1993 Restoration

[wirehairs]

Last fall, I bought a 93 with less than 27K miles.  I think I paid $1800 for it.


It was in very nice shape, but had original brake lines, tires that were 12 years old, and leaking oil from the cam cover.  I has a couple of other small issues, but I'll tackle those later.

So this spring, I started by checking the valves, and I changed 8 shims.  I also changed those rubber mounts on the cam cover bolts.  I think that's where the oil was actually leaking from.  The cover gasket looked fine, so I brushed some silicone on it (I feels that helps "nourish" rubber; am I wrong?) and reinstalled it all.  Note here how the new rubber mounts (on the left) are fatter than the old ones (on the right):


I wonder how old riders here a willing to tolerate in a tire.  For me, it's around 6 years.  I went with Metzelers again, getting the bias ply because of manufacturer recommendations against radials in the stock tire sizes.  Look at the weird nylon stuff that was wrapped around one of the collars on my rear axle:



It's like a nylon dog leash or something.  How weird.

Since I assumed it had stock bearings, I did take the opportunity to change the bearings.  I went with All-balls.  I was surprised that one of the stock dust seals was metal.  One mistake I made was forgetting to put back in the spacer back in before installed the 2nd set of bearings.     I used a bearing remover, which can deform the old bearing race, but I've taken the chance and reinstalled it after I popped it out once.



So, this week, I have the front tire to remove and replace the rubber and bearings.  From what I can see, the front and rear brake pads look thick enough, so I wasn't going to mess with them.

I've received a set of Galfer SS brake and clutch lines this week.  I felt a little bad buying them off of Amazon, but it was significantly cheaper there.  And yes, I've decided to keep the ABS unit.     I know I should consider going through the master cylinder and all calipers and checking the condition of all those seals...  but I'm waffling on it!  I'm not looking forward to bleeding all those new lines!  Wish me luck on that one.

Lastly, my tank is clean, and I've bought a new fuel filter to replace the old one.  It's tough when the PO had no service records, so you are stuck assuming everything is stock.

[X-Ray]

Nice work, keep the photos coming!.

[Steve_in_Florida]

W-hair,
Good deal!

I should replace the wheel bearings in mine before all the rallies.

FYI, I've not experienced problems lately bleeding the brakes on my ABS. Swapped over to a set of Blue Dots and EBC HH pads a while back. Instant satisfaction. (Noel, you might want to try this, just to feel the difference. Really. Just TRY it!)

Steve

[ribbert]

......(Noel, you might want to try this, just to feel the difference. Really. Just TRY it!)

Steve

Try what Steve?

Noel

[Pat Conlon]

The double spring mod on your clutch, of course....wait, that's not it...

Steve, Noel already has blue spots...in fact he gave me a great polishing tip on the brake pad top plate.

I think we are slowly but surely wearing him down.

A note to the OP Wirehair, make sure you get to those front engine mount collars, remove and grease them.

[ribbert]

...... I used a bearing remover, which can deform the old bearing race, but I've taken the chance and reinstalled it after I popped it out once.

Replace it with a new one. This is not something you normally get away with.
If you've knocked it out by the inner race and it's a reasonably tight fit, it's stuffed.

Noel

[Arnie]

+1 on Ribbert's advise - get a new bearing.

...... I used a bearing remover, which can deform the old bearing race, but I've taken the chance and reinstalled it after I popped it out once.

Replace it with a new one. This is not something you normally get away with.
If you've knocked it out by the inner race and it's a reasonably tight fit, it's stuffed.

Noel

[ribbert]

Steve, Noel already has blue spots...in fact he gave me a great polishing tip on the brake pad top plate.

...and "glow in the dark" rotors and EBC HH pads, and steel lines and 14mm m/c

   

The brakes were OK, but after I polished these little honeys up, they were spectacular.



Steve, it was me who brought the EBC HH pads to the attention of the forum and relentlessly promoted their superior performance until eventually they were in sufficient use that they became the standard and an integral part of the caliper sidegrade.

I did each component separately with long periods in between and have now had them for years.

You are absolutely right, the brakes with all those improvements are excellent.

Noel

[ribbert]

I think we are slowly but surely wearing him down.

Haha, in your dreams Pat, I'm just drawing breath.  


Noel

[Steve_in_Florida]

My bad!

I mistakenly thought that Noel was one O' dem luddites, opposed to change! 

Obviously, my failing memory of a brake upgrade discussion from long past.

Stopping efficiently is good.

Steve

[The General]

I think we are slowly but surely wearing him down.

Haha, in your dreams Pat, I'm just drawing breath.  
Noel

I reckon you`re right Pat. He does seem ta be up at all hours of the night looking for blood! (It`s 1.45am here downunder at this moment!) .....we take a cross and a wooden stake with us to Rallys.....I reckon that`s why he never turns up to an overnighter of any kind!  

[Firehawk068]

Steve, Noel already has blue spots...in fact he gave me a great polishing tip on the brake pad top plate.

Care to share said polishing tip? 

[Pat Conlon]

Steve, Noel already has blue spots...in fact he gave me a great polishing tip on the brake pad top plate.

Care to share said polishing tip? 

Hey Alan, I was admiring Noel's polishing on the top spacer plate of the caliper:



Details, details, details....

[theLeopard]

Since I assumed it had stock bearings, I did take the opportunity to change the bearings.  I went with All-balls.  I was surprised that one of the stock dust seals was metal.  One mistake I made was forgetting to put back in the spacer back in before installed the 2nd set of bearings.     I used a bearing remover, which can deform the old bearing race, but I've taken the chance and reinstalled it after I popped it out once.

great idea  (begins scribbling)
this list s gonna get really long again i can already tell 

[wirehairs]

+1 on Ribbert's advise - get a new bearing.

OK.  I confess I was being lazy.  I've ordered another set; couldn't find a single.  If anyone needs a single bearing for the rear, contact me!