79 GS550E Barn Rescue - Suggestions wanted

[chuck hahn]

Took a guess and Googled SPARK PLUG WIRE SPLICER and got many different types. I cant see where all this extra stuff will fit under there to be honest but they do make them!!..

http://www.scooterpartscatalog.com/ngk-cable-splicer-145-45.html?utm_source=googlepepla&utm_medium=adwords&id=51320962143

[gs rider]

Ive got two gs550 projects myself, one a 77 (love the kick start} coming up after I get my sons 450 running with new dyna s system. Resources for cheap parts- Napa for quality Belden 7mm plug wires for a car- just cut to length needed and I use NGk plug heads. I've been using cheap rear progressive spring shocks from TEC USA for my kz1000 and other GSs's, $80. They sell parts for Triumphs & other bikes. Im sure they are chinese or somewhere else manufactured but handle well for the $. Better then Emgo's but probably not as well as Haydens or Progressives. Parts bikes are a dime a dozen. Just bought some 550 parts from a guy who paid two dollars for a 550 parts bike. I seem to miss those deals. Caliper, brake lines, master cylinder rebuilds are easy and cheap even for a first timer. Wiring harness's are out there as well. I always replace bearings in wheels and steering stems, sometimes swing arm, and just take my wheels to someone for truing and tire replacement- cheaper. Somewhere in this or Bass Cliffs page are some tips on transmissions, Keep us posted. greg

[1978gs550]

hey welcome, just want to say that there are a few ppl in here that will say you need to spend lots of money, and do this do that, as much as I agree on some of their points, It can be done on a budget, you just need patience, and the right state of mind, check out my signature link, I bought mine last year, and still haven't put more than $600 into it including the purchase price (mind you I still need a front tire, and new brake lines for the front) I think on your budget, if you take your time and do everything yourself (including building a wiring harness, which honestly is not all that difficult, it looks like a lot of wires, but for instance, I have done a ton of new car engine wiring harnesses... on a bike this old, with so few connections, it really is not that big of a deal...) minus new gaskets and such for your engine, since it's a low miler. orings from cycleorings here on the forums for your carbs and boots, and if you have a complete exhaust you're ahead of me already.

anyway, it's morning and I haven't had coffee yet, point is, don't let nay sayers get you down, on your budget it might not be a "frame up restore" but I think you can get a reliable bike out of what you bought on your budget

[chuck hahn]

Amen to what 1978 says. My 2G amount was me thinking new paint job too..which will be inn the 900 to 1100 dollar area. Heck the money your saving by doing it all yourself make it feasable to justify that new paint if you want!! Just develope a plan of attack and get things done as the funding allows. Get the maintenance like the valves adjusted, carbs rebuilt, new intake boot orings, and air box situation sorted first..along with the wiring. This will get it running and establish a baseline as to how the engine is and how the electrical and charging are working. Then move onto the brake calipers and master cylinders so its ridable and can stop. The last thing is cosmetics.