78 E Resto

[mack]

I know my signature says I'm in the process of a restoration of a 78E but I haven't posted anything on the progress. Well here is what I was able to do before I had to give up my shop to my daughter and grand son. I should be back at it soon.
http://youtu.be/_oiAFuZ_j7I

[DGXSER]

You were a busy boy Mack. I would think the disassemble phase is completed. Now on to lots of cleaning and cleaning and cleaning. For as nice as the paint and most of the exterior looked, the internals definitely showed it sat outside for a long time.

[Aches n Pains]

Mack,

You've got way more courage than I have.

Also working on a 78E but I think I've got a better starting point than you. Probably paid more as well. I'll be very interested in your progress.

Expect to be starting on an 81 in the near future as well. Damn I love these bikes.

Aches n Pains (Doug)

[Petersg_99]

From the pictures the paint looks like it wasn't in bad shape, but the pictures of the rusty tank interior, the carbs and intakes look like the bike was sitting outside for quite awhile. Was that water in the cylinders?

[crazy steve]

Paint isn't OEM.... That's a semi-close attempt at stock, but the color is off and the striping is different.

I'm surprised at how good the chrome is, given the rustiness of the rest of the bike. And other than missing the OEM exhaust, pretty complete.

[mack]

You

are correct Steve, a close look reveals that the paint job was substandard. Lots of rust bubbles at corners and trim locations. I've stripped everything and prep'd for paint. Haven't sellected a colour yet. Thinking of a deep candy apple with course gold flake with gold pin stripe. # mabe 4 coats of clear to put depth to the candy red. I picked up a pacifico fairing last year from Tom with a bent bracket. It was cracked at the mounting flange from front to back. I got that repaired and you can hardly tell it was ever damaged. The paint will make it look new again. The bracket was a different story. Had a bitch of a time straightening it. Lots of heat and force. I can't get it perfect, but it will be good enough. I also got some old hard bags from Huron 52. They will look great once painted to match the rest.
The tank had numerous holes in it, so thats been soldered and sanded several times now to get it right. I couldn't garantee the overflow tubes integrity so I just plugged the hole and made the inlet and outlet invisable. Both front and rear fenders were bent, folded really. Andreas had a couple primo replacements. I've picked up a full set of stock pipes off Fleabay for $176 US. Left side has a small hole right at the end. Looks like it was punctured by something. But other than that the look real good. Found a complete seat as well, but I'm going to update the upolstery to saddle style and maybe I can get the wife to ride on this one rather than the big XVZ wet sponge type handle bike I got at the same time. The XVZ is OK but just doesn't have the response of an XS11.
Doug I did my 81 last year. It was a lot of work but this E is taxing my time, patience and pocket book. So much water damage inside and out.

[mack]

Proof Reading

Geez, I have to start proof reading my stuff before click submit, my last one was almost unreadable.

[bikerphil]

the big XVZ wet sponge type handle bike

What does this mean, the suspension is set up too plush on those?

[Schming]

Hi Mack, Heck of an undertaking Ya got ahead of You.

You most likely know to check the lower frame for integrity on a weathered bike eh ?

[mack]

Xvz

I had to leave the house and drive the kids someplace so that entry was done in real haste. What I was saying was that it's a 1200 v4 and weighs close 900 pounds. When you roll on the throttle it doesn't snap like an 1100 in line four. Completely lacks the agility of the 11's but on the bright side, it is stable on the open road. My heart will always be with the 11's, I'm anxious to see how the E with a touring package will handle.
Schming, The frame looks ok but I'll have a good look after it's blasted with walnut shells.