One Step from the Bin/Rusty Special Redo

Actually had my cup half full hat on when I said never be a 10. Probably would have difficulty reaching 6 or 7 on a cloudy day.

While I too would prefer to not sell it to someone with half a plan and a full case of beer, we have to realize that the folks who buy for nostalgia/they had one back in the day/ are pretty thin on the ground.
 
Today I finished valve and cam chain adjustments, tightened all engine mount bolts and installed a set of carbs.
Fed it gas from the test tank, but doesn't seem to have spark. Will test the wiring and coils another day.
Fellow who was interested lives 3 hours away and is not coming that far to look at it, can't say I blame him. (I only go that far for multiples, lol)
 
It Starts!!
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Shop Tip #8
Before trying to start it, put the left side cover on, because when it fires and runs for a bit you will find out:
1. Whether you have a short or long clutch push rod;
2. How much oil will come out of that hole with just a quick rev.

A little mop up with a rag and then a scrub with Spray 9 and it's all better.

After trying and no go yesterday, I researched to find out which coils are wired to the orange and the gray wires, (thanks 5twins) plus I cut back the insulation on the HT leads and fanned out the copper wire to make good contact in the coil tower and presto, a running motor with no rap or tap.
MaxPete and my trip to the big smoke last April is now deemed a success. All three bikes have now started and one was licenced and on the road till stored for the winter.
 
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Cheap Indicator Lights
Kapasco Moto, an accessory store up the way had a 15% off sale the other weekend, so I got a battery for the '73 and thought I would try a box of 4 signal lights costing 29.95. They look a bit like stock and come already crooked; they bolt on to the bitsa bike as if planned. Single filament bulb and two nice leads, but the threaded part is too short to use on the headlight and that's ok.
 
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Cheap Indicator Lights
Kapasco Moto, an accessory store up the way had a 15% off sale the other weekend, so I got a battery for the '73 and thought I would try a box of 4 signal lights costing 29.95. They look a bit like stock and come already crooked; they bolt on to the bitsa bike as if planned. Single filament bulb and two nice leads, but the threaded part is too short to use on the headlight and that's ok.

We could make up a pair of pieces of 6mm threaded rod and I could drill it out for you Lakeview...
 
Hi Pete,
you are everyone's favorite, a "Bro with lathe"

Yup - I have a cheapo little Chinoise mill-drill/lathe that does a reasonable job on simple things and if I need something more robust, we have a top-notch machine shop in the building that I can either use myself or bribe one of the techs into helping me.

Always happy to help if I can.
 
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Found a new rust paint metallic colour today at Lowes. Almost the same shade red as the '78 XS750 tank, but metallic. I will try it on a side cover to see how it might look on the tins for the finished product.
Will sure be better than BBQ black.
 
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Retail Red Metallic
Did a quick prep and spray to test it out. I like it. Mid December afternoon sun picks up the metallic, it's more cherry colour than it comes out here, but at $11.94 a can (plus 13% tax), I think it's a winner for a resale bike.
I have to fix the starter spring before I go much further. So weak it won't even engage.
 
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Looks Worse Than It Is
Was choosing a tank and this was was good (translated: didn't need hardly any bondo) for this project, ran some metal rescue into it and saw a leak in a seam where a previous application had left it rubbing on something to its detriment.
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Angle Brackets Repurposed
The top one fits the later vacuum petcock holes without any drilling; the other set just needed the holes to be opened up to fit the earlier petcock openings
Soldered the tank out in the sunlight today, about 10 degrees for most of the afternoon and leaks no more.
Very pleased.
 
Excellent work Lakeview! Did you use a torch or an iron?

I hope that you and yours have a safe and happy Christmas.
Pete
 
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Month End Mockup
Just trying on paint. Seat is not for this bike.
(sissy bar came with a thoroughly gross king and queen, also had a matching pad half way up). I want to fix the starter clash as soon as I have a clear day and then finish it off.
 
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