do.

[Vecchio Lupo]

the oil looked and smelled good, so it was my intention to get the motor to cough and sputter, and build up just enough heat to loosen up some crud and junk. I don't need full blown operating temperature but warmed up a bit , then change. That's my plan anyway. I did remove the plugs and crack an oil line to confirm pressure before attempting to start. I just rebuilt the carbs today and Im hoping to start up tomorrow.Then service all fluids.

rebuilt carbs run as new... set the idle and mixtures by ear, settled down nice, smooth, pretty darn close if you ask me. I will actually check it and go through procedure but my money is Great Guzzi...No surprise though, no brakes, I didn't expect any, but it would have ben nice to only flush fluid instead of having to go through calipers and masteercylimders. now that I was able to warm her up a bit, fresh 20/50 dead dinosaurs and trans rear end and converter fluid is after the brakes.

[larrys]

Looks like a great project! The chair looks like a California sidecar. My first Guzzi was a '76 Convert with a different model California sidecar, silver just like yours. Came from an old guys estate, too. It was a good driving rig once I set it up.
Larry

[bigbikerrick]

I was thinking that sidecar may be a Velorex. Nice rig, post some photos as you go through it.
Rick.

[Vecchio Lupo]

The sidecar was indeed a velorex Jawa. I sold it to a very nice fellow who wants to attach it to a triumph. I had to replace the stamped steel flywheel with a NOS cast flywheel. what a tough job that was adjusting the runout on the converter. Thanks to several members here who talked me though it. I finally have all the correct lights and brackets to go back to police trim. I will paint very soon.

[larrys]

I was thinking that sidecar may be a Velorex. Nice rig, post some photos as you go through it.
Rick.

Yeah, you're right. I should know better, had a Velorex 562 on a '69 Bonneville.
Larry