Is there a correct order for tackling a Restoration Project?

[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



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[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.

[Bryanj]

To do it the wrong way
Take no pictures
Undo every nut and bolt you can find
Put everything in various boxes or bags with no labels
Leave it for years
Move house several times
Realise you cant remember what goes where
Panick
Joint the forum for for help
Several years later ride your pride and joy

[taysidedragon]

To do it the wrong way
Take no pictures
Undo every nut and bolt you can find
Put everything in various boxes or bags with no labels
Leave it for years
Move house several times
Realise you cant remember what goes where
Panick
Joint the forum for for help
Several years later ride your pride and joy

🤣🤣

[AshimotoK0]

Yea .. if you want a bike to be 100% original then find yourself a NOS or else find out if the exact replica is available ( e.g. Yamiya for the CB750) ..  then buy the bike or project 

[DomP]

Sounds like the horse has already bolted

[neat street]

I found this very useful when checking some of my assembly issues (I know its a USA post, but very handy)
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,151576.msg1731556.html#msg1731556

[Orcade-Ian]

Neat Street - That's a great post, thanks for sharing!  This 350 Panther that I'm involved with was dismantled in 1951 using Bryan's new but well used method and everyone once involved are wearing wooden overcoats!

Ian

[Laverda Dave]

That is an excellent post and very well detailed, thanks for posting. A real step by step guide and mentions all those hard to get parts and exactly where they fit and alternative suggestions 👍.
I'd be scared stiff to ride the finished bike!

[Spitfire]

I'm with Bryan, when I rebuilt mine, I took lots of photos before and during dismantling, store everything in seperate sections or boxes with labels.
Also take photos in of the various stages as you are rebuilding, when in doubt post questions here.
I build scale models and treated the bike the same way, I treated each section of the bike like a model.

Cheers

Dennis.

[Laverda Dave]

I bought 25 containers with lids (the type you get a take away curry in) in my local hardware shop for £9.99. I use these to seperate parts such as one for each carb, front wheel parts etc as I strip the parts. Use a sharpie to label the lids. Being containers of the same style you can then stack them to save having various cardboard boxes and bags etc all around the garage.

[Johnwebley]

I bought 25 containers with lids (the type you get a take away curry in) in my local hardware shop for £9.99. I use these to seperate parts such as one for each carb, front wheel parts etc as I strip the parts. Use a sharpie to label the lids. Being containers of the same style you can then stack them to save having various cardboard boxes and bags etc all around the garage.

I keep the takeaway container



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