PHANTOM RESURRECTION 78 SPECIAL

[The Phantom]

So, I bought this new (to me) sx650 from an outstanding junkyard in Madison Co. Va. It was obvious it had been laid down on both sides. But, the engine had oil and the kickstart moved as well as the gears changed. The junkyard owner had recently pulled it out of storage for 38 years, and wanted a nominal sum. I resurrected an 81 CAMARO from his junkyard during Covid so he likes me,, a lot. He knew nothing other than the storage period. Now it’s in my back yard. Engine is covered on my back porch after recent removal. It is a 78 Special with matching frame and engine VIN.
I’m doing this for my 22 year old as I refused to get him a motorcycle when he was a teenager. I haven’t ridden since 85.
Thanks to Jim for getting this started. I’m looking forward to this experience with you all!

 

[Wingedwheel]

Welcome. You’ve come to the right place. One thing that helps tons here are pics!

 

[The Phantom]

Welcome. You’ve come to the right place. One thing that helps tons here are pics!

 

[jetmechmarty]

Your seat is 1981-83. The ‘79 seat is more subtle.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Looks like you have everything there you need. Take your time, use the tech section, ask questions to what you don’t understand and before you know it you’ll be riding it.

 

[The Phantom]

Looks like you have everything there you need. Take your time, use the tech section, ask questions to what you don’t understand and before you know it you’ll be riding it.

I need the side covers, if you know anyone that wants to sell them. Thanks

 

[jetmechmarty]

I might have some. PM me. I’ll try to respond tonight.

 

[YamadudeXS650C]

To the best of my knowledge these are from my '78 Special.
You'll need a couple of securing pins (or such) at the base. You could get creative with the method of securing, like small bolts.
You can have them for the price of shipping, maybe 10 bucks or so.
I'm just north of you near Syracuse NY.
Send me your zip in a PM (22936?) and I can be more accurate on the ship cost.

Jeff

 

[The Phantom]

To the best of my knowledge these are from my '78 Special.
You'll need a couple of securing pins (or such) at the base. You could get creative with the method of securing, like small bolts.
You can have them for the price of shipping, maybe 10 bucks or so.
I'm just north of you near Syracuse NY.
Send me your zip in a PM (22936?) and I can be more accurate on the ship cost.

Jeff

View attachment 251990

Hey, that is more than generous. I don’t mind giving you more, and I don’t wish to take advantage of this site. I get paid Friday. They’re awesome. I’m not sure how to Private Message?

 

[Kevin Werner]

Hey, that is more than generous. I don’t mind giving you more, and I don’t wish to take advantage of this site. I get paid Friday. They’re awesome. I’m not sure how to Private Message?

Look at your lap top or phone screen. Find the mail envelope in the upper right corner next to your sign on name. Click "start a new conversation" and type the sign in name, for me it would be "Kevin Werner". Some names will give you drop downs because there might be Tim, Tim1, TimBob, or Timid. and you choose which. Do not be shy, I am a newbie here and have ridden with (well, behind) several friend here and none will bight your head off.

 

[Jim]

I’m not sure how to Private Message?

If you're on a PC, hover your mouse over the recipient's avatar. A pop-up will pop up. Click on "Start Conversation."

 

[Jim]

I'll follow this resurrection. Got some '81 Camaro pics to share with us?

We ain't snobs here.... bikes, cars, airplanes.... gearheads like us jus' like pics.

 

[5twins]

The sidecover knobs are the thing, rare as hen's teeth and expensive usually if you do run across one. But, a member here figured out how to make them relatively cheap and easy .....

https://www.xs650.com/threads/diy-side-cover-knob-fix-replacement.58589/

 

[650Skull]

I'll post in this thread. Really does pay to read, and reread and measure to make sure to get the right Diaphrams. Cheap at $24 each with postage

http://jbmindustries.com/

http://jbmindustries.com/Dimensions.html

http://jbmindustries.com/JBM_ORDER.html

 

[The Phantom]

I'll follow this resurrection. Got some '81 Camaro pics to share with us?

We ain't snobs here.... bikes, cars, airplanes.... gearheads like us jus' like pics.

 

[The Phantom]

I'll post in this thread. Really does pay to read, and reread and measure to make sure to get the right Diaphrams. Cheap at $24 each with postage

http://jbmindustries.com/

http://jbmindustries.com/Dimensions.html

http://jbmindustries.com/JBM_ORDER.html

Thanks. I cleaned the butterfly on the throttle plate as well as the housing. There was some white crap in that area not allowing the plate to seat well. Now the slide takes about 8 seconds to fall. Thanks again for the information

 

[Kevin Werner]

Nice, made a 70 Camaro out of a 74, 75? Retro...

 

[5twins]

The butterfly plate isn't related to the slide diaphragm or slide drop. It's good that you cleaned it but it shouldn't have any effect on the slide drop.

 

[The Phantom]

The butterfly plate isn't related to the slide diaphragm or slide drop. It's good that you cleaned it but it shouldn't have any effect on the slide drop.

I was just looking at the housing a few minutes ago. I see the elongated oval going up to the chamber. Some one mentioned the choke being off to accurately determine drop time. Anyway, it’s now longer than before. I guess I’ll get the red rubber grease off Amazon. I don’t like them much. They kind of did in book publishers

 

[650Skull]

If the choke seal is old and gone hard it can leak air and this can cause the slide to drop faster.