Winter project VF700F 1985

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by Jimbob, Oct 19, 2016.

  1. Jimbob

    Jimbob New Member

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    Thought I’d start a little thread about my project bike.
    17k miles, 1985, USA Built, imported in 1996 to the UK, all stock except the super trap exhaust and K&N air filter. She runs but not for long, carbs need work, fuel system needs a damn good clean and the fairings have seen better days. I plan to strip, clean, paint, restore where possible, replace if required.
    Mainly just going to be progress pictures, but i thought I’d share it all the same.

    Started like this:

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    By all accounts she looks pretty clean in these pictures, but up close she is tired and needs some love.

    So i started to tear her down...



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    So that’s it torn down...
    Next up, treat the rust, into zinc protection, and then primer


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    This is how she is currently hanging at the moment.
    Next job, rubdown, re-prime, colour, clear... then it’s onto the swing arm and front end.
     
  2. jeremyr62

    jeremyr62 New Member

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    You did all that in a day? ;-)
    You're right though. Looks great from far away.
     
  3. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    A careful inspection of cam lobes and bearings is advisable. :eek:
     
  4. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

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    What kind of shape is your gas tank in?
     
  5. Jimbob

    Jimbob New Member

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    Took me about a week to get to this stage. Im going to run through each part as i reassemble the beast.
    I'm in two minds about pulling the top end of the engine off and cleaning up the ports on the heads, the original 1985 build obviously didnt use much in the way of build inspection. All the bores in the heads leading to the valves is messy, could use a good polish and port.
    The Fuel tank is is very good condidtion, the red colour has faded but i might leave it alone.
     
  6. Glenngt750

    Glenngt750 New Member

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    Silver Covers

    Does anyone know if the 1985 VF750's came with black flywheel/clutch covers only? At first, I thought that this couldn't be a 1985 model with those covers. I am now thinking that the 700's may have come with silver covers.
     
  7. Jimbob

    Jimbob New Member

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    All the 700's I've seen have silver covers?!

    Frame done, next up swing arm, wheels and front end assembly.

    Anyone got any tips on how to remove the oxidisation from all the chrome parts and aluminium areas??


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  8. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

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    I bought a 6" bench buffer/wire brusher at Harbor Freight for cleaning small parts, great investment for about $40.
     
  9. Jimbob

    Jimbob New Member

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    Will that not damage the chrome plating?!


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  10. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

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    buffer wheel with polishing compound OK, just don't over do it. Chrome is pretty hard, will reduces rust marks. Got to be more careful with bolts with black finish.
     
  11. Glenngt750

    Glenngt750 New Member

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    You used to be able to buy a rust remover for chrome. Turtle Wax had a nice one. Not sure if it is even around anymore. Worth a try.
     
  12. Jimbob

    Jimbob New Member

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    Got around to stripping the swing arm, now to prep for paint...
    [​IMG]


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  13. Jimbob

    Jimbob New Member

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    [​IMG]


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  14. Glenngt750

    Glenngt750 New Member

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    Are you going to use the stock shock? I'd sure like to get a new one for my 85' 750. Was never a fan of air springs.
     
  15. VF1000Fe

    VF1000Fe New Member

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    Fender Mender

    Too bad all that nice clean/shiney is gonna get real dirty.
    So, I added a Rear Inner Fender Extension;
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    Its a black plastic Seperator from a 3 Ring Binder.
    Stays clean there now, even after shallow river crossings.
    Shoulda been like that from the start.

    Too bad about having to use the 30yr old factory shock, it was Garbage right from new.

    Spray Armoural into a paint brush ('bout a inch wide, long bristles) and "paint" the black plastic.
    The Armoural will soak in, keep the plastic from drying out, and getting dirty, and then the dirt washes off easy too.
    "Paint" ALL the black plastic on the bike.

    Keep the good news coming,,..
     
  16. Jimbob

    Jimbob New Member

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    Thank you "VF1000fe" very good tips.

    What do you guy recommend for a replacement spring option shock then?!

    I'm now onto wheels, and they are pitted - eek!!

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    I've started rubbing them back but it looks like I'm going to need to remove a lot of material.


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  17. jeremyr62

    jeremyr62 New Member

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    Get them vapour blasted I reckon.
     
  18. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    The stock shock is air preload adjustable. The same concept as increasing the oil level to resist some bottoming. It has a spring. It is still junk though.
    Get a CBR shock modified by DMr. Or get very lucky and find an aftermarket shock that is serviceable.

    Might have to consider painting those wheels to the lip. That would be a lot of polishing.
     
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  19. VF1000Fe

    VF1000Fe New Member

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    Have to agree with C'-80s, too much metal to remove.
    You can live with it, or, swipe JB Weld over it, smear it in, and sand it down, then silver paint.
    Buddy did that with his Front Forks, I couldn't tell.

    Agree that a shock from Jamie (DMr) Rear Shock is the trick. Big difference in handling.
    He rebuilds a CBR600 shock, puts ON the right spring, adds the appropriate milled aluminum spacers, and its just a Bolt-In.
    Can't be in a hurry though.
    Current exchange rate will hurt you.
    See if there is a European Solution too.
     
  20. captainmook

    captainmook New Member

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    If anyone out there finds a less expensive solution, European or otherwise - I'd be an interested party as well ... I'll be going down this road in the future as well. Another rebuild that was done and talked about on this forum also had a brand new shock done, looks killer and according to the person that changed it, made a big difference in the performance.


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