Bringing a 78 GS 550 back to life. . .

[Guest]

I'm looking forward to restoring this neglected GS 550 back to life. For this bike, unlike the Honda's that have come and gone, I want to bring it back to stock and keep it. Being retired, I enjoy spending the winter months having a project. This bike has good compression, just needs some time and attention.

 

[Guest]

So, the tank isn't in too bad a shape. I've seen worse. Using electrolysis to pull out the rust.

View attachment 56628

 

[Guest]

The tank has a few dings in it. It's Bondo time!

 

[Guest]

Primed and ready for paint in a few months. I won't paint this until I have the bike put back together.

View attachment 56630

 

[Guest]

The motor has good compression. I just want to clean the carbon off the pistons, clean, paint the top end and polish the side covers to make it look pretty.

View attachment 56631

 

[steve murdoch]

Having the stock exhaust in what looks to be great shape is a big bonus.
Good luck with the resto.

 

[Guest]

Buffing up side covers is the look I'm going for. I need to figure out how to post multiple photos in one reply.

View attachment 56632

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

I need to figure out how to post multiple photos in one reply.

In order to post up to 10 images in one post you need to use an image hosting site like flikr or imgur to host your photos. From either site, copy the BBcode for the image you want to post and paste that into your post. No need to use the little picture icon in the post tool-bar. It's a pain, but once you get used to doing it that way, it's fine. Using one of those sites (there are others,too) is the only way to post multiple pics in one forum post here at theGSR.

 

[Guest]

Thanks Rich. Yeah I figured that's what was needed. I use to use Flickr, but things got weird after SmugMug bought them out.

 

[GSXR7ED]

Cool story and good pics. Thanks for sharing!


Ed

 

[Guest]

This bike has been dropped a couple of times in its' life. The carbs tell the story. . .

But, inside they just need a good soak in carb dip.

 

[Guest]

Here's 3 bikes brought back from the dead. . .

Honda CB360

Honda CB 350 (Yes, I sold it a long time ago). I really like this "Black Cherry" color and will paint the GS 550 this same color.

And a Honda CB 350F

 

[scratch]

That "Black Cherry" color is killer... How are you going to approach that banged up throat on the #4 carb? or is there enough left to still get a airbox pipe clamped on tight without messing with it too much?

 

[steve murdoch]

That looks more like pry-bar damage than crash damage on those carbs.
If the previous owner was that ham-fisted with the carbs no doubt you will be finding some "gems" elsewhere on the bike.

 

[Guest]

Yeah I haven't tried fitting these to the airbox yet. I'll check that soon. One way or another I'll make it work. I assumed that this damage is from falling since it's only on the outside carbs. Since I'm retired I'm trying to do things on a budget. But! One thing I did spend money on was a new wiring harness from Sparck Moto. Matt over at dotheton.com is a master at creating these. Included is an upgraded R/R.

That color is the bomb Steve. We'll see how she looks in a couple of months.

 

[Guest]

As expected the airbox rubber is a little hard in spots, but I believe it might work. Just have to finagle it with a little TLC.
I haven't checked my Clymer manual, but for all I know this might be installed upside down. I'll check it when the time comes.

 

[Guest]

Stripping down frame parts for paint with HF blaster kit. This works for small hard to reach areas, but would recommend Aircraft paint stripper 1st.

This kit is only $30, so not a big expense. Worked "ok" with my HF 2.5 HP 125 psi compressor.

After a tack cloth and tarp on the floor I'm ready to paint with auto body urethane. Gloss black single stage paint. Should do the trick.

 

[Guest]

Sprayed all the black. This should motivate me to start cleaning up and painting the engine, VHT - 127 Gray.

So far, so good, but a long way to go. . .

I like the shiny bits next to the black. . .

 

[Jrgunn5150]

Wow, you've made a ton of progress! Looking fantastic!

 

[Guest]

Thanks JR. This part of the project is "easy". Getting it wired and running is the challenge. We'll see how it goes.