Drew's 850 L Restoration

[jsandidge]

So, the GS did great for me this past riding season. I've decided to give her some love. I'll post progress pics as I go. Here she sat last weekend.





And here she sits today.

 

[Nessism]

What's the plan? Looks like you have a nice starting point.

 

[jsandidge]

What's the plan? Looks like you have a nice starting point.

I'll be keeping it mostly stock. Upgrade the suspension, she's a bit soft. Still researching paint for the frame. Kinda ruled out powdercoat due to the cost. Engine will be soda blasted and painted with VHT universal aluminum. Polish the cases, etc. I'm thinking about doing a somewhat custom paint job on the tank and covers, probably do the fenders to match. And then, a new pit replica seat cover. Should be fun!

 

[Higgibaby]

Good luck with the resto...look forward to seeing your progress!

 

[londonboards]

If my resto ends up looking anything like yours does before you've started, I'll be a happy man.

You are certainly going to set the standard with this one.

Good luck and greetings

 

[jsandidge]

If my resto ends up looking anything like yours does before you've started, I'll be a happy man.

Thanks for the kind words. As I was posting those pics, I was thinking how they made the bike look a lot better than it really does. She really looks tired up close. I'll be posting before and after pics of all the bits as I go.

Drew

 

[eil]

I'll be following with interest. Agree with Richard, it's a pretty nice starting point for a project! Looks like a beauty queen as she sits compared to my 850GL! I've been tossing around the idea of a light restoration on it, but if it happens it won't be any time real soon. (At least a year or two away, maybe more.)

 

[jsandidge]

Has anyone had experience with a soda blaster like this? I plan to look at it tomorrow.

http://norfolk.craigslist.org/tls/4770366477.html

 

[jsandidge]

So, I was hoping to start soda blasting today, but ran into a snag. The blaster I bought from CL was missing the pickup tube. Hopefully, I'll be able to get it through HF. If not, I'll have to fabricate one. Took off work this upcoming week to get something done on this project. I'm anxious to get going!

 

[Rob S.]

As I was posting those pics, I was thinking how they made the bike look a lot better than it really does. She really looks tired up close.

Don't worry - a lot of our bikes look better in pics than live and up close.

 

[jsandidge]

Well, Harbor Freight officially sucks when it comes to parts. They don't supply any parts for my soda blaster, even though it is the current model they are selling. Guess I'll be fabricating a pickup tube.

 

[Rover]

Good luck with the project.
That carpet really brings the room together (big lebowski)

 

[jsandidge]

Good luck with the project.
That carpet really brings the room together (big lebowski)

Haha, yeah. The wife wanted a new one for the living room. Instead of throwing the old one away, I moved it to the garage. It does make it more comfortable when I have to lay down beside the bike (no lift).

 

[GSX1000E]

I moved it to the garage. It does make it more comfortable when I have to lay down beside the bike (no lift).

It also helps in finding dropped parts while keeping them from rolling away.

 

[jsandidge]

On with the blasting! A 20" section of 1/4" OD copper tube and some strategically drilled holes and it works! Easily took the factory coating off of the motor mounts down to bare steel. Doesn't do much on rust though. Now if it will just stop raining...

 

[eil]

Can you post a link to the HF soda blaster you're using for reference? The CL ad has been taken down.

 

[jsandidge]

Can you post a link to the HF soda blaster you're using for reference? The CL ad has been taken down.

This is the one I'm using.

http://www.harborfreight.com/15-lb-portable-soda-blaster-60802-9946.html

 

[jsandidge]

Well, not much to report as of yet. I ditched the blaster in favor of a regular sandblast gun that I've had forever. I should have tried that first! Started using that with the soda in a 5 gallon bucket. It was working ok, but as stated before, the soda does good on paint but not rust. Decided to use some aluminum oxide that I already had on hand. That does work wonders on the paint and rust. Got the centerstand down to bare metal easily. I'll be using that on all the steel, and soda on the aluminum including the motor.

 

[jsandidge]

Here's some progress. The before shot of the swingarm shows some of the rust I'm dealing with. Everything is solid though.

 

[jsandidge]

Partway done with the frame.