Detroit Venturer Project

[kboehringer]

Update?

Mike,
What's up with the Venturer today?
Kurt

[Radioguylogs]

Mike,
What's up with the Venturer today?
Kurt

I am still working on the tank.

I managed to get the cracks leveled. Then I put on 2 layers of 2k clear coat, sanding in between to get a homogeneous surface.

Next I successfully applied the decals. Now I'm layering the clear coats to smooth the deals and protect them. I have [2 coat then sanding] +[another 2 coats and sanding] done.

I am thinking I'm going to need [2 more coats then sanding], then a thin final coat.

Finally, I'll have to figure out what works to polish this stuff. I did a trial polishing spot tonight and I am not even close to getting a good result.

While the paint was curing, I have disassembled the carbs completely. They are spread out on the pool table right now. Over the next couple of weeks I hope to give them a the royal cleaning and reassemble with new butterfly shaft seals.

Sorry, no pictures tonight.

Thanks for checking in on me- I was expecting you or Curtis to ping me soon.

[Radioguylogs]

Finally!

Believe it or not, I just now finished the tank, after another 2 weeks have passed:






I bought the OE SG emblems to see how they might work compared to the Chinese options. The size is slightly larger than the original emblems, but they are far more flexible and they have a pre-curve; albeit the right-hand Special tank contour. I found these were by far the best choice because they have the best chance to remain stuck on the tank.

I epoxied screws in the emblem screw holes and cut off the threads on the backside back with a Dremel.

I compared 3M and Scotch double-sided tape. The Scotch brand was stickier, so it won the contest.

I expected to spend hours polishing orange peel after the final coat, but I accidentally nailed it with no orange peel at all. However there were four sags that scared me. Fortunately I got them polished out so you would never know it even after after I told you.

The tank is not perfect, but I am pleased because I was so worried I would screw up something along the risky path I chose.

Now, back to the carbs and let's speed this project up!

[MaximPhil]

Hi Mike,
That is horrible.......I'll never be able to bring my bike out of the garage now I accidentally nailed it with no orange peel cracked me up

Yes it was risky and you did it. Looks perfect. Well done.

Phil

[Schming]

Nice Job !!!

So shiny you photo-bombed your own pic

[Radioguylogs]

So shiny you photo-bombed your own pic

I kept trying different angles to get out of the picture, but it seemed impossible.

[MPittma100]

Venturer Tank

Mike, great job on that tank. Yamaha would be proud. Another one of us just refurbished an E tank and it turned out great. Keep up the good work.

[dbbrian]

That is beautiful. I really like the Venturer tank, and you nailed that restoration!

Mike Pittman - Who did a 78e tank? Pictures?

Brian

[MPittma100]

E Tank

The E tank that has been restored was done by JeffH. Contact him or maybe he will respond to this post. Tank turned out great!

[Radioguylogs]

Guys, thanks for the support. I neglected to confess there are a few minor dents in the RH side of the tank that I decided to leave alone, because I was already in pretty deep.

I am wrapping the cleaning of the carbs. I notice the main and pilot jets are aftermarket. I also notice the pilot air jets are original Mikuni, but they are buggered up.

My carb kits have new aftermarket main and pilot jets. Either set of jets are probably fine, but since I spent $100 on the NOS gas cap, I guess I can rationalize another $75 to make sure it runs right.

So, I ordered new Mikuni pilot, main, and pilot-air jets from Jets-R-Us. I hope they arrive before I get back from vacation at the end of next week.

If I have to wait for the jets, I'll install the exhaust while I am waiting.

[MPittma100]

Mikuni

Smart move on getting the correct Mikuni jets. You will be glad you did when you start seeing 40+ MPG.

[Radioguylogs]

My butt would be tired if I went 6.3 gallons x 40 MPG = 252 miles.

[skids]

Smart move on getting the correct Mikuni jets. You will be glad you did when you start seeing 40+ MPG.

Years ago, I got genuine Mikuni pilot jets from Dennis Kirk. They were the same type and number as stock. Hole configuration was the same as well, BUT the center orifice looked to be a smaller diameter than what was removed from the bike. I have to wonder if the stock pilot jets eventually became enlarged from scouring by abrasive particles in the gasoline.

[kboehringer]

OMG That's perfect.

Hi Mike,
That is horrible.......I'll never be able to bring my bike out of the garage now I accidentally nailed it with no orange peel cracked me up

Yes it was risky and you did it. Looks perfect. Well done.

Phil

Mike,
I have to quote Phil on that tank. I also will need to leave my XS11's under cover when that bike is in the area at the Rally.

Really makes me feel kind of bad that NONE of my XS11's are factory stock and in such prefect condition (or even very close to it). I would enjoy having one that nice and original.

Maybe I need to go find another XS11 that is capable of being restored. However, I'm certain I could not duplicate your stellar work and attention to details...…

Unbelievable transformation!

KURT

[madmax-im]

Hi Mike....Been reading and taking it all in..An exemplary job you have done..But is this any surprise to those of us that know you and your bikes?..I think not..
The Venturer is a bike i have lusted after since i first joined this forum and learned about them from Brant... Not likely to get one now but I always do enjoy looking at them and reading how well people bring them back...
I'll just have to be content with a bike that only needs gas..oil and tires..oh and Moly paste.. Carry on sir..