83 gsx750esd

[ensure]

That is the very same paint that i am using. Cast Iron is just a colour and not a special paint type. Seeing as i have painted the frame and engine black i thought the exhausts needed to be lightened up to give a bit of contrast.

I got the rear brake master cylinder in and then the swingarm, chain and cushion lever. In my first effort i didn't get the swing arm bolt through the appropriate hole in the cushion lever as it just didn't want to fit in.
After much consulting of photos and manuals I pulled the bolt out and tried again and it all fitted together nicely.






I also started on some paint stripping of the tank. Pulled all the internals out



THen gave the gloss a bit of sanding before attacking it with paint stripper. The Gloss coat makes a real crackling sound as the stripper causes it to bubble



I also received some of the decals in the mail this week. The new one is a bit smaller than the original

[mikerophone]

Looking good! That paint is good stuff. Thae new decal is quite a bit smaller, but will look way better than the faded old one - keep up the good work!

[ensure]

Good progress this week with the front forks going in and the wheels re-attached. Starting to look like a motorcycle again




I repainted the front forks and replaced the fork oil. The springs were still within factory spec so they were left in there. I stripped the anti-dive units and left them as bare aluminium. They probably don't do anything but they are still functional so i am leaving them on.




I also got the exhaust headers painted and installed. The end of the pipe where the muffler is attached is pretty rough so will require a bit of efort to get it sealed. I am thinking of using some silica exhaust tape and thin aluminium strip (off a car exhaust repair kit) to fill the gaps.



I have also decided on a plan for the headlight seeing as i am not reinstating the original fairing. I looked at using a round headlight on mounting brackets but i couldn't find anything that pleased me and was relatively cheap. After going through my spare parts bin from my 1100ET i found the headlight brackets and rectangular headlight and enclosure




It sits quite well with the instrument cluster so i will put it all together and see how it looks.

And here is the colour i have settled on.

[rwnielsen]

Nice work. It'll be a totally different bike when you're finished. A note on the anti-dive units... there needs to be flow between the two ports on the slider. Blocking the flow will lock up the forks or, at least, make them incredibly stiff. I'd love to buy that fairing, it's just what I'm looking for. Good luck with the bike
Rich

[ensure]

Got the painting done this week and put the decals on today. I have used a mix of original style and some additional stripes I had left over from my 1100 kit.










And all together




Should get the gloss coat on in the next couple of days

[eil]

Wow, STUNNING job with the paint and decals. That blue really does it for me. Can't wait to see the whole bike put together.

[mikerophone]

Wow, STUNNING job with the paint and decals. That blue really does it for me. Can't wait to see the whole bike put together.

Me too. The blue is very nice indeed.

[nikosg]

This is fantastic. I cant wait to see this progress

[ensure]

I got some 2 pak clearcoat from the local autopaint shop and set about finishing the paintwork.
Unfortunately there was Good news and Bad news once i had finished.
Here is the rear cowl and side covers


And the tank



The eagle eyed amongst you will have noticed the run in the clearcoat and unfortunately there were 2 more. One corner of the 'S' had also lifted a little. Not much but i could tell. After letting it dry for a couple of days i give the tank a light sand all over and a more serious rub over the runs. I will give it another coat this weekend and keep a closer eye on proceedings.

To cheer myself up a bit i fitted the front fender to see how it looked.





Do you think i am on the right track?

[dorkburger]

Do I think you're on the right track?.....Absolutely! Nice work.

[mikerophone]

Huge difference! Looks great

[ensure]

I had a bit more success with my second attempt at the clear coat. I was a bit hesitant in how much i sprayed and was probably a little bit over-cautious. Still there are no new runs and the cover is good.



Put together most of the pieces and this is how it is looking at this stage. The seat is off being re-covered and should be back in a few days.




I will connect up some wires and fuel lines later in the week and see if i can get it started.

[GateKeeper]

This is coming along very nicely.....soon it will be ready to hit the road....

Will you put on new tires, perhaps new SS brake lines as well ?, seems both are still original ? and for your safety they should be replaced....

[SouthsideWJK]

Paint and decals look great! Your bike is really looking sharp, I dig it!

[SVSooke]

Hmmmm.........Replace the good looking fairing (IMO) with an 80-81 'lunchbox?Oh well it's your bikeGK is right about the tires and brake lines.I do like the blue.Only 2 runs in the clear,I beat you by a mile