Well, it's certainly been a minute. Time for an update.
The frame and swingarm have both been stripped completely bare of parts, most grease, and some paint. After calling around, I ended up going with Full Blown Coatings in Murray for sandblasting and powdercoating, as they do both services in-house, have done a lot of motorcycles in addition to their other work, and appear to be very highly-rated. I was quoted $300, finished with their in-house glossy black, which I think is a pretty good deal in the current economy. They seem to know what they're doing.
Final photo before blasting and coating:
On the "hurry up and wait" front, it's currently tax season here, which means PARTS PARTS PARTS! Let's just go down the list:
Parts from Honda:
- Enough seals and o-rings to rebuild both front forks
- Oil seals for the chain tensioner bracket
- Swingarm pivot tube grease seals
- Rear wheel tensioner bolts/nuts
- Fuel tank cushions
NOS/aftermarket replacements:
- Honda swingarm pivot tube bushings
- New front/rear tire tubes and strips
- Brand new front/rear spokes and spoke nipples from Buchanan's Spokes
- Brand new front/rear Bridgestone Trail Wing tires in sizes 3.00-23 & 4.60-18
Upgrades (Factory and aftermarket)
- Custom 7" side-mounted single round headlight from 4into1
- 1979-1981 XL500 stator/alternator (higher output, bolt-on upgrade)
New tires! What a size difference:
I've also acquired a few new tools, including a bench vise and ultrasonic cleaner. Both have already paid for themselves in time and effort saved alone.
