Thank you Jim! It's my last project like this, for a long time. Unless I suddenly find myself with a big house and even bigger garage, haha
Yes, this one is in many ways totally unexpected. I thought I will have a room full of ready to go engine, front end, and all the parts, waiting for frame one day. A year, two, whatever - in the future. And here I am, just because this bike at the price and the package just right, I will be emptying the shelves - and that's awesome! I need space! So, in a way, it's great that this bike came along with all except the bare minimum missing.
I will be posting updates, but not every day like before. I am running another project at the same time, and it's really time consuming. I am on a weight loss plan, and getting paid for it! 0r in less romantic and attractive terms - recently I started a full time job. Never thought I'd be doing this, but here I am doing construction work. Despite all the ailments I have. Good thing is I know my body and know how to control it and move it safely.
This bike doesn't require in depth rebuild like the other one. The engine stays in place, and it's mostly about removing small components to check, service and put back. But mostly, it is about moving electrical parts around and installing the spare parts I have mostly ready. If I had a garage, I'd be taking the engine out to completely beautify the frame. But in this case, the frame is clean, no rust, the engine is also clean, so I am confident all can stay as is and all it needs is touch ups where necessary - and that's in easy accessible areas. The goal is to have the bike all original, clean and running good.
The engine compression - I might do it, but it's not crucial as it ran right. Same with the A4 - I'm not going into academics at present time. In this A3 I will check the valves, cam chain sprocket, what's inside the oil pan (6.2 L deep one
), change oil and filter despite being told it's been done - after seeing the rest I don't trust it. Already cleaned the radiator but will fush the hole system as the coolant was dirty. Maybe I will change the oil and mechanical water pump seals - depending on what I will find there. The rest - grease bearings etc.
The main work will be properly hook up all electrical components. Would be great to find somewhere a complete harness for 1981 A3 model.
In my other project, I just celebrated 8 weeks without a single beer!
Good for the bank, and weight loss. The new job helps as well - lots of calories burning especially that on top of having no choice than being active, I eat much less. I've lost 25 pounds in these 2 months, and I'm looking forward to losing another. I'll be close to what I should be. But enough about myself.
Going to the bike in a few with a plan. The radiator comes off!