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Is there a correct order for tackling a Restoration Project?

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Neilw:
So far, I've stripped the bike down to the frame and still have the front and rear ends to remove before I can send it off for powder coating.

I've cleaned the engine housings ready for paint and have sent off the cylinders for rebore and new pistons, which are now back with me.

I have everything else in cardboard boxes scattered around the garage, and quite honestly, I don't know where to start, as everything needs close examination, cleaning and repairing/replacing where needed.

I'm a bit overwhelmed tbh, and know that to eat an elephant you need to do it bite by bite.

So, where do I start, and is there a best order to tackle things so I feel like I'm making progress every time I spend time with the bike?

Johnwebley:
Interesting

You have already started

Depends on how much space and assistance you help


Ideally frame, suspension, wheels

While that lot is being cleaned, polished painted etc,

Do the engine and gearbox, carbs,

Airplane,battery box ,

So it is all ready to be assembled



Sent from my SM-A546E using Tapatalk

Rayzerman:
Rule #1, stay calm and take your time.  Order is your choice...... but think of the things that don't go on until last.....

I'd start by building up the engine, when the frame gets back, install it.  Then things like dressing up the engine with the external bits... carbs, airbox, coils, etc.  Rear fender, shocks, etc.  Chain and sprockets.  At some point the wiring harness... I'm sure you'll figure out what needs to go last.  There is a point it won't matter much.  How are you going to hold the frame up while you do all that while the wheels are off.... or maybe you temporarily put the wheels on as a rolling chassis....  you'll be fine.

exvalvesetdabbler:
On the 400f at least

Rear brake lever spigot and return spring before the swing arm
Main stand and return spring next, it folds back more with no stop so less spring stretching needed.
Swing arm

All easier when the frame is upside down and the brake return spring and spigot might not even go in after the swing arm.

Regards
Dave

Laverda Dave:
Everybody will have a different method of working to suit budgets and time available.
The main thing to understand is that long periods of inactivity with a project is what leads to them never being finished and put up for sale as 80% complete.
The way I work nowdays is to strip the bike down and make a lot of notes of what needs doing as I go along and I take an awful lot of photos, it takes time but you'll be glad you did it two or three months down the road when you have forgotten where some of the parts you now have in various bags and boxes fit.
It's the long lead items that are the most frustrating especially chrome plating (3-4 months not being unusual so send those parts off first), powder coating and wheel building. Whilst these parts are away I tend to be rebuilding the carbs and engine, cleaning the wiring loom and ordering the endless parts for the rebuild (hence the taking of many notes).
Build parts in larger sub-assemblies such as carbs, footrest brackets with the footrests added, rear light bracket with the light etc. If you do this you will find the bike goes back together quickly and you will see big results in a short space of time.

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