The resurrection of a Goldwing

[Astroblue]

Hi all!
On Sunday, I finally picked up my Goldwing! For details about it, check out Thoughts on the Gen 1 Goldwing in the General forum.
Anyway, it's a '77 with 47k on the clock, and it's been sitting in my car mechanic's garage the last ten years. The carbs were pulled by the fellow he bought it from, but he chickened out after starting on one of them. With a good friend's help, we got it home, and the restoration begins!



She's dirty and dusty.....



And the seat is an absolute horror....



But with some care and patience, I'll have her back on the road!

[JimmieS]

You are going to keep us informed with words and pictures of how your project bike is coming along right??

Cheers!

[Astroblue]

Originally Posted by JimmieS

You are going to keep us informed with words and pictures of how your project bike is coming along right??
Cheers!

Yes. Every major job I do on the bike will be posted. This week I'm getting all the hydraulics off the bike for overhaul. I'll be re-doing all the flex lines in braided stainless, via a company in Santa Maria that can make new lines from the original fittings.

[motorrad]

Nice Ross. Have fun on your winter project. Can't wait to see her riding along the PCH.

[Astroblue]

Originally Posted by motorrad

Nice Ross. Have fun on your winter project. Can't wait to see her riding along the PCH.

Thanks Tom!
Hopefully soon. I'm ordering a new seat right away, from Corbin since I'm tired of crumbling seat foam falling on what I just cleaned up!

[HUGH]

Dang. Sure is interesting to see the evolution from that to this.

[Astroblue]

Technical question:
When the carbs acted up, a previous owner parked the bike and left the fuel petcock open, which flooded one cylinder with gas. Some of the gas varnished and stuck the piston, but some penetrating oil freed it up and cleaned a lot of it out. Do I need to worry about this with the engine running? I think hot engine oil will flush it out, and my mechanic agrees.
Anybody have similar experiences?

[G8ESCAP]

Had the same situation as that on both an old CB 750 and a GS 1000. Used penetrating oil, let it soak a week. Then rotated the cylinder to the exhaust stroke and stuffed an air hose in the spark plug hole for a couple minutes. Might pull the header and make sure the old gas and oil didn't build up in there too.

[eye.surgeon]

I'm very interested in your project, but part of me wonders if it's worth the money and effort it will take. The best you will get is a very mediocre ride compared to virtually any modern bike. If it's all about nostalgia, go for it.

[akfxdl]

Originally Posted by Astroblue

Technical question:
When the carbs acted up, a previous owner parked the bike and left the fuel petcock open, which flooded one cylinder with gas. Some of the gas varnished and stuck the piston, but some penetrating oil freed it up and cleaned a lot of it out. Do I need to worry about this with the engine running? I think hot engine oil will flush it out, and my mechanic agrees.
Anybody have similar experiences?

Should not be a problem as long as the motor turns over by hand. Just warm her up easy and you will probably get at least 70K miles on it before any major engine work. Gold Wings are famous for lasting forever.
It is really cool you got one in such unmolested shape. Most have had farings and bags added. I remember riding one of that vintage, not a bad scooter.
I think you will have a great time restoring it and an even better time riding it. Prepare for long gasoline fillups as people will want to talk to you about it. Goes with the territory of having a cool old ride!