TOPIC:

Chaotic Reason wrote: I'm liking the bottom right too.
Also sent you a PM.

Thanks for the input. Got your PM and replied.

clutch wrote: ...I need to get at the transmission and figure out why I can't shift into first gear....

I may have just found the answer without even tearing down the engine! I found an article on the A7 from 1968. Reading through I found this:

"In Continental fashion the gear changes on the left -down for down, and up for up, with neutral right at the bottom."

So...maybe there is no transmission issues!!!! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for that to be true!!!

I started clearing the top half of the frame today. My painting skills are definitely improving.





I was a little nervous about clogging up the VIN. I actually did with the paint the other day, so I had to sand it down and reshoot that. It turned out well enough to read it, though it may be slightly difficult in the pic.





I will probably finish stripping the battery box today, and at least start on the swingarm. If I have enough time, I'll sand down the shock sleeves as well, so I can start priming those once the frame and stands are out of the way. Then, I will be working on the forks and wheels, and I can start putting the bike back together. I will be waiting on parts though...new bearings (steering and wheels), new brake shoes. I already have some new tubes for the tires, but I'm not sure what to look for on the tires themselves to see if they need to go (I'm used to tubeless).

I'm looking for suggestions on cleaning up the triple clamps. I'm thinking a little light sanding will be ok, but I'm not sure of the stock finish. It looks to just be cast metal, with no paint, but I'm not sure...





And I just realized the bottom clamp is painted...something else I need to strip and paint...great....

I saw one low mileage one which looked like it had just plain aluminum clamps. I'd suggest some soda blasting. Clean them up and leave them plain.

T_Dub wrote: I saw one low mileage one which looked like it had just plain aluminum clamps. I'd suggest some soda blasting. Clean them up and leave them plain.

Just the top is plain aluminum on mine, the bottom is painted black. I did pull the bottom clamp off the forks today. I may end up just sanding that down to the aluminum to match the top clamp. I cleaned up the top clamp earlier too with some sand paper and then a little wire wheel on my dremmel. It came out ok, but I want to figure out some way to even out the shine a little more. I took a pic of it that didn't turn out well, but left my camera in the garage.

I splurged a little today. I bought some new steering bearings, cotter pins, tire irons $ rim savers (gonna teach myself to change a tire), and a m6 x 1.0 tap with a t handle (should come in handy someday). These things should keep me busy on the project for a little while...at least until next payday. LOL

use a magnet to check that lower.
kinda looks like steel to me, .

sooooooo,




i vote paint the lower black and polish the upper


leon

Here's an ok pic of the top clamp now. It looks a lot better, but it's got the uneven swirls to the shine. Any suggestions on evening it out will be appreciated.





And here's another pic of the frame. I've cleared the bottom and it's drying. I will be putting the stands back on it either tomorrow or Thursday. Note: The reddish colors in the frame are reflections...not rust.





So it seems that I am making better time than I thought I would on this project. I figured it would take me well over a year to complete. At this point I am hoping to be done and riding by the spring or summer!

531blackbanshee wrote: use a magnet to check that lower.
kinda looks like steel to me, .

sooooooo,




i vote paint the lower black and polish the upper


leon

Good thought! Rust is the enemy!

clutch wrote: At this point I am hoping to be done and riding by the spring or summer!

I guess I should start thinking about insurance and tags for this bike then!!!!

i am curious if soda blasting would smooth out the swirls and brighten it up,hmm.

leon