Okay so the paint took a bit longer than originally planned (always the way!). But now everything is officially in the mechanic's hands, and hopefully the beast will be put back together and done by the end of the week. I went and checked out the progress, and things are looking good. Presently, the front end is all buttoned up -- John made the aluminum 'cups' for the upper part of the external springs and the newly chromed steering damper is back together and installed (in a word, the front end is PERFECT). The newly chromed side panels are on the freshly painted tank, and it looks very shiny and clean! The main fuse has been converted from a glass style to a flat plug type (much better!), the new brake pads are in the rear hub, K&N filters have been serviced, new spark plugs are in, new (shorter) front brake cable is hooked up, new petcock strainer, newly chromed rear brake arm, and a few other fiddly bits have been completed. The only things that still need to be done are to install the new rear tire, tube/rim tape, repaint the swingarm, and a few final touchups and we're complete! And they're calling for more snow this week -- hooray!!!!
There are also going to be a few less decals on the bike -- specifically, the 'Made in Japan' on the left side of the swingarm is going away, the Esso Tiger on the front fender, and quite possibly the Isle of Man TT decal on the front fender as well. The two flags on tip of the front fender are staying, as are the crossed flags on the side covers and the Ace Cafe decal on the tank (which is going to be slightly larger than the previous one). There is a 1960's NOS aluminum dealer badge from England that's replacing the 59 Club decal on the rear fender, and we'll see what else might be appropriate. My good friend Phil Lou in the UK sent me some really sweet Honda decals (Thanks Phil!), and I think one of them might find its way onto the bike this time around.
Never know, I might decide to not replace the others at all -- I know, very subversive!
A selection of the decals that are soon to be adorning the machine....
