Hi Everyone,newbe Here........questions About A Restoration.

Discussion in 'Vintage Classics' started by THX138, Feb 2, 2019.

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  1. THX138

    THX138 New Member

    Feb 2, 2019
    14
    3
    California
    #1 THX138, Feb 2, 2019
    Theres a good chance I might be restoring my brothers 70 Bonneville and I’m just now starting to do some digging. My Dad bought the bike in 71 and it hasn’t been on the road in years,sat out in the backyard with carbs removed,engine seized I believe. Bike is 100% all day here except the air cleaners are missing. My plan is a complete nut and bolt restoration,every single part that come off the bike will be replaced,painted,relaced etc. What is a rough estimate on a complete motor rebuild? I really hope this comes together,my Brothers been wanting to buy a new Harley but I keep telling him,that Bonneville will get looks like no new Harley. Thanks for any help on this. The bike as it sit is in pretty sad shape,I’ll get a few pictures.
     
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  2. Wessa

    Wessa Cruising

    Apr 27, 2016
    11,838
    1,000
    North West England
    #2 Wessa, Feb 2, 2019
    Hi and welcome.... Sounds like you have one hell of a project there. As for timing, that is down to how much time you put into it. You are so right about the bonnie, they are truely "eye candy" and IMHO much better to own that a harley. Pictures of your bike always go down well with the inmates on the forum.
    Wessa
     
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  3. Wessa

    Wessa Cruising

    Apr 27, 2016
    11,838
    1,000
    North West England
    #3 Wessa, Feb 2, 2019
    PS: why not introduce yourself in the newbies section as well.....
     
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  4. Tiglet

    Tiglet Vintage Member

    Mar 28, 2016
    4,434
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    #4 Tiglet, Feb 2, 2019
    Hello THX138 and welcome to the forum :)

    I’ve linked @darkman to this thread, he’ll most probably have some sound advice :)
     
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  5. darkman

    darkman Crème de la Crème

    Oct 26, 2015
    7,658
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    Southcoast of the UK Earth
    #5 darkman, Feb 2, 2019
    Hi n welcome, great idea to restore it by re plating fixings in cadmium plate and chrome on the other parts as its cheaper than wasting money on pattern parts that don't fit, again painting all body parts is the best way and no powder coating, plus having the original Lucas h/lamp bar fitting etc or Dunlop rims adds value. I can't help out with US prices for eng rebuild but can put you in touch with people in the US who i know do a good job and know what they are talking about.
     
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  6. THX138

    THX138 New Member

    Feb 2, 2019
    14
    3
    California
    #6 THX138, Feb 2, 2019
    Thanks for the info,I’ve always found a good OEM restored part is far better than any new aftermarket part. I’ve discussed this in the past with my Brother but only this week I’ve really started looking into it. I’m going to go get some pictures today some time and get a really good look at the bike. I want to see what condition the tank is in and get serious about sourcing some parts.
     
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  7. stevethegoolie

    stevethegoolie Elite Member

    Oct 16, 2014
    2,457
    800
    East Riding of Yorkshire
    #7 stevethegoolie, Feb 2, 2019
    The '69/'70 Bonnevilles are widely regarded as pretty much the best of the bunch, being the last ones before the 'oil in frame' models. They therefore command the highest prices, only out priced by an original '59 model, as a general rule of thumb.
    Restoring it to somewhere close to 'as new' condition will be both worthwhile and rewarding.
    Enjoy the experience - and then enjoy riding it!:grinning:
     
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  8. joe mc donald

    joe mc donald Joe
    Subscriber

    Dec 26, 2014
    15,582
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    slough / burnham
    #8 joe mc donald, Feb 13, 2019
    You didn't say what miles it had done. Sitting seizure can sometimes be cured with a top end rebuild but before removing you need to soak the barrels with some wd40 for a couple of days. Also the gearbox cams seem to rust so will need cleaning back not the easiest job.
    Will be waiting to see the results
    Joe.
     
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  9. THX138

    THX138 New Member

    Feb 2, 2019
    14
    3
    California
    #9 THX138, Feb 15, 2019
    I went and took a look at my Brothers Bonneville,had no idea it was buried but at least it’s not outside in the elements. Bikes for 18,000 miles and was last registered in 78. DARKMAN,can you put me in touch with an engine builder?
     
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  10. darkman

    darkman Crème de la Crème

    Oct 26, 2015
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    #10 darkman, Feb 15, 2019
    Hi, will send you a PM
     
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  11. Sullivs

    Sullivs Well-Known Member

    Feb 13, 2020
    128
    83
    Weldon Spring, Missouri, USA
    #11 Sullivs, Apr 5, 2020
    It will always cost twice as much, and take twice as long, as you think it should. But, if you stick with it and don't take shortcuts it will be that much more gratifying in the end.

    Plus you will get to meet a lot of great people who are eager to help you be successful with it.

    Best of luck!
     
  12. Sullivs

    Sullivs Well-Known Member

    Feb 13, 2020
    128
    83
    Weldon Spring, Missouri, USA
    #12 Sullivs, Apr 5, 2020
    It will always cost twice as much, and take twice as long, as you think it should. But, if you stick with it and don't take shortcuts it will be that much more gratifying in the end.

    Plus you will get to meet a lot of great people who are eager to help you be successful with it.

    Best of luck!
     
    • Like Like x 1
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