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Starting Restoration

2458 Views 19 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  marshallf3, 
Sprocket
I just picked up a GL650 with the Interstate Kit. It’s not the GL650i but it is an early model of the GL650, serial number 15. It’s been sitting in a barn for 10 years and my winter project is to bring it back to life. First I need to find out if it runs before I spend other money. Change the oil, flush the cooling system, clean the carbs and a new battery and then we shall see. There doesn’t seem to be a cooling system drain. What is the recommended method for flushing?

Assuming I can get it to run, it needs tires. While I have the wheels off, I thought I’d pretty them up. I’m also going to have to repaint the black engine. I saw a reference to Plasticote Silver Radiator Paint being good for the engine. I’m guessing that there is black available that probably probably also work on the wheels. Then polish the aluminum edges. Are the heads aluminum that will polish up? How about the clutch housing? Might I be better off just painting them Silver?
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norm
I just found a trunk re-locator and the saddlebag protectors for my GL500I. They are pretty rusty with some road rash I’m going to have to repair. I wonder if the chrome paint would work or would I be better off with painting them a low gloss black. I worry what ever I do it won’t stick. I have the same problem with the header pipes on my cx650.
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norm
Shep said:
You need to rough the surface before painting for paint to adhere.You can use an orbital sander if you have access to one or even use,"Yellow pages" and see if you can find a cheap or free sand blasting place.There's one near me on an industrial estate near a Radiator repair shop I use and they told me the Blaster guys will do small jobs for cash-in-hand/beer tokens
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I have an orgital sander but the sand blasting would get in all hard to get spots. Then just prime and spray. Thanks Shep
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