Big Bird gets some TLC

[Hudders]

Looking good, but she will never run again being cleaned and sorted so well

 

[Ian Porter]

Engine and gearbox cleaning up nicely

I am finding a bit more paint flaking off than I thought though so that's going to need touching up (I'm not going to the extent of a complete engine out repaint)

 

[Ian Porter]

first part arrived back today

the rear shock, serviced and progressive Hyperpro spring fitted



still waiting on brake lines, fasteners and powder coating before anything can be bolted back together

 

[Ian Porter]

Exhaust headers cleaned

From this

To this

Far from perfect but plenty good enough for an 11 year old bike

 

[Ian Porter]

Rear hub looking a bit more presentable

Silver Hammerite is a pretty good match for the original paint

I've just cleaned the bits that were bubling and touched them in so it's not perfect but a damn site easier (and cheaper) than a wheel rebuild and powder coating hubs

 

[Paul-S]

How did you cover up the spokes?

 

[Ian Porter]

Uprated cam chain tensioner fitted

The one on the right is the old one, replaced with a two part new one which works better with a cold engine and low oil pressure. Takes all of the rattle out on start up (well not all, it is a BMW after all so it needs to rattle a bit )

 

[Ian Porter]

Finally the brake lines arrived,

Quick, loose fitting to make sure they are right this time

Looking better,

The double banjo bolt they supply is too long though and they think it's OK to pack it out with washers....

Sod that, I'll buy the right one from elsewhere.

Note to self, don't buy brake lines from Venhill again

 

[Ian Porter]

I did a bit more cleaning of the exhaust too at the weekend

From this

To this

Still some more polishing to be done but it's getting there

 

[Ian Porter]

A bit more cleaning tonight

Engine is coming up nicely

But had a couple of awkward bits that needed touching in with the Hammerite

 

[Ian Porter]

How did you cover up the spokes?

I didn't Paul,

I just touched up the bits on the hub that needed doing using a brush

 

[Ian Porter]

A few stainless fixings arrived

Can't wait to start putting the back end together

 

[Paul-S]

Looking great so far Ian

 

[Ian Porter]

Started putting stuff back together last night and back brake on (needs bleeding properly)

Got a bit more cleaning to do but not much more I can do until I have the frame back now (must be patient )

 

[Lutin]

When you get it all back together Ian, it'll be too nice and shiny to take back out on the road and get all mucky again.

 

[Ian Porter]

When you get it all back together Ian, it'll be too nice and shiny to take back out on the road and get all mucky again.

No chance of that Tony, I can't wait to get it back on the road.

I'm really enjoying the F650 but missing big bird soooo much

 

[Lowflyer]

Looking good Ian,

Bit late I know, but would you have considered soda blasting ?

I used it on my old Beemer with remarkable results.
Please keep on with the pics, makes us all realise that we really should keep on top of things after the winter.


Nice one

 

[Ian Porter]

Bit late I know, but would you have considered soda blasting ?

I used it on my old Beemer with remarkable results.

It wasn't that bad to need blasting, just a few areas of bubbled paint, mainly around the spoke nipples.

Although that is on the list of things to do on the next strip down I have to do (Ruth's F650CS)

 

[Ian Porter]

Just had an hour in the garage pulling the bits off the front end that I can get to.

Looks a bit different now

And the pile of bits grows

Still it'll keep me out if trouble cleaning things

 

[Philwhiskeydrinker]

Coming along nicely Ian

Phil