GS 550 Cafe - Project Lazarus

[SecuritySheep]

Hi All,

As I've said in my intro post I recently inheritied/liberated from the bottom of the garden my granfdfathers 1978 (potentially 1979) GS550. The idea is to make it look like Project Dorris (because that bike is sooo pretty) in shape but in British Racing Green and with different details.

I hope to do all of this by December next year (2014) for my grandads 80th birthday.

It is in a terrible state!



It doesnt run, frame is rotten in places and the rear brake is seized...

Ive had it two weeks and have made a start



Waiting on a new coil as I belive that was the weak link in it starting.

Once it runs I will strip everything off of the frame and take all the paint off. Feel there will have to be a decision about sourcing a new frame at that point.

I've never done this before and so will require help/encouragement/cajoling. If anyone is in Birmingham and has experience and fancies helping out I'll supply all the tea and biscuits you could want! Plus you can have dibs on any surplus parts which are salvageable.

[SecuritySheep]

Help!

Swapped out the dodger coil and till no spark on 2 & 3 so thought I'd swp out condensers. Easy....

Stupid question but which wires go where? I now have no spark on any cylinders!

[SecuritySheep]

Ok figured out the wiring and have spark back at 1/4. Have changed coil, condenser and set points but still have no spark at 2/3.

Why?!?!

[SecuritySheep]

Ok so have decided to take a different approach to this re-build.

Have decided to stop trying to get the engine to run at the stage. Instead I'm going to fully strip it, lean the parts I'm keeping and re-build.

So here's the bike after a bit more spannering



I even found acorns in the sprocket cover!



Will keep this updated as progress is made

[GateKeeper]

Good luck on your rebuild....

However you should have gotten the motor running, what's the point of doing a restore if the bike won't run.

I just started another rebuild after buying a non runner, but the first thing was to get the bike running, too me it makes it worth while then...

.

[SecuritySheep]

Decided on this method because it will only not start due to an electrical problem.

It was always going to get a complete new loom so why waste time, money and effort at the stage if the re-build on solving the problem?

Sort of trying to convince myself there...

At the moment I've only whipped out the carbs for cleaning so might put it back together and have another go at getting it started.