Le Mans 3 rebuild & restore

[jerryS]

Hi everyone,

I hope I got the right category.. I'm sure someone will move this post if not..

This is my first proper post here. I'm based in NZ. I've had a variety of Italian bikes many years ago (Jota, Darmah etc..). In a fit of nostalgia, I bought a mostly original '83 LM3 a while back and finally getting into my 'project bike'.
I'm owner #3. The first owner bought it new in Italy and drove it down to NZ with his wife apparently.
I'm doing a complete strip and rebuild with the goal of restoring the bike keeping it as original as possible without getting anal about it.. so a complete strip, respray and fix some mechanical issues.

I have trawled this forum and others for info and I have to say, I'm slightly better informed, but still unsure of the 'right' direction on some issues.

The forks have no damping, so I suspect I'm up for replacement dampers and maybe springs. Can someone give me the pros & cons of FAC vs Bitubu dampers. I've read reports of a. too stiff, b. takes 100's of km to 'bed in', c. too soft and bottoming out. I have no complaints about the current spring preload (I'm 90kg), but maybe new springs would 'freshen' the ride? It's always possible (but unlikely) that the existing dampers can be salvaged.. I'll know more when I get them apart. I welcome your thoughts.

I have other questions.. I need a clutch replacement, but that's a way down the track.. Head gaskets are leaking, so I'll pop the pots and replace the rings while I'm in there.

Is there anything else I should consider replacing as a matter of course whilst it's in bits? (It's done 55k km)





Thanks for your time - Jerry

[Dave Swanson]

it appears to be a fine example to be starting with!

I am sure the complete strip will show you what it needs.  If going that far, be sure to check the health of the bottom end and clean out the crank sludge trap. 

Is the hand painted accents on the wheel webs staying?   

AND, welcome to WG!  May your stay be long and fruitful. 

[jerryS]

Thanks Dave,
I'll be sure to do that.
Did you mean the red pinstripes on the wheels? .. I assumed that was standard Is that not so?.. I like it so I'll probably keep it.. adds a flash of colour without being too OTT

[Dave Swanson]

Thanks Dave,
I'll be sure to do that.
Did you mean the red pinstripes on the wheels? .. I assumed that was standard Is that not so?.. I like it so I'll probably keep it.. adds a flash of colour without being too OTT

The painted webs are not standard.  It was something the prior owner dreamed up.  If you like them, that's all that counts.   

[Turin]

I have a III. The previous owner powder coated the wheels black, from gold. I'm done with restorations and projects. Your bike looks pretty darn nice. I'd fix what's wrong and just ride it!

[jerryS]

Thanks Turin, and yeah, I'm rapidly coming to the same conclusion.. stepping back a bit from a complete respray.. the frame is actually pretty good.. I might still do the body panels tho
Your III looks great. .the black wheels and black headers really work.
Jerry

[Turin]

My bike was re-sprayed. Up close the engine cases and frame are full of patina.

[wirespokes]

At 55,000 kilometers I'd think the engine is just broken in. The rings are so easy to replace, I'd wait till they're needed in another 100K.

I didn't know the newer, oil filter, bikes had a sludge trap to clean out. That's news to me.

[jerryS]

Well, I've taken the heads off now to fix, leaking gaskets, so may as well do the rings.. I do wonder about the mileage though as there seems to be quite a lot of lateral play in the valve guides. . I'll take it to a head specialist to an opinion on this.. Does anyone have any wisdom on how much play is too much?