18 Years Ago I Dragged Home a Convert

[Dave Swanson]

18 years ago I got the bug to have a Convert due to all the Convert talk right here on WG.  I found one with only 11,000 miles in Saginaw, Michigan, a 400 mile drive one way.  My daughter went with me to collect it.  It had been sitting for years.  The brakes were dragging and it looked pretty rough in person, but I handed over the $1800 and brought it home. 



There were many bike restorations that had a higher priority than the Convert so it just sat, and sat, and sat.  It was never completely ignored as I would buy parts for it from time to time, such as a wiring harness from Greg Bender.



A year and a half ago I finally tore the bike down, and found it to be nastier than I had imagined.  It was obviously ridden on Michigan roads when salt was out as it was very crusty for a bike with 11K miles.



This was a very labor intensive restoration every last piece of this bike required attention.  The up side to all this was being able to finally delve into the mysteries of the Convert drive train.



Reassembly began in earnest over a year ago, but again the Convert was sidelined for 2 other major bike projects.



This spring/summer was the Converts time!  It is essentially complete and has had its first engine runs.  I must say it is running sweetly!   Road tests to begin soon.



A short running video from yesterday after timing with a strobe, and balancing the carbs with a Harmonizer.

https://youtu.be/jfNGRLsGJz0?si=OnCzOmK0HlYqE7i0

[n3303j]

Sweet! I want to do that (but wife gets in the way).
I am intrigued by the Convert.

[Moparnut72]

Me too but due to age I am moving to smaller bikes. I am however working on ways to be able to keep riding the Mandello otherwise the V7 will be my main ride until I "graduate" to a Vespa.
kk

[jhem68]

The Iowa rally this weekend would be a great opportunity for a road test. And if that's too soon, then there is always the Wisconsin rally coming up!

The Convert that I picked up a few years ago has unexpectedly turned into my primary ride.


John H

[Gliderjohn]

You do great work Dave!
GliderJohn

[radguzzi]

Stellar work as usual, Dave.  You put my Convert Refresh to shame.

What a beauty.

rad__

[Dave Swanson]

Break in is finally underway for my 1976.  We've had a respite from the brutally hot weather today and the Convert performed very well.   Only about 20 miles of varied riding today, but it was satisfying and a relief to not see any drips upon returning.

[guzzisteve]

Nice bike to ease on up to Wisconsin Rally, going on now at a state real close to you. Ride Safe.

[Sykestone8886]

Great work Dave , what a beauty!!

[Chuck in Indiana]

Nice piece of work. Attaboy! 

[Cam3512]

SPECTACULAR!

[bmc5733946]

Dave, and anyone else for that matter, just so that you know I have original GT MOTORS stickers (the last version, green, white, red ) for replacement if needed. I also have some LEK memorial stickers. Both are free. I would like the stickers to go to those who knew Larry and his shop. If anyone has a damaged sticker and needs one, just pm me an addy.





Brian