Ok, I hit the lottery and picked up what really appears to be an pretty intact sandie. Tank is correct, the more I study, the more things look correct to the bike.
I've dug around a bit more, and it is pretty much a 1-owner bike. The owner has since passed away. It has sat since 1985 in of all places a barn before finding its way to me.
My question - might be a bit long-winded. I want to lightly dis-assemble, clean things and put it back together. When I say dis-assemble, I mean take the motor out, and clean it very well. I don't plan on painting it for now. While the motor is out, I want to clean the frame - again, not going to paint anything just yet. I'll keep the wheels intact, will just replace the wheel bearings and clean them up - no paint or polishing. The wiring harness is unmolested so I will only have to clean the connections. I'll clean all the original bolts and re-use. Some are pretty rusty, some are pretty good. New tires - the ones on there are not original to the bike although they are very old. The only parts that I think that I'm missing are: the lower half of the airbox (2-hole) and side covers. Unfortunately, 1 of the pipes has completely fallen apart. 2 are actually serviceable. The 3rd, while intact, is full of good-sized holes. Unfortunately for me, the pipes on it are the un-stamped "Lotus Root" pipes. I have a line on some HM300s that I may buy, just to get it in running condition.
Carbs are off, and while they were more full of sediment and crud than any set I've ever looked at, they will clean up very nice.
I have already dropped the oil pan and inspected the oil pump & screen. All looks great. Points plate stayed dry all these years and somehow had some very, fine dust in there.
There are no signs of water in the motor
. I'll do a standard tune-up and I really have the feeling that this beast will fire right up.
Do you think that my preliminary plan will in any way hurt the value ? I know it seems most of you guys like to get them "un-touched"
I would really like to do a nice restoration on this one. I have a boat that will likely hit the market to fund the restoration, but I am still undecided and could go either way.