Just bought a 79 gs550 doing a semi budgeted project. My first project will need many advice

[foebux]

Hello all,

Recently I moved to the east coast, jersey to be specific, and picked up a 79 gs 550 for $700 last night. The previous owner did a descent job of getting it running (cleaned carbs and valve adjustment). I took it around the block a couple of times and she ran mighty.

So my goal here in the next month or so is to make it into a cafe with a budget of around 1000 to 1500. I have plenty of time on weekends, and did a good amount of researching and lurking around on the forums.

My first order of business is to repaint the frame so I have a nice skeleton to work on.

I would very much appreciate some money saving tips and where to actually put my money in, in order to make it worth while. Here are some initial shots of the bike. I will be updating soon.

Signing out for now

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

 

[foebux]

Re: Just bought a 79 gs550 doing a semi budgeted project. My first project will need many advice

So the frame is bare..

Things ordered so far :
Black clubmans
Engine gasket kit
Legendary bug eye seat from a dtt member
A taillight to fit the seat
Fork seals
Speedo with idiot lights from dime city cycles
New grips
headlight bucket
Rear shocks
Brake / clutch short levers
Valve seals
Stainless Engine / carb / screws
New jets
K&n pod filters

Things to order :
4 to 1 exhaust
Turn signals
Sprocket and chain (maybe)
... Will add more later

 

[foebux]

Re: Just bought a 79 gs550 doing a semi budgeted project. My first project will need many advice

Started on the fork seals they were a bitch to get out. Even tried boiling the damned thing.
I used the nail remover part of the hammer to pry it out. I had much more leverage that way

I tried to clean them up as much as I can and replaced seals/fluid

 

[foebux]

Re: Just bought a 79 gs550 doing a semi budgeted project. My first project will need many advice

Engine teardown / rebuild.

It sucked getting it out of the frame.

Valve cover off

Head is off
The pistons aren't too bad. The rings are still within the tolerance level.

New gaskets are here!

Still struggling to get these gaskets off.. They're probably good enough to be left on there but I'd rather replace all the gaskets.

Will update soon!