Jim's $400.00 1986 VF500F

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by Jim McCulloch, Jun 25, 2019.

  1. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    I have been lurking around for a month or so and thought I should start a post on my VF500F restoration. Going to be a long road but have to start somewhere.
    Bought it off Craigslist for $400.00 and broke several of my rules for buying used bikes. I took a total gamble on this bike but I have always wanted one since working at a Honda dealer from 1984 -1988. I actually put several of these VF's together new out of the box. I also put together and rode every Interceptor built between 1983 and 1988 except the unicorn VF1000R. I remember when the 86 VF500F came out I thought they "ruined" the look of it over the 84-85 models. I hated the black wheels and red forks!

    So without further ado the journey begins!

    IMG_9358.JPG IMG_9357.JPG
     
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  2. VFR4Lee

    VFR4Lee Member

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    It'll be just like assembling a new one out of the crate. :drink1:
     
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  3. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    So the original tank was long gone and replaced by a 84-5 tank. I had no idea there was a difference in the petcocks but know that now.

    The replacement tank was massively rusty but no holes in it. I tried to clean it out with full strength vinegar and it got most of it out but still needs work. I read where someone used Muratic acid and I may try that also.

    The petcock on the tank is wasted but I have no choice but to fix it. The aluminum body is completely eaten up and I had to try and fix it with JB Weld.

    IMG_9349.JPG

    So I got that sort of taken care of but wow this sucks not being able to find a new one.

    So I got on EBAY and searched for NEW VF500F petcock and a whole crapload of petcocks came up that are an "exact fit" you be the judge of what exactly "exact fit" means......

    IMG_9356.JPG

    NOT EVEN CLOSE, but it was only $8.50 shipped and several internal parts ended up actually fitting my original petcock, so call it a win.
     
  4. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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  5. sixdog

    sixdog Member

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    That's the way to look at it Jim.....you got the parts you needed.... exact fit if you drill the correct size hole somewhere else on the tank! LOL

    On a side note I like the black wheels and red forks...... beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    keep the pics coming!!
     
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  6. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Nice one, THIS is what I am going to do. I have all the time in the world.
     
  7. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    So I have been waiting a week for my carb kits to come in only to find the EBAY seller cancelled the order a week ago.

    At least they cancelled the EBAY ad.

    Wow the joys of owning an obsolete bike, YAY!
     
  8. VFR4Lee

    VFR4Lee Member

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    Are you sure that is the original petcock?
    Looks like a fossil.
     
  9. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Unfortunately, yes. I soaked it in vinegar overnight and the acid really got to it. I think it was bad before as no way vinegar could eat it that bad in 12 hours. If so I can't image what my stomach must look like now.
     
  10. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    DO NOT USE ACID ON ALLOY...

    It should have been put into an ultrasonic to clean it - with a cleaning solution - various types exist..

    ACID is purely for steel.

    & yes - you killed it..
     
  11. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    When I clean a tank with Hydrochloric acid, I remove the petcock & replace it with a 10mm thick piece of plastic & a rubber edge. The rubber seals the hole & the plastic provides the strength once the original bolts for the petcock are used.
     
  12. Simon74

    Simon74 New Member

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    And certainly don't use oven cleaner or other caustic soda based products. They work even better than acid.
     
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  13. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Now you tell me! No problem, I am pretty handy with liquid steel and already fixed it. Lesson learned!
     
  14. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Since I am waiting parts (Again) I decided to go ahead and tear the suspension down and clean everything and assess the problem areas....Been a while since this guy as seen the street! 2007 at least!

    IMG_9362.JPG
     
  15. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Wheel off, starting to tear into the rear swing arm.....

    IMG_9364.JPG

    Does not look horrible, much less sophisticated than my 2000 VFR800FI I regrettably sold last year.
     
  16. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    you haven't stated the mileage, right ? it would have alot to do with what parts might need replacing or not.
     
  17. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Well the speedometer says 29K but I am not even sure it is the original unit. Not sure the real mileage but 29K may be close considering it is on it's 2nd engine.

    The bike came with an extra set of gauges that say 4K on them but I seriously doubt they went with this particular bike.
     
  18. VFR4Lee

    VFR4Lee Member

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    Sounds like the years are more important than the mileage.

    Jerry Garcia says, don't eat the brown acid!
    Um, nevermind. :)
     
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  19. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Ok Pete, I did not have the yarbles to use HCL acid but I did buy a gallon of Muratic acid today and big bag of baking soda to neutralize it. Going to give it a go this weekend. Wish me luck and hopefully there will not be a mushroom cloud over Houston after this.
     
  20. VFR4Lee

    VFR4Lee Member

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    I will check the news. :drink1:
     
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