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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Winter project: suggestions anyone?
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Message started by JMAC on 01/19/06 at 12:11:20

Title: Winter project: suggestions anyone?
Post by JMAC on 01/19/06 at 12:11:20

Greetings all!

I will be loading up the savage and taking it to my father’s place to begin its 'rejuvenation'.
This will be my first bike project.

Right now the bike is mechanically very sound. But it was stored outside most of its life and suffered a minor parking lot drop (duh!). So needless to say it is shabby looking.

I would like to freshen it up, but I am a little overwhelmed as to where to start.

Here are my questions: has anyone ever done a similar clean-up job to their bike? And if so, where did you start?

I understand this is kind of a vague request. But any guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

jmac

Title: Re: Winter project: suggestions anyone?
Post by torque on 01/19/06 at 12:39:05

well it's hard too say really,but if it is in decent running order i'd paint the tank,side covers, and fenders.then replace all the rusted crap,and polish all the aluminium.(this is the qwickest and cheapest way to go)

u also have to decide if u want to paint the frame ,and totally rebuild the carb and motor...and check everything on the bike to make sure its up to par,so u know the whole bike will run good for many years.(this is what i'd do)

it all depends on how far u want to take the restoration,and how much cash u want to spend.

good luck

Title: Re: Winter project: suggestions anyone?
Post by Ed_L. on 01/19/06 at 12:51:41

I would start with the mechanicals, rejet the carb, change the exhaust, brakes and tires, before bobbing or repainting. Different mods can be lumped together like a bob job along with new paint or cleaning up the wheels and spokes with new tires. Every cage that I've rebuilt had the paint and bodywork done last. That way the paint doesn't get beat up while wrenching. Make a list of what you want to do and plan ahead. Check the search function for the different changes you are thinking of performing and ask questions. Luck on the bike.

Title: Re: Winter project: suggestions anyone?
Post by sluggo on 01/19/06 at 13:04:24

chop into a bobber.

Title: Re: Winter project: suggestions anyone?
Post by bobtreat on 01/19/06 at 14:54:34

Get it mechanically safe to ride,brake system,throttle operating correct an clutch.Replace what's broke,torn or missing.Head light turn signals an tail light.Than ride it,Pretty paint jobs don't make it run any better.New grips and mirros are inexpensive.

Title: Re: Winter project: suggestions anyone?
Post by bentwheel on 01/19/06 at 19:32:29

You say the bike is mechanically sound, so it looks like you want to do a cosmetic restoration. The first thing I would do is clean up the engine with varsol and a brush. Take off the wheels next and do a good job of cleaning them. Use SOS pads or steel wheel on the spokes then shine up the hub with a metal polish. I recommend Autosol. Use chrome polish on the rim. With the wheels off you can better clean the swingarm and underside of the engine. If the painted surface is not going to be resprayed, I would rub it down with rubbing compound, then follow with polish then a couple of coats of wax. If the chrome is lightly pitted or lightly rusted you can restore it with chrome polish and elbow grease. Take off the complete exhaust system so you can get at the underside and clean it properly. This will keep you busy for several days. Let us know how you are making out.

Title: Re: Winter project: suggestions anyone?
Post by vroom1776 on 01/19/06 at 19:41:37

find a better tail light and seat, get rid of the blinkers. If you don't have to have the bike inspected, you can yank the horn too and remove the left side switch housing entirely.

See this post for details:

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?board=RubberSideDown;action=display;num=1130526053;start=0#0

Braided SS brake lines can never hurt.

Replace bulb in headlight with one that doesn't suck.